BYU Basketball Player Previews: Payton Dastrup finally begins his career

Payton Dastrup, former four star recruit from Mesa, Arizona, returned recently from his mission to Panama. Fans have been anticipating his career to start ever since his unorthodox recruiting process. Highly recruited by several power 5 schools, he verbally committed to Thad Matta and Ohio State in the weeks before signing day. Three days before signing day, he flipped his commitment and signed with BYU.

He is listed at 6-10 and 250 lbs, much different than his 220 pound frame when he left for Panama. In high school he was known for his athleticism and shooting ability which allowed him to stretch out the defense. His extra mission weight has hidden his athleticism temporarily, but in the Cougar Tip-Off he still displayed a quick release and great awareness in the low post.

The late signing of Yoeli Childs will certainly have an effect on Dastrup's career. They are similar in height, size, and skill set, making it difficult to ever imagine them on the floor at the same time. If Yoeli Childs continues to develop and impress the coaches, Dastrup could quickly find himself in a backup role that could last for a while. He is joining a group of big men that BYU fans haven't experienced in years. If Dastrup, Mika, Kaufusi, Childs, and Davis can dominate the low post, the three point line will be open for Haws, Emery, and Bryant.

It will take time to see exactly how good Dastrup will be for the Cougars, that post-mission rust is still wearing off and his body will need time to get back into shape. The good news is that his position has some real depth so Coach Rose can slowly assimilate him to the rigors of college basketball.