Jon Rothtein Raves About Underrated Star for BYU Basketball

CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein revealed that sources within BYU’s basketball program are buzzing about Southern Illinois transfer guard Kennard Davis Jr., who looks like a prime candidate to step into the starting lineup this winter.

At 6-foot-6 with a reputation for defense and deep-range shooting, Davis caught attention after creating off-the-charts success at Southern Illinois. In his last season there, he averaged roughly 15–16 points per game, knocked down 64 threes, and averaged about five rebounds per outing. These numbers helped earn him four-star transfer status.

Rothstein noted that despite a deep and talented group of newcomers arriving at BYU this offseason, “highly placed spies in Provo believe the unsung presence is Southern Illinois transfer Kennard Davis.” The veteran presence and outside shooting fit exactly what coach Kevin Young may need to make the Cougars competitive in the stacked Big 12.

As the rotation takes shape, Davis could provide immediate starting value, especially on the perimeter, where his 38 percent from three in college and competitiveness on defense put him in rare company at BYU. His length and anticipation reportedly stand out as features among staff evaluating fit.

For a program riding momentum from its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011, the addition of Davis adds depth and veteran poise. A potential Big 12 starter in his first season with the team, he becomes a key piece in what is shaping into one of the deepest rotations in BYU history.

BYU’s ability to integrate its production into a young roster with returning starters and transfers like Ritchie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa will likely determine whether this team can contend for a conference crown or make an official appearance in March.

Davis offers flexibility, size, and tournament-tested poise. That’s precisely the kind of addition that could tip the scales this winter.