BYU basketball's desperate search for a center continues, and with each new recruit, the question remains: can they finally fill the void left by last season's three-point-deficient options? The latest prospect on their radar is Ilia Frolov, a 6'11" big man with a dynamic stretch center profile. Frolov's ability to score from anywhere on the floor makes him an intriguing target for the Cougars, who have been struggling to find a consistent presence in the paint.
Frolov's performance with Real Madrid's U22 squad last season was impressive, averaging 13.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 23 minutes. His shooting prowess is particularly notable, with a 36% three-point rate and an 84.6% free throw percentage, indicating a reliable and developing shooter. Frolov's footwork and inside game are also well-developed, making him a versatile offensive threat.
However, Frolov's defensive capabilities are not his forte. He lacks elite rim protection, but his rebounding numbers (7.4 boards in 23 minutes) are excellent and address an area of concern for last season's team. Frolov's ability to move well for his position and his refined inside game make up for his defensive shortcomings.
The question remains: will BYU make a move for Frolov? The Cougars have been hurt repeatedly by getting their hopes up for every starting center that has graced the rumor mill, so they must approach this with delicate consideration. Frolov would be a terrific fit for next year's team, which promises to be a strong three-point shooting squad, more in line with traditional BYU rosters.
The Cougars will face competition from some of the most talented recruiters in college basketball, and it'll be interesting to see how high they're willing to go in preparing an NIL package for a prospect of Frolov's ability. For now, fans should keep a finger on the pulse of Frolov's recruiting, as BYU's connection to him could be a game-changer for the program. Personally, I think Frolov's dynamic offense and rebounding numbers make him a strong candidate, and I'm curious to see if BYU will make a move. In my opinion, this recruit could be the key to filling the void left by last season's struggles.
