BYU Adds Two Key Walk-On’s to 2014-2015 Roster
By Josh Horton
There were many times during the 2013-2014 season that it appeared the BYU Cougars did not appear to have enough depth to compete with tougher competition. The Cougars only went about 10 deep, and foul trouble became an issue at several points.
The Cougars have already added two missionaries, two transfers and two freshman to the fold. On top of that, today it was confirmed that Jake Toolson – who planned on serving a mission before playing at BYU but he was unable to – and Corbin Kaufusi – who planned on playing football for the Cougars this upcoming season – will walk-on to the team. This season, the Cougars have 16 players that will potentially fight for spots in the rotation with the additions of Toolson and Kaufusi, a stark difference from the depth on last season’s roster.
Just confirmed Corbin Kaufusi will not play football this year, he will walk on to the Bball team.
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) July 23, 2014
In the tweet above, Benjamin Criddle from 1280 the Zone reported that Kaufusi, the brother of current BYU football player and former member of the men’s basketball team Bronson Kaufusi, will join the team as a walk-on. By reports, Kaufusi is about 6-foot-9 and has been working out with the team in the summer, and allegedly emerging as one of the teams most dominant big men.
A few BYU twitter personalities had some interesting thoughts on Kaufusi joining the roster
If I was 6'10'' and skilled in basketball (& named Corbin Kaufusi) I'd avoid having my knees cut blocked or rolled on and play hoops. #BYU
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) July 23, 2014
I have no idea if Corbin Kaufusi will be a good D1 basketball player—never seen him play. But I never say no to more size. Welcome, big man.
— Steve Pierce (@PostJimmer) July 23, 2014
Today it was also confirmed that Jake Toolson, a three-star recruit from Gilbert, Ariz., will walk-on to the BYU roster for 2014-2015. The highly acclaimed shooter from the Grand Canyon State was supposed to serve an LDS mission and join the BYU roster in 2016-2017 as a scholarship player, but he will pay his way for his first season.
CONFIRMED: Jake Toolson will be playing for BYU during the 2014-15 season. (Won’t be on scholarship.) Should provide much-needed shooting.
— Steve Pierce (@PostJimmer) July 23, 2014
This is big news for the Cougars, who have a plethora of weapons in their arsenal for the upcoming season. Pundits have raved and eulogized Gonzaga this offseason for their acquisitions, but the Cougars are making moves of their own that should turn heads around the conference. Whether they are enough to take down Gonzaga is up for debate, however.