Kevin Young Prepares to Build on Last Year’s Sweet 16 Success
BYU arrived in Portland this week to prepare for Thursday’s first-round NCAA Tournament matchup with Texas. Practice took place Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Moda Center.
The Cougars have already played on four different NBA courts this season. They also competed in Las Vegas, at Walt Disney World, and in national primetime windows.
Coach’s approach and postseason mindset
Kevin Young draws on his NBA background to shape the team’s tournament approach. He stresses a strict focus on the task at hand and short-term preparation.
Young noted that experience in high-exposure games reduces stage fright for players. He pointed to AJ Dybantsa and Robert Wright III as examples of athletes familiar with big events.
Kevin Young aims to build on last year’s Sweet 16 success while keeping the team’s attention on one opponent at a time. The coach believes disciplined focus wins postseason series.
Momentum from the end of the season
BYU enters Portland with momentum gathered over the last 11 days. The Cougars beat No. 10 Texas Tech in the regular-season finale.
They then produced a strong three-game run in the Big 12 tournament. Against Kansas State they set the tournament record for points in a game.
The next night brought the team’s best defensive performance of the year versus West Virginia. The following game was a tight, three-point contest with Houston.
Scouting Texas
Young broke down key Longhorns players ahead of the matchup. He compared Texas center Matas Vokietaitis to an Arizona-style big man.
Guard Jordan Pope drew a comparison to a deep-ball, off-the-dribble shooter. Dailyn Swain resembles AJ Dybantsa as a versatile wing, Young added.
Team identity and outlook
The season included injuries and uneven stretches. From that adversity, BYU discovered a clearer identity.
The team now emphasizes defense, rebounding, and shared offensive execution. Young believes those traits translate well to March basketball.
Portland offers the brightest lights of the Big Dance. Filmogaz.com will follow the Cougars as they attempt to extend their postseason run.
