BYU Coach Kevin Young Misses Big 12 Media Day Due to Illness

The Big 12 has so many talented and good teams, every night it’s a battle, Rob Wright III told reporters at Big 12 basketball media days on Oct. 21, 2026, in Kansas City. BYU men’s basketball head coach Kevin Young missed the annual event due to an illness, staying behind in Utah while associate head coach Tim Fanning filled in for media duties.

Tim Fanning and Roster Replacements Take Charge in Kansas City

With Young sidelined in Utah, Fanning stepped up at the T-Mobile Center alongside returning point guard Wright and two of the program’s 10 roster newcomers, Collin Chandler and Bruce Branch III. Fanning addressed the media regarding the team’s chemistry and roster construction heading into the season. I think we did a good job bringing players in that are about winning and about the right things, Fanning said, noting that the players trust each other and keep the ball moving on offense.

The Cougars finished the previous season with a 23-12 record and enter the new campaign picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 preseason poll. They also opened at No. 25 in the AP rankings. Despite landing in the preseason top 25, the program is maintaining a low-key approach to external projections. I think we’re focused on getting better every day, Fanning said. I don’t think anyone is too focused on any of the rankings, conference predictions or stuff like that.

Exhibition Success Highlights Newcomers and Roster Depth

BYU recently opened its exhibition schedule with a 72-61 victory over Nebraska, a reigning Sweet 16 participant. In that matchup, the Cougars hoisted 36 attempts from 3-point range while displaying a noticeable uptick in defensive intensity. Branch, a five-star freshman, contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Chandler led all scorers with 19 points, and Wright added 17 points and seven assists.

Wright praised the seamless integration of the team’s newest talents. Both of their shooting abilities, two super talented players, Wright said of Chandler and Branch. Collin with his athleticism, that crazy dunk he had the other day. Bruce can guard each and every position. Just the way that these guys space the floor just makes the game easy, I feel like it’s just BYU basketball.

For Chandler, transferring to BYU from Kentucky provides an opportunity to expand his offensive responsibilities beyond perimeter shooting. I think I bring a lot more to the table than just shooting, Chandler said. Something I think is needed in this group is another player that can get to the hoop and put pressure on the rim. I think this system that I’ve come into is going to give me a great ability to do that.

Looking Ahead to a Brutal Big 12 Schedule

Branch is already generating attention on NBA mock drafts and could potentially become BYU’s third first-round selection next summer. However, the freshman guard is choosing to ignore the early individual recognition. Long story short, I just don’t think about it, Branch said. I don’t look for rankings, drafts, nothing like that. I just take every day and just use that day to get better.

As the team’s top returning contributor, Wright is actively preparing his new teammates for the physical realities of competing in the Big 12. Pointing out the unforgiving nature of the schedule, Wright emphasized that every conference matchup presents a severe challenge regardless of the opponent’s seed.