Kevin Young and BYU basketball have been experiencing a remarkable journey through the transfer portal. While they have lost key players such as Kennard Davis Jr, Xavion Staton, Aleksej Kostic, and Abdullah Ahmed — many of these departures were difficult to swallow — there is an overwhelming sense of optimism rather than concern for the future of BYU basketball. With just two days left before the transfer portal closes, we are in the final stretch. Like a focused 11-year-old on Halloween night, it’s time to take stock of the impressive haul that has already been secured and prepare for another round of excitement.
The transfer portal is like a candy store for college basketball fans, and BYU hoops is walking away with a full bag of treats. Let’s rank these additions from most valuable to least, and explore what each player brings to Kevin Young’s program.
1. Robert Wright III (From: BYU)
Does it really count as a transfer if he’s coming back to the program he originally left? For our purposes, it absolutely does. Retaining Rob Wright through the portal is a huge win and deserves significant recognition, considering his value both as a player and to the BYU basketball program.
Wright was the top-rated point guard in the transfer portal, per 247 Sports, and he was one of the first to leave when the portal opened. BYU lost a five-star guard, but now they’ve managed to bring him back. This is similar to how Richie Saunders and Dallin Hall turned down Mark Pope’s Kentucky offer two seasons ago. Kevin Young needed a top-tier point guard to pair with Bruce Branch III, and he got one.
Continuity is essential for success in college basketball, and Wright is the only returning starter for BYU hoops. His return will be crucial for Young’s third season.
2. Collin Chandler (From: Kentucky)
BYU needed a replacement for Richie Saunders, and Collin Chandler is an excellent choice to fill that void. Once the highest-rated recruit in BYU basketball history, the Farmington, Utah native returned to his home state after two inconsistent seasons with Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats. He brings leadership, hustle, and most importantly, leadership for Kevin Young’s program.
Chandler is a traditional BYU basketball recruit. He’s LDS, a born-and-raised Utahn, and an exceptional shooter from long range (he made 41% of his three-pointers as a sophomore). His return adds depth and experience to the team.
3. Jake Wahlin (From: Clemson)
Wahlin was once a BYU basketball commit, but he chose to leave after his missionary service to join Utah, where he spent two seasons. He then played one year at Clemson, where he witnessed Rob Wright’s buzzer-beater that captured the hearts of the Tigers.
Clearly, Wahlin appreciates what’s happening in Provo, as he will be spending his senior season with Kevin Young in Provo, Utah. While he may not be the most prolific shooter or scorer, Wahlin is a capable floor-spacer and brings defensive energy and intensity that should elevate BYU basketball. He could potentially earn a spot on the starting lineup.
4. Tyler Betsey (From: Syracuse)
Betsey is a shooter. Last season, the team struggled with reliable three-point shooting on the wings, as stars like Rob Wright and AJ Dybantsa had difficulty finding their rhythm in the paint due to defensive pressure. There wasn’t much threat from players like Kennard Davis or Khadim Mboup — why bother defending the three?
Betsey addresses this issue. He shot 44% in conference play as a sophomore at Syracuse, and standing at 6’8″ with that kind of shooting stroke will ease much of the pressure on the Cougars’ offense. He can serve as the oil that keeps the offensive machine running smoothly.
We’ll see if his physical tools translate to defense, but as it stands, Betsey will take plenty of three-pointers this year. BYU will be more than happy to have him.
