The BYU Cougars snapped a four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion with a 99-94 victory over the Baylor Bears, as freshman star AJ Dybantsa delivers a historic, all-around performance that has NBA Draft analysts taking notice. Is this gritty win the turning point for BYU basketball's season, mirroring last year’s surge after the West Virginia game? Host Jake Hatch draws compelling parallels between the Cougars' current struggles and previous late-season rallies, dissecting the team’s resilience, defensive challenges, and the potential for a run into March Madness. Kevin Young’s coaching strategy, leadership from Richie Saunders, and clutch contributions by Robert Wright III headline an ensemble determined to seize momentum in the fiercely competitive Big 12. AJ Dybantsa’s stat-stuffing brilliance is breaking records and igniting online debate among draft "experts." Hatch pushes back on the criticisms, highlighting Dybantsa’s production, motor, defensive commitment, and his remarkable versatility on both sides of the court. Could Dybantsa be the NBA’s number-one pick later this year, and what does his dynamic play mean for BYU’s postseason ambitions? With upcoming games against Colorado, Arizona, and Iowa State, among others, the Cougars' schedule offers both opportunity and risk, placing them at a critical juncture in the conference standings. Will veteran voices in the locker room—like Saunders and Mihailo Boskovic—convert lessons learned from last year into tangible success? The show shifts gears to football, where Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin earn a mention in ESPN’s “Way Too Early” 2026 Heisman Trophy watchlist, yet find themselves overlooked compared to peers from Power Five rivals. Hatch spotlights Bachmeier’s poise as a true freshman quarterback and Martin’s toughness overcoming injury, questioning the national bias against Big 12 talent and urging BYU to launch early Heisman campaigns for its stars. With Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Utah, and Arizona looming on BYU’s football schedule, the potential for a breakout season remains strong. The podcast closes with a call for BYU to seize its moment, boost player recognition, and rewrite national narratives both on the hardwood and gridiron. Will AJ Dybantsa, Bear Bachmeier, and LJ Martin elevate BYU to new heights—and finally command the spotlight they deserve? Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 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. Support Us By Supporting Our Locked On Podcast Network Sponsors! Gametime - Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply Mazda - This episode is brought to you by Mazda. We put that same drive into every detail.
Wins define the moment.
Putting in the work –
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