Kevin Young eyes West African standout Cheric Millogo, a 7-foot-5 phenom, to bolster the Cougars' interior defense and finally secure an elite rim-protecting anchor in Provo.
Kevin Young and the BYU Cougars haven't had the best luck securing a big man as of late.
This wasn't due to a lack of effort. There were many players who fell through due to eligibility or went elsewhere. One of those who didn't get cleared was "Chinese Wemby" or Xu Xin, a towering CBA veteran who would've provided elite rim protection and interior size in Provo. The 7-foot-5 prospect was courted by BYU for months. After swinging and missing a few different times, Young is trying his luck with another 7-foot-5 big man.
According to Rivals' Joe Tipton, BYU is one of the teams with an inside track for Cheric Millogo, a four-star recruit in the 2027 class.
Millogo arrived in the United States by way of West Africa. He grew up without basketball in his life, but has developed his game in America. The St. Francis (California) prospect is the No. 2 player in the Golden State, No. 5 for the center position and No. 36 overall for next year, according to 247Sports. Millogo has raw talent with tremendous upside. He averaged 24.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game at St. Francis last season. This came after sitting the entire 2024-25 campaign due to a torn ACL.
Young and the Cougars staff are trying to secure the center position for the future right now.
Being the same height as San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is notable. Especially for a high school senior. He's lengthy at 210 pounds with a 7-foot-5 frame. But Millogo is very athletic and plays both ends of the floor. A persistent shot blocker who is able to finish around the rim with ease at the other end. He's still working on his touch outside the paint and raw in that regard.
Millogo is talented and could be a next-level star under the right set of coaches. Young and his staff have prided themselves on bringing an NBA standard to Provo. The other programs recruiting Millogo are Kentucky, Texas and Creighton. BYU is the only one out of the four who've had NBA lottery picks in consecutive years. The list is an interesting mix as well. Young goes up against Mark Pope, who he replaced at BYU. Expect the Cougars to zero in on when he'll be making his decision.
Millogo doesn't have a timetable set for a commitment date. But there could be one coming soon. BYU's targets for the 2027 class is stocked full of high-end talent. The Cougars have had conversations with the top seven players nationally with some interest.
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