BYU Basketball Continues to Climb in Bracketology Projections

It's never too early for some college basketball bracketology. Especially when BYU is ranked no. 14 in the AP poll and no. 4 in KenPom. On Tuesday, ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi released his updated March Madness projections.

BYU was included in the projections as a three seed. In Lunardi's projection, BYU would face no. 14 Fort Wayne in the first round. The winner would advance to take on the winner of Texas-Texas A&M.

Freshman Marcus Adams is Eligible

Last week, after losing a lawsuit in Ohio, the NCAA announced that two-time transfers are eligible to play this season. That means BYU true freshman Marcus Adams is eligible to play this season. Adams made his debut last week against Bellarmine. signed with Kansas before transferring to Gonzaga this Summer. Before enrolling at Gonzaga, Adams re-entered the transfer portal and committed to BYU. Adams was a top 50 recruit in the 2023 class. He will be one of the most talented players on the roster.

Fousseyni Traore Injury

BYU star big man Fousseyni Traore left the game against NC State with an injury. Traore has not played since, but he is getting closer and closer to returning to the lineup.. BYU head coach Mark Pope was asked about Traore's injury status a few weeks ago, Pope said Traore was "day-to-day".

BYU in the Polls

BYU basketball climbed back up to no. 14 in the AP poll. The Cougars were no. 14 before the loss to Utah. BYU is one of six Big 12 team in the top 25. Kansas (2), Houston (3), Oklahoma (12), Baylor (17), and Texas (21) are the other teams in the Top 25.