NBA FACTORY: BYU Basketball & Kevin Young RELOAD With Bruce Branch III as Next SUPERSTAR | Luigi Suigo Emerges as Prime Center Prospect | Another 'Jane-rational' Showing

BYU men's basketball eyes another leap as Bruce Branch III dazzles at the Jordan Brand Classic, posting a dominant double-double and fueling talk of a third straight lottery-caliber prospect for Kevin Young’s "NBA factory" in Provo. Can Branch be the latest in a rising line of BYU stars—following Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa—projected to hit the NBA draft’s highest tiers? His impressive blend of length, three-level scoring, relentless rebounding, and natural fit in fast-break-heavy systems pairs perfectly with Kevin Young’s vision of an NBA-ready program. Jake Hatch breaks down how Branch’s skills, attitude, and upside fill the exact gaps BYU faces heading into the next season, especially at the forward spot. What does this mean for BYU’s one-and-done pipeline, and how will Branch elevate a roster already brimming with next-level talent? But the Cougars’ rebuild doesn’t stop at the wing. BYU’s biggest transfer portal target is 7’2” Luigi Suigo—a Euroleague-tested, physically imposing center whose NBA decision looms. Jake Hatch analyzes how BYU’s NIL offerings stack up against second-round draft projections and why Suigo’s rim protection, pick-and-roll skill, and offensive versatility make him the dream anchor for Kevin Young’s up-tempo attack. How realistic is landing Suigo, and what could his presence do for a BYU squad that needs interior muscle after last season’s shortcomings? Insightful details on coaching pitch, NIL economics, Euroleague background, and player development set the stage for a high-stakes recruiting battle. The podcast shifts to BYU baseball, where Trent Pratt’s team battles through a loaded Big 12 and eyes a potential NCAA Regional berth—can they maintain consistency after losing the Arizona State series? Also featured: the meteoric rise of freshman track star Jane Hedengren, who smashed her third NCAA record at the Brian Clay Invitational and looks set to become a "Jane-erational" figure on the national scene. With a jam-packed offseason swirling with transfer news, ongoing spring football notes, and Olympic sports highlights, Locked On Cougars keeps fans primed for all things BYU. Will the Cougars keep building their NBA pipeline and postseason credentials across every sport? 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 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  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.