KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed the media Tuesday morning as the Phillips 66 Men’s Big 12 Basketball Conference tipped off, expressing confidence in the league’s national stature.
“We are the second‑best basketball league in America behind the NBA, and there is no doubt about that,” Yormark said. “All eyes are on Kansas City this week.”
Yormark highlighted several standout players across the conference and singled out BYU true freshman AJ Dybantsa for national recognition.
“As we think about the postseason, I want to recognize players who have earned the right to be considered national players of the year,” Yormark said. “I want to start with BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. He’s had an outstanding year and should absolutely be part of those conversations. He currently leads the nation in scoring and is on track to be the first underclassman to do so since 2021. He’s had a fabulous season.”
Yormark added that Dybantsa’s influence extends beyond his scoring numbers, pointing to the strength of the league’s newcomers.
“We were one of the strongest freshman classes in college basketball, and their impact has been felt all season,” he said. “It shows that big‑time talent is voting yes on the Big 12. And while I don’t know who the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft will be this year, I do know one thing — he plays for a Big 12 team.”
The commissioner also expressed optimism about the league’s postseason prospects — a promising sign for BYU, which entered the tournament ranked No. 24.
“When I look at the depth and competitiveness of this league, my expectation for the NCAA Tournament is that we should have a minimum of eight to nine men’s teams and seven to eight women’s teams in the field,” Yormark said. “If you’re playing .500 basketball in conference play, you’ve proven you’re good enough to compete for a national title.”
BYU’s women’s team also earned praise from Yormark.
“On the women’s side, Iowa State, Colorado, Utah, Arizona State, BYU and Kansas all have the résumés to get into the field without a doubt,” he said.
The BYU women’s team played three games in last week’s Big 12 Tournament, defeating Houston and Utah before falling to No. 1 seed TCU. The Cougars finished the season 22–11 overall and 9–9 in conference play.
Yormark also used the press conference to emphasize priorities beyond basketball, opening with a direct message.
“Rules and enforcement is my top priority,” he said.
Yormark stressed the need for stronger oversight across the league, including NIL regulations, player eligibility standards and fan conduct. Yormark reiterated his public support for the SCORE Act, calling it a necessary step toward stabilizing college athletics.
“The SCORE Act is the best path forward. It’s progress — it’s not perfect,” Yormark said.
He noted that he recently participated in roundtable discussions at the White House, working with President Donald Trump on potential reforms. Yormark said he expects an executive order in the coming weeks and emphasized the importance of protecting student‑athletes without classifying them as employees.
“I speak on behalf of the Big 12 Conference when I say we will continue to be part of the conversation as we try to solve some of these industry issues, which are critically important,” Yormark said.