Jaxon Kohler’s eligibility fight may be the spark BYU men’s basketball needed to supercharge its campaign and chase a Sweet 16 berth. With a court-ordered temporary injunction now in effect, Kohler becomes immediately available for the Cougars, bringing a new dynamic to the team’s roster. The addition of the high-motor big man—who posted a double-double in the exhibition opener against Nebraska—addresses what was BYU’s most glaring weakness, providing a consistent inside presence on both ends of the floor. Kohler’s reputation as a fierce rebounder and capable offensive threat allows head coach Kevin Young to fully implement his vision, utilizing Kohler’s ability to generate second-chance opportunities for BYU’s fast-paced, three-point-oriented squad. The conversation focused on how NCAA decisions, specifically regarding COVID-era eligibility exemptions and the new age-based “5-for-5” model, left members of the 2022 recruiting class like Kohler in limbo. Several points were raised, including the NCAA’s perplexing refusal to resolve this one-time gray area by simply granting an extra year, despite doing so for previous classes. The NCAA’s continued PR struggle over this issue was called into question, especially as Kohler and his co-plaintiffs now have the legal right to play for their respective programs—at least for this season pending appeal. A key theme that emerged was how Kohler’s eligibility dramatically raises both BYU’s floor and ceiling: with a talented post anchoring the lineup, merely scraping into the NCAA tournament is no longer the goal. The discussion explored BYU’s preseason respect in the Big 12, including being picked sixth in the coaches poll and ranked #25 in the AP poll—now further justified by Kohler’s addition. Can the Cougars ride this legal victory and roster upgrade to Big 12 success and a deep NCAA tournament run? With the appeal looming, Kohler’s status will be critical as BYU eyes its highest ambitions yet.
Jaxon Kohler’s eligibility fight may be the spark BYU men’s basketball needed to supercharge its campaign and chase a Sweet 16 berth. With a court-ordered temporary injunction now in effect, Kohler becomes immediately available for the Cougars, bringing a new dynamic to the team’s roster. The addition of the high-motor big man—who posted a double-double in the exhibition opener against Nebraska—addresses what was BYU’s most glaring weakness, providing a consistent inside presence on both ends of the floor. Kohler’s reputation as a fierce rebounder and capable offensive threat allows head coach Kevin Young to fully implement his vision, utilizing Kohler’s ability to generate second-chance opportunities for BYU’s fast-paced, three-point-oriented squad.
The conversation focused on how NCAA decisions, specifically regarding COVID-era eligibility exemptions and the new age-based “5-for-5” model, left members of the 2022 recruiting class like Kohler in limbo. Several points were raised, including the NCAA’s perplexing refusal to resolve this one-time gray area by simply granting an extra year, despite doing so for previous classes. The NCAA’s continued PR struggle over this issue was called into question, especially as Kohler and his co-plaintiffs now have the legal right to play for their respective programs—at least for this season pending appeal. A key theme that emerged was how Kohler’s eligibility dramatically raises both BYU’s floor and ceiling: with a talented post anchoring the lineup, merely scraping into the NCAA tournament is no longer the goal.
The discussion explored BYU’s preseason respect in the Big 12, including being picked sixth in the coaches poll and ranked #25 in the AP poll—now further justified by Kohler’s addition. Can the Cougars ride this legal victory and roster upgrade to Big 12 success and a deep NCAA tournament run? With the appeal looming, Kohler’s status will be critical as BYU eyes its highest ambitions yet.
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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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