What challenges will Idaho State pose for BYU in its season-opener?

As BYU formally ideas off the 2022-23 season, coach coach Mark Pope likes the problem that Idaho State poses the Cougars.

BYU hosts the Bengals Monday (7 p.m., MST, BYUtv) on the Marriott Heart.

“It’s a very, actually good crew,” he mentioned. “They’ve large measurement, they’ve bought a ton of size. They’ve athleticism. They’ve some extent guard who’s coming into his personal and may actually dance on the ground and trigger numerous issues.”

Idaho State coach Ryan Looney is in his fourth yr on the helm, having compiled a 28-56 document. The Bengals posted a 7-23 document however they’ve added a bunch of recent gamers, together with former BYU ahead Kolby Lee.

Pope can’t imagine that ISU was picked final within the 10-team Huge Sky Convention within the preseason ballot. 

“It’s been actually enjoyable as a result of we’ve been in a position to hone in on them this week. They’ve bought a bunch of veteran transfers which might be coming. They have been picked final of their league. There’s no manner that’s taking place,” he mentioned. “They’ve expertise. Their expertise has gone manner up. It’s going to be every thing we are able to deal with right here. We’re tremendous excited concerning the sport. It’s going to be a fantastic home-opener.”

BYU defeated Ottawa (Arizona) 109-69, an NAIA crew, final Wednesday in its lone exhibition sport.

Guard Spencer Johnson led the way in which in his first profession begin at BYU, scoring a team-high 16 factors to associate with six steals. He hit 6 of 9 pictures from the sector, together with 3 of 4 from 3-point vary.

“The final two years that I’ve been on the crew, I’ve tried actually onerous to be function participant and assist our crew win,” Johnson mentioned. “Each time I sub in, I’m like, ‘I’m gonna make a distinction and put our crew in the very best state of affairs to win.’ That’s going to proceed. Nothing’s going to alter there. Hoping to get some extra minutes this yr and transfer into extra of a management function. That’s the following degree for me.”

5 different BYU gamers additionally scored in double figures. Ahead Fousseyni Traore recorded a double-double with 11 factors and 10 rebounds.

Guard Jaxson Robinson completed with 12 factors and made 4 of 5 3-pointers. 

“He’s bought an enormous upside to him. I’m actually enthusiastic about what he’s attempting to develop into,” Pope mentioned about Robinson, an Arkansas switch. “I believe he’s bought a very, actually excessive ceiling. … He’s going to discover ways to really feel extra comfy with determining how the circulate of this crew works, like everyone on the crew.”

Pope is emphasizing defensive disruption this season. 

“We’re approaching it somewhat completely different this yr. We’ve been a bend-don’t-break, holding groups to a low taking pictures proportion,” he mentioned. “I believe we’re going to unleash the blokes and see if we may be disruptive. It’s going to be tremendous enjoyable. I’m nervous, in fact, as a result of it’s new area for us … We’re going to should develop that manner … We’ve been actually profitable defensively the final three years however all of the metrics that result in disruption, we have now not been nice there. We’re attempting to develop in that area. We’re going into new territory.”

The Cougars have gained 12 straight season openers on the Marriott Heart. BYU is 39-6 on the Marriott Heart in 4 seasons underneath Pope.

Idaho State (0-0) at BYU (0-0)

Monday, 7 p.m. MST

Marriott Heart

TV: BYUtv

Radio: BYU Radio/1160 AM