State of BYU hoops sans Loyd

So how will the loss of Michael Loyd Jr. affect the BYU Cougars next season? Mainly, it means the Cougars won’t have a back-up point guard with much experience, won’t be able to use that lightening-quick three-guard lineup that many envisioned, and won’t have a player to defend the quicker and faster point guards that many teams seem to have these days – like New Mexico’s Dairese Gary. The Cougars became a very difficult team to defend late in the season when Loyd added another and different explosive scoring option. That speed is now gone.
So does all that mean the Cougars won’t be as good next season or capable of repeating the success of this past season? Well, the loss of Loyd certainly won’t help. However, the Cougars are pretty deep in wing players and guards – just not true point guards or combo guards.
Here’s how I see the situation now. Most likely, returned missionary Nick Martineau will be Jimmer Fredette’s back-up at the point guard. If the Cougars can get eight to 10 quality minutes per game out of Martineau, that would be pretty good and about all they need. Freshman Kyle Collinsworth might be used some at point guard or to rest two guard Jackson Emery. But I really see Collinsworth as the likely starter at the three where he’ll provide the defense and rebounding and points around the basket that Tyler Haws provided last season. If Collinsworth doesn’t start, it will be Charles Abouo or new JC transfer Stephen Rogers. Freshman Anson Winder might get thrown into the fire as well.
Overall, the Cougars still have plenty of backcourt talent, and have plenty of guys who will cause problems for opposing defenses. However, none have Loyd’s quickness. Certainly, the coaching staff would prefer to have Loyd’s skills on the roster next season. But, as the staff has done every year since Dave Rose became head coach, it will probably find a successful way to make do without him.