BYU basketball showed up Saturday and dominated the worst Kenpom team in the country, Mississippi Valley State.
The Cougars beat the Delta Devils 87- 43.
Guard Dallin Hall made his season debut and looked 100% percent healthy. He missed BYU's first four games of the season with a foot injury and looked like himself. He scored 10 points and tossed out five assists.
"Feels good to be back," said Hall. "Now it's exciting to be out there on the floor with them."
Granted, it was against the worst team in college basketball, according to Kenpom, but the offense looked the best it had all season with Hall running the show.
"I thought he was good," said Young. "He's a calming presence out there. with him and Egor out there together, I feel good that something good is gonna happen and get quality possessions. On the flip side, being able to have one of them on the court, or try to, at all times, is a good feeling."
Young's system is built upon having two elite-level playmakers and it was the first time we have seen Hall and Egor Demin play all season. Their connection on the court is the most important connection for BYU basketball's success this season. Demin finished this game with eight points and six assists.
"It's super fun; it's really cool to finally play with someone who sees the game similarly, so we have some great conversations," said Hall. "Egor is super unselfish and he has all the tools in his belt. I've never really played with someone like Egor and it's super fun."
Overall, the Cougars accomplished everything they needed on their way to victory. Kanon Catchings scored an efficient 14 points on 5 of 10 shooting. Catchings has had a few quiet scoring nights for the Cougars recently and there was an emphasis on getting him going before taking a step up in competition next week.
"For me personally that was one of my big focuses coming into the game was trying to get him going a little bit more," said Young. "I haven't done a great job; he's gotten some catch-and-shoot opportunities, but I was trying to get him in positions to do what he does."
Outside of the one-two punch that Demin and Hall provide, Catchings scoring this season will be key for the Cougars in the Big 12 and postseason play.
"The thought of what he can be for us towards the end of the year is extremely exciting," said Young.
For BYU fans, they saw a glimpse of what Catchings potential is on his 3-point make to end the first half.
. @kanoncatchings ends the half🥶
— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) November 24, 2024
📺https://t.co/TAzoOjiIff pic.twitter.com/sjqjPYtVEl
The Cougars continued to improve their defense of the 3-point line, which was a big emphasis in practice this week. The first phase of the season ended Saturday night.
Now, BYU plays Ole Miss on Thanksgiving and will face Purdue or North Carolina State the following day. It will be the first real test for BYU and give Young and his staff a good sense of where they excel and where they can improve.
Right now, the Cougars are building continuity and the individual talent on the roster is popping. The next phase of their season begins Thursday.