:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67711535/usa_today_13715106.0.jpg)
The college basketball season is less than a month away, with November 25th the first day teams can play games. Teams around the country have started releasing schedules, but BYU is finalizing some things before releasing theirs.
Below is what we know about BYU’s non-conference schedule, based on reports and conversations I’ve had with sources inside the program.
Legends Classic and Start of the Season
BYU is a confirmed participant in the 4-team Legends Classic along with USC, UConn, and Vanderbilt. BYU will play two of the three teams and the games will reportedly be played December 1 and 3.
Sources: The Legends Classic is now expected to be held on December 1st and 3rd at Mohegan Sun. Field includes UConn, USC, BYU, and Vanderbilt. Matchups remain TBD.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 26, 2020
BYU is expected to play two games prior to this. BYU will host UVU November 28 in Provo and is looking to add one game before then. Wednesday, November 25 is the official start of the college basketball season, but one source close to the program told Vanquish the Foe that BYU is looking to start its season one day later on Thanksgiving. The opponent has not been announced, but starting the season on Thanksgiving day seems like a cool way to kickoff the season.
Utah Game and the Epic Day of December 12
Mark Pope has expected to this game to continue, and Utah Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak said recently that he expects to the game to remain on the schedule. Jon Rothstein reported that the game is scheduled to remain December 12 in Provo, which sets up a pretty epic day for BYU sports. BYU football’s season finale versus San Diego State is that day in Provo and could determine whether or not BYU gets into a NY6 bowl. Who knows how many fans can attend both games, but the opportunity is there since both games are in Provo.
Source: BYU's game with Utah also always remains on as scheduled. Game will be on December 12th in Provo. https://t.co/n7gwvQ5bQX
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 25, 2020
Other Games
Defending MWC champ San Diego State is expected to remain on the schedule, and BYU is trying to keep Boise State on as well. The Boise one is still up in the air, but keeping them would be great for BYU’s SOS. BSU is expected to be one of the most improved teams out west as they return key guys from last year and add key transfers.
Utah State and Weber State are both expected to remain on as well, although the Weber State game may not happen at Vivint Arena any more. Previously scheduled games versus Arizona State and Oregon are now “off the table”, according to a source.
All things considered, BYU’s non-conference schedule is turning out well. The Legends Classic includes great teams, and Utah, SDSU, Utah State, and Boise State are all teams with NCAA Tournament potential. In the world of COVID, any solid games BYU can get are a win.