Jaxon Kohler is still clutch
BYU didn’t look great early. They had trouble stopping the drive and missed some out of rhythm jumpers. The Cougars had already called a timeout and the momentum seemed to be asking for a second timeout. Then, Kohler got a block, gathered the block and threw an outlet to Collin Chandler for a lay up. On the next two possessions, Kohler went down to the post and played some bully ball for two consecutive baskets. It’s unnecessary to be dramatic about the first half of an exhibition game in which the other team is missing three starters, but when BYU needs Kohler, he rises to the occasion.
Who will play the 4
Tyler Betsey started and was on the floor when the Cougars took control of the game with a 13-2 run in the second half. Betsey finished with four rebounds and one assist. Khadim Mboup stood out last year with his high energy defense and rebounding. As the entire Cougar roster commits to and plays more defense, Mboup’s offense will matter more. In this game he finished 3-3 with seven points. Jake Wahlin was the last of the group to get on the floor. He also had a handful of minutes as the back up Center. Wahlin was instrumental in the chaos BYU caused in a man press. The Cougars were able to deflect or disrupt at least five inbound passes. Wahlin finished with two points and five rebounds.
End of Shot Clock
BYU’s offense at the end of the shot clock will be a trend to watch. In the first half they shot a lot of step back threes and off balance fade aways, just like the NBA players they aspire to be. Many of them didn’t fall and UNLV was ahead for much of the game. BYU wants the ball in Robert Wright III’s hands, but they might not necessarily want a floater. The Wright/Kohler pick and pop will be a frequent option. BYU also was really successful with Wright throwing across the top of the key to Chandler or Bruce Branch III fading off a ball screen.