BYU men's and women's basketball programs expressed high expectations for the upcoming season following the Monster Energy Big 12 Basketball Media Days in Kansas City, according to a report published October 21, 2026.
All 32 Big 12 programs participated in the sessions held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the T-Mobile Center to meet with television partners including ESPN, FOX, CBS, TNT, and NBC.
The BYU men's basketball team was represented by associate head coach Tim Fanning, who substituted for head coach Kevin Young after the coach fell ill. Fanning noted that the team has found a balance between veteran players and new faces.
Despite having 10 new players on the roster, the Cougars retain junior point guard Robert Wright III. Wright, whose team was selected sixth in the preseason conference poll, stated the team is preparing for the rigors of Big 12 play with the goal of being one of the best in the conference.
Fanning indicated that the team's offensive approach will focus more on ball movement this year and that the program has spent the offseason working on establishing a defensive identity.
The BYU women's basketball team, led by second-year coach Lee Cummard, was picked to finish seventh in the Big 12. Cummard noted that six of the 12 players on the roster are from overseas.
Returning junior guard Delaney Gibb, a former first-team All-Big 12 selection, said she is working to take on a larger leadership role and focus on becoming a playmaker. Gibb also mentioned gaining experience playing with Canada basketball over the summer.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark stated that the league is striving for national championships. Yormark noted that the men's side has six teams in the top 25 and the women's side has three teams in the top 24 according to the AP poll.
The BYU men's basketball team has an exhibition game scheduled for Saturday at UNLV and will open non-conference play on Nov. 2 against Ohio State at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
The women's team is scheduled to play its only exhibition game on Oct. 27 against Western Colorado before beginning non-conference play on Nov. 3 against Idaho State at the Marriott Center.
