Provo, Utah – The BYU cougars men’s basketball team officially commenced its preparations for the 2025-26 season on Monday, holding their first practice inside the Marriott Center Annex. This marks the begining of the team’s journey under the guidance of coach Kevin Young, with high expectations surrounding the squad.

The NCAA permits Division I basketball programs to engage in eight weeks of summer practices during the offseason. These practices do not need to be consecutive, but the total time is capped at eight hours per week, encompassing both practice and training activities.

Last year, BYU concluded its summer practice sessions in mid-August. This year’s early start signals the team’s eagerness to integrate new talent and refine their strategies.

Several media outlets have ranked the 2025-26 BYU basketball team as a top Five contender, fueling anticipation for another NCAA tournament run. The team is focused on building a strong foundation during these early practices.

Obviously, a totally different team… Individually, get better. The team stuff is gonna come over time. Now we want to get our identity with this group of talent we assembled.

Kevin Young, BYU Men’s Basketball coach

we are so back pic.twitter.com/zZMfrESTbO

— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) May 5,2025

AJ dybantsa Begins Practicing as a BYU Cougar

The first practice of the 2025-26 season was notably important as it marked the first official practice for No. 1 recruit AJ Dybantsa as a BYU Cougar. Dybantsa’s arrival has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike.

Dybantsa, who launched his own YouTube channel earlier on Monday, was prominently featured in a brief highlight reel released by BYU on social media. The video offered a glimpse into the closed practice session.

Go subscribe to my new YouTube channel. ⁰🔗 in bio. pic.twitter.com/RGIBQLNcxx

— AJ Dybantsa (@AJ_Dybantsa) May 5,2025

The 6-foot-9 Dybantsa was seen wearing No. 23 in his BYU practice uniform. While BYU has yet to release an official roster for the upcoming season, it is worth noting that Dybantsa primarily wore No. 3 during his high school career in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Richie saunders Returns for Final Season

Dybantsa will team up with BYU star Richie Saunders, who announced his return for his fourth and final season with the program last week. Saunders, a First Team all-Big 12 selection, opted to forgo the NBA draft process to play one more year in Provo.

Last month, before the McDonald’s All-American Game, Dybantsa expressed his enthusiasm about playing alongside Saunders, stating that it will be something special.

Another notable addition to the team is four-star center Xavion Staton, who arrived in Provo last week. Staton transferred to Utah Prep to play alongside Dybantsa last winter and is considered one of the top rim protectors in the class of 2025. He was seen wearing No. 8 in the practice video.