As the college basketball season rapidly approaches, the spotlight in Provo is firmly fixed on one player: Kerr Kriisa. The dynamic guard has long been known for his electric playmaking, sharp shooting, and fiery competitive spirit. Now, as he prepares for his senior year with the BYU Cougars, Kriisa is more determined than ever to establish himself as the undisputed starting point guard, and he has the backing of head coach Mark Pope to make it happen.

 

Kriisa, who transferred to BYU after two seasons at the University of Arizona, has showcased his talents as both a floor general and a scoring threat. In his previous stints, he played under some of the brightest minds in college basketball, and his playmaking instincts have been sharpened in the competitive environment of the Pac-12. Now, under Pope’s tutelage, Kriisa has an opportunity to take his game to the next level and become one of the best point guards in the country.

 

“I want to be the best pace guy in the country,” Kriisa said when discussing his role for the upcoming season. “That’s my goal — to set the tempo, to make the right decisions, and to keep the offense flowing. I know I can do that, and I want to show everyone that I’m ready to lead this team.”

 

Kriisa’s vision for himself aligns perfectly with the expectations Pope has set for his team. The veteran head coach, who is entering his fifth season at the helm of BYU, has always emphasized the importance of pace and transition play. Pope wants Kriisa to not only run the offense but to dictate the tempo, pushing the ball up the floor and keeping opposing defenses on their heels.

 

“Kerr has all the tools to be a top-tier point guard in this country,” Pope said. “His court vision, his ability to control tempo, and his competitive drive are exactly what we need. We want him to be the best pace setter — to control the speed of the game, and make everyone around him better. If he can do that, he will be one of the most dangerous point guards in college basketball.”

 

Kriisa’s playing style is built around his ability to create opportunities for others while also taking advantage of his own scoring abilities. Last season at Arizona, he averaged 4.6 assists per game, with a knack for threading passes in transition or finding shooters on the perimeter. He also hit 36.5% of his three-pointers, showing he can be a legitimate scoring threat when needed. These skills, coupled with his strong basketball IQ, make him a perfect fit for Pope’s up-tempo, high-scoring style of play.

 

But it’s not just about the stats for Kriisa. The 6-foot-3 point guard sees himself as the leader of the team — a role that he is eager to embrace in his final year of college basketball.

 

“I know that I have to be the guy who sets the tone, both on and off the court,” Kriisa said. “It’s about getting the team into the right spots, making sure everyone is locked in, and pushing the tempo when we have the chance. But it’s also about leading by example, being a vocal leader, and getting the guys to believe in what we’re doing.”

 

Kriisa’s leadership will be crucial as BYU looks to make a deep run in March. The Cougars have an exciting mix of returning players and new talent, and with Kriisa running the show, they will have the potential to be one of the more exciting teams in the country. Pope’s system, which prioritizes pace and space, is a perfect fit for Kriisa’s skill set, and the expectation is that he will be a driving force for BYU’s success.

 

As Kriisa and Pope work together to build the team’s offensive identity, it’s clear that the point guard’s ultimate goal is not just to be good — it’s to be great. And as the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kerr Kriisa to see if he can deliver on that promise and establish himself as one of the best point guards in the nation.