BYU is entering its first season in perhaps the nation’s premier college basketball conference. The Cougars say they have the type of team that can easily beat low expectations and make a run at the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars were picked 13th in the Big 12 Conference preseason media poll ahead of only UCF.
FILE - Charlotte forward Aly Khalifa drives in for a layup against Arkansas during an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, in Fayetteville, Ark. BYU bolstered its offense with the offseason additions of Khalifa and Dawson Baker, from UC Irvine. FILE - UC Irvine guard Dawson Baker is guarded by Oregon guard Will Richardson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, in Eugene, Ore.
“That’s the goal, obviously, to surprise the world and make it,” Charlotte transfer Aly Khalifa said. “Obviously from the Big 12, I feel like it’s a little easier because there’s more teams that go to the Dance.” Khalifa said playing for BYU is a good cultural fit for him because he sees similarities between Islam and Mormon religious beliefs and practices. Focusing on basketball is easier in slower-paced Provo than in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he said he experienced too many distractions off the court.
Players from Africa have enjoyed success upon joining the Cougars. Traore led BYU in points and rebounds a season ago while playing only 24.8 minutes per game.Shoulder surgery forced Knell to redshirt last season, depriving BYU of a key shooter on the wing. Now for the first time in two years, his shoulder is 100% healthy.
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