# Kevin Young & BYU Basketball's Center Crisis EXPOSED by Yet Another Missed Target | BYU Football Adds Elite Ryan Wooten Jr. | BYU Baseball Collapsing

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/kevin-young-byu-basketball-s-center-crisis-exposed-by-yet-another-missed-target-byu-football-adds-elite-ryan-wooten-jr-byu-baseball-collapsing
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Podcast: [Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433)
Published: 2026-05-04T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cougars/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/63a296/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6/episodes/3b59c3bb-ad4d-4492-8835-41923829f5e0/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6&awEpisodeId=3b59c3bb-ad4d-4492-8835-41923829f5e0&feed=DzohBBeS
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Duration seconds: 1690

## Resource

BYU basketball faces a critical shortage of interior talent after missing out on key domestic center targets, forcing a pivot toward international prospects. Meanwhile, the football program secures a high-profile commitment from New Jersey cornerback Ryan Wooten Jr.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The search for a starting center has shifted from domestic prospects to international players like Michael Ružić and Egor Ryzhov
- Practical takeaway: BYU football's recruiting momentum is growing, highlighted by the commitment of 4-star caliber cornerback Ryan Wooten Jr
- Failure mode: The hyper-inflated NIL market is making it increasingly difficult for BYU to secure top-tier domestic big men
- Main idea: New defensive backs coach Lewis Walker's connections were instrumental in landing talent from the New Jersey area
- Trend observation: BYU baseball and softball are facing late-season struggles, impacting their postseason trajectories

## Topics

BYU Basketball, BYU Football, College Recruiting, NIL, Big 12 Conference, Ryan Wooten Jr, International Recruiting, BYU Athletics

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Center Crisis Intensifies: Analysis of BYU basketball's failed pursuit of Obinna Ekezie Jr. and the growing urgency to find a starting center.
- 3:10 — The International Pivot: With domestic big man options depleted, the program is now targeting European prospects with professional experience.
- 9:30 — Football Recruiting Breakthrough: A deep dive into the commitment of Ryan Wooten Jr. and how BYU is expanding its recruiting footprint into New Jersey.
- 15:50 — Big 12 Recruiting Advantages: How recent football success and Big 12 membership are helping Kalani Sitake attract elite national talent.
- 20:10 — Spring Sports Update: Reviewing the recent struggles in BYU baseball and softball, alongside historic sub-four-minute mile performances in track and field.

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