Utah Basketball Prospects, Kohler and Lewis - 05 November 2026

Koessler tipped me off, so I tuned in to BYU basketball season opener against Ohio State on November 2, 2026. The Cougars, ranked No. 25, shook off an early double-digit deficit and stormed to a 94–83 win at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

It was a convincing showing on what amounts to a home-away-from-home court, and I kept a close eye on American Fork native Jaxon Kohler. While Robert Wright III lit it up for a game-high 33–35 points, Kohler quietly did the dirty work—scoring 11 points and grabbing six rebounds as part of a balanced attack that put five players in double figures.

It was a clean, efficient debut for him: productive, low-mistake, and quietly important in the second-half surge without needing to be the headline act. Kohler spent four years at Michigan State under Tom Izzo, growing into a reliable starter over his final two seasons—solid and productive, though short of All-American buzz. He then signed on for a fifth year with Kevin Young’s program at BYU. The NCAA has objected to that extra season, but because the case remains in litigation and a full trial isn’t expected until after the season ends, a court injunction has left him eligible for now. If he builds on this outing and BYU climbs into the top ten, All-American honors sit within reach.

There’s another top Utah product worth tracking this season: Cooper Lewis of Lehi, the 2024 Mr. Basketball. After returning from his LDS mission earlier this year, he’s now a freshman guard at Saint Mary’s. The Gaels remain a longstanding mid-major powerhouse under Randy Bennett—twelve NCAA Tournament appearances (including a Sweet Sixteen in 2010)—built on defense, rebounding, and patient multi-year development rather than the transfer portal. Cooper is also the grandson of Tim and Cheryl Lewis, close high-school friends of mine who remain so today.

Between the local ties and the on-court storylines, I have plenty of reason to keep tabs on both BYU and Saint Mary’s this year. I’m looking forward to seeing how these two home-grown Utah basketballers fare.