BYU Lands Transfer Keba Keita from Utah, Boosting Frontcourt for Big 12 Challenges

In a significant roster move, Brigham Young University (BYU) has secured its first addition of the offseason through the transfer portal. Keba Keita, hailing from the University of Utah, announced his commitment to BYU via Instagram. The 6-foot-8 big man brings valuable experience and athleticism to the team, with two years of eligibility remaining.

Under the guidance of Coach Kevin Young, BYU has focused on strengthening its roster, and Keita marks the second new addition, joining the ranks of 2024 signee Brody Kozlowski. Keita's decision to choose BYU over Mississippi State, Texas, Louisville, Wisconsin, Arizona State, Oregon, Kentucky, Kansas State, and other prominent schools highlights his confidence in the program.

During his time at Utah, Keita started in 13 out of 35 games this season. Despite averaging just 16 minutes on the court, he made his presence felt, registering 8.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Keita's outstanding performance in offensive rebounding percentage, defensive rebounding percentage, block percentage, and fouls drawn per 40 minutes, as reported by KenPom, reflects his strong contribution to the Pac-12 play.

Keita's style of play, characterized by his athleticism and ability to play big despite his size, perfectly complements the skills of BYU's Fouss. While Fouss thrives as a back-to-the-basket, low-block scorer, Keita stands out as a formidable rim runner and an asset in securing second chance points. Moreover, with his renowned ability to cover significant space around the rim, Keita is well-equipped to become BYU's top rim protector.

Addressing concerns about Keita's size, it is important to note that the Big 12 has seen successful teams thrive with smaller centers. For instance, Houston, the reigning Big 12 Champion, boasted a starting frontcourt with players standing at 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-7. Similarly, Texas Tech's impressive performance against BYU in the Big 12 tournament featured a 6-foot-7 center. Keita, with his explosive athleticism, is primed to excel against the formidable frontcourt lineups of the Big 12.

With many teams keen to secure Keita's services, evidenced by substantial NIL offers, BYU has made a strategic move to enhance their frontcourt depth. While Keita's addition adds tremendous value, it is anticipated that BYU will continue to search for another big player, potentially exploring opportunities in the international market.

Overall, BYU's acquisition of Keba Keita signifies a major boost for their frontcourt, providing them with an athletic and versatile player who will undoubtedly make an impact in the challenging Big 12 conference. As the team prepares for the transition, BYU fans can eagerly anticipate the potential that Keita brings to the court.