Episode Details

The BYU Cougars may be rising faster than anyone expected in the Big 12, with Kalani Sitake’s program winning over national media and even archrivals at Big 12 media days. Can BYU turn this goodwill—and their impressive 23-4 record over the past two seasons—into a breakthrough campaign? Jake Hatch shares exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from Frisco, revealing how BYU’s authenticity, approachability, and strong brand identity are earning praise from across the conference. Sitake’s savvy, the team’s engaging approach, and Brigham Young University’s commitment to representing their values make them the Big 12’s “baby face”—the program that everyone is rooting for.

Transitioning to hoops, Jake Hatch breaks the news of Lithuanian guard Dovydus Buika’s signing. Will this 6’7", four-star international prospect become the Cougars’ next breakout talent? Buika’s size and playmaking ability bolster BYU basketball’s perimeter depth. His EuroLeague experience and performances at EuroBasket U18—highlighted by a near triple-double against Serbia—have fans eager to see his impact. In an era where BYU four-star signings are becoming the norm under coach Kevin Young, Buika’s commitment adds to the momentum behind a program already landing elite names like AJ Dybantsa and Bruce Branch III.

But a crucial question hovers over the Cougars: who will anchor the middle? As BYU hunts for a starting center, Jake Hatch details the pursuit of three big men—Caleb Ourigou (“Baby Shaq”), 6'10" Australian pro David Owera, and Chinese standout Xu Xin. Each option brings unique strengths: Ourigou’s physicality and long-term upside, Okwera’s stretch-big skills and NBL experience, and Xu’s international résumé. However, eligibility waivers and late-timeline recruitments linger as obstacles, leaving BYU with just three open roster spots and the clock ticking before the academic year begins.

The episode wraps with updates on former Cougars in the pros. Keep an eye on Keba Keita with the Indiana Pacers’ Summer League squad and AJ Dybantsa’s journey as a top NBA Draft prospect. As anticipation builds for training camp, Jake Hatch promises interviews and insider stories from media days in coming weeks.

Can BYU’s positive buzz and upgraded roster transform into Big 12 football dominance and basketball relevance? Stay tuned as the Cougars’ path to national prominence unfolds.

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

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