Departures reshape No. 25 BYU vs. Ohio State in Salt Lake City, aiming to make deeper runs | Deadspin

Both teams seek a longer run

BYU and Ohio State begin their seasons Monday in Salt Lake City with expectations high. Each team is aiming to go further in the NCAA Tournament than it did last season.

BYU finished 23-12, including a 9-9 record in the Big 12, and lost to No. 11 seed Texas. Under coach Kevin Young, the Cougars had won 26 games and reached the Sweet 16 in his first season, 2024-25.

Ohio State went 21-13 and 12-8 in the Big Ten last season. The Buckeyes reached the tournament for the first time since 2022 but lost to No. 9 TCU.

Diebler sets a higher bar

Jake Diebler is beginning his third full season as Ohio State coach after going 8-3 as interim coach in 2023-24. He said a tournament appearance alone does not meet the program’s ambitions.

Diebler said he wants the team to return to the program’s highest level and pursue its top goals. He added that he welcomes the expectations and wants players to share that mindset.

BYU replaces major scoring

The Cougars must replace AJ Dybantsa, who led the nation with 25.5 points per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. The Washington Wizards selected him first in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Richie Saunders, who averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 25 games before a season-ending knee injury, was drafted 32nd by the Memphis Grizzlies. Robert Wright III returns after averaging 18.1 points and 4.6 assists.

Associate head coach Tim Fanning said Wright has improved physically and as a shooter. Fanning also said BYU had done a good job surrounding him with shooting.

Ohio State counts on returners

John Mobley Jr. leads Ohio State after averaging 15.7 points per game in his second season. He is expected to play against BYU despite twisting his ankle in an exhibition against Butler on Oct. 25.

Mobley described the injury as minor and said he felt good after resting. Amare Bynum, the other returning starter, averaged 9.7 points and 4.9 rebounds as a freshman.

Bynum said he intends to attack open lanes in transition. He also said Ohio State needs to improve its defense and communication while continuing to play together.