BYU basketball’s Kevin Young is different from Izzo and Calipari in the college pros

Young just signed a G League player who came in midseason for BYU.

Kevin Young is preparing for the NBA playoffs.

Or so it seems in the BYU coaching offices as Young makes midseason additions with an eye on the NCAA tournament.

His latest signing was former G League player Abdullah Ahmed, who played in the New York Knicks organization.

“I understand that what I’m doing right now is not the NBA, to be clear,” Young said. “However, if you’re comparing, it’s no different than bringing in a guy at the trade deadline and trying to get ready for the playoffs.”

Some prominent college coaches, including Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Arkansas’ John Calipari, have criticized the rules that allow G League players to come to college and allow midseason roster acquisitions.

Baylor just signed a 2023 NBA draftee — though he didn’t play in an NBA game.

“I have a lot of respect for how long these coaches have been able to do this. I grew up watching a lot of these guys. I don’t blame them for raising an eyebrow at the way things are. It’s so different,” Young said.

But Young has a different perspective on the direction of college basketball than Izzo.

One of Izzo’s main concerns is that high school prospects and young college players will be pushed out in favor of former pros.

Young acknowledged that it will happen, but maybe it’s not so bad.

“I think we’re going back to younger players having to pay their dues. I understand that it affects some high school players and young guys. But at the same time, I think it could really help if we reimagined what that looks like for a young player,” Young said.

“I’ve been in the G League for nine years and sometimes you get a guy from a power conference team that’s not ready to help us win and he’s got a long way to go,” he continued. “Some of these guys are burned out and their lives look completely different than if they had stayed in school and been ready to play in the NBA.

Young added that starting as a rookie shouldn’t be rated as highly as NBA readiness.

“It’s going to hurt those players who want guaranteed starting roles in power conferences. You’re going to want older guys,” Young said. “But if those players take it as an opportunity, and by the way, they’re going to be earning pretty good compensation, take your time, you have a much better chance of getting a second contract. If you want to talk about life-changing, [the second contract] changes a child’s life. Much more than starting as a freshman at a blueblood school.”

BYU’s starting lineup heading into the Big 12 will feature just one freshman — potential top draft pick AJ Dybants.

The Cougars are going to the playoffs — or the tournament.