Loading...
Loading...

Welcome into a massive "Commitment Edition" of Locked On Cougars with your host Jake Hatch. We lead off today’s show with a definitive statement from the Transfer Portal: Robert Wright III is officially returning to Provo! This was the recruiting battle that had the entire fan base on edge, as Wright took a high-profile visit to Lexington to meet with former BYU head coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats. In an era where blue-blood programs often pick off the Big 12’s best talent, Kevin Young proved that BYU is now a destination that can hold its own against the giants. We dive deep into why Wright chose to spurn the allure of Rupp Arena to stay the course in Provo, discussing the "NBA-lite" development plan Young has implemented and how Wright’s All-Big 12 talent is the foundational piece for the Cougars' 2026-27 campaign. This isn't just a retention; it’s a massive win on the national recruiting trail that signals a shift in the hierarchy of college basketball.
The momentum continues as we discuss a significant homecoming for a local star. Jake Wahlin, the 6-foot-10 forward and Provo native, has officially committed to play his final season of college basketball for his hometown team. Wahlin’s journey has come full circle after stops at Utah and Clemson, and he brings a much-needed veteran presence to the Marriott Center. We analyze the tactical advantages of adding a 6-10 player with Wahlin’s mobility; his ability to switch on the perimeter and provide secondary rim protection makes him a Swiss Army knife for Kevin Young’s defensive schemes. Being a local product, Wahlin understands the culture and the stakes of BYU basketball, making him a perfect locker-room fit for a roster that is being rebuilt with high-level talent from across the country.
We wrap up the show by taking a hard look at the remaining scholarship spots and the clear priorities for the coaching staff as the portal window begins to narrow. While the backcourt is now one of the best in the Big 12, the frontcourt still requires heavy lifting. We examine the urgent need for multiple centers—specifically looking for a true "rim runner" and a physical "enforcer" who can bang with the elite bigs of the Big 12. Furthermore, we discuss why Kevin Young isn't done looking for perimeter shooting. To maximize the gravity and playmaking of Robert Wright III, BYU needs elite "knock-down" threats to prevent defenses from collapsing. We lay out the blueprint for the final three weeks of the recruiting cycle and what it will take for BYU to cement themselves as a Top-25 program heading into the fall.
Support Locked On Cougars:
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!
Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.
SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS
Rugiet - Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl. Rugiet. Performance medicine for men
FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game
Turbo Tax - This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Rocket Money - Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
Indeed - Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.
If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at [email protected].
Part of the Locked On Podcast Network – Your Team. Every Day.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
No transcript available for this episode.

Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball

Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball

Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball