In a time of intense emotion and thought, BYU Cougars Basketball Head Coach Kevin Young was selected Associated Press (AP) Coach of the Year, marking a watershed event in his blossoming collegiate coaching career. The revelation drew thunderous cheers from fans, players, and colleagues coaches, and Young ascended the stage obviously moved, pausing for several moments to gather himself before addressing the media and Cougar Nation.
“This isn’t just a personal award,” Young explained, tears welling in his eyes. “This is an acknowledgment of what we’ve accomplished in Provo—a culture of faith, brotherhood, and basketball excellence. I am honored, humbled, and deeply appreciative.”
The 2024-25 season has been nothing short of transformative under Young’s leadership. After joining BYU from the NBA, where he was a top assistant for the Phoenix Suns, Young wasted no time in upgrading the program. His NBA-caliber mind, along with his real commitment to player development and faith-based culture, produced immediate results.
The Cougars, who were considered underdogs in a newly competitive Big 12 landscape, dominated the season with an unexpected combination of intensity, discipline, and selfless play. Young’s revolutionary offense, based on pace, space, and variety, worked seamlessly with his defensive techniques, resulting in one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
Players thrived under his approach, with several players setting career highs and developing both on and off the floor.
“Coach Young believed in us before anyone else did,” said senior forward Spencer Johnson. “He shifted our mindset. He helped us realize that we can compete with anyone in the country. This prize is for him, but it also goes to all of us who believe in his vision.”
In his award speech, Young underlined the value of teamwork and perseverance, particularly in the face of early-season setbacks. He also complimented the university administration, his assistant coaching staff, and the close-knit Provo community with creating an environment conducive to success.
“What makes this place special is the people,” Young told me. “From the students who pack the Marriott Center every game, to the professors and mentors who support these young men academically and spiritually—we’re all part of something bigger than basketball.”
Social media erupted with praise for the coach, whose impact in such a short period has already secured his legacy at Brigham Young University. Former NBA teammates, NCAA coaching legends, and prominent alumni complimented Young for not just changing the Cougars’ program, but also for his honesty and humility.
With March Madness approaching and BYU ready for a deep tournament run, Coach Kevin Young’s AP Coach of the Year award serves as both a celebration and a reminder that something special is happening in Provo.
As he ended his words, Young smiled and said:
“We’re not finished yet.” “This is only the beginning of what BYU Basketball can become.”
Indeed, it is a new era, and Kevin Young is the mastermind behind a legacy in the making.