Jon Rothstein Drops Bold Take: BYU Basketball Should Aim for the Final Four—Too Soon or Spot On?
College basketball insider Jon Rothstein isn’t one to shy away from bold predictions, and his latest take has BYU fans buzzing. In a recent statement, Rothstein declared that BYU Basketball should set its sights on the Final Four. That’s right—not just making the NCAA Tournament, not just a Sweet Sixteen run—he believes BYU should expect to be among the last four teams standing. But is this high praise or unrealistic hype?
Rothstein’s claim didn’t come out of nowhere. He cited BYU’s recent momentum, its gritty performance in the Big 12, and the team’s growing recruiting power as indicators that the Cougars are on the verge of national relevance. With Mark Pope at the helm and a locker room full of experienced, battle-tested players, Rothstein believes BYU is building a foundation strong enough to contend with the bluebloods.
Still, some fans and analysts are skeptical. The Big 12 is arguably the toughest conference in college hoops, and BYU’s transition hasn’t been without growing pains. While the Cougars showed flashes of brilliance last season, consistency and depth remain concerns. A Final Four run would require not only talent, but incredible health, chemistry, and late-season momentum.
Others, however, are embracing Rothstein’s challenge. “Why not us?” has quickly become a rallying cry in Provo. After all, teams like Florida Atlantic and Loyola-Chicago have proven in recent years that the Final Four is no longer reserved for the elite powerhouses.
Whether Rothstein’s prediction proves prophetic or premature, one thing is clear: expectations around BYU Basketball are rising fast. And with a chip on their shoulder and a national spotlight looming, the Cougars might just thrive under the pressure.
Is this the start of a new era in Provo? Or just another hot take from college hoops’ most quotable analyst? Time will tell.
