The calendar has flipped to May, and BYU basketball is still on the hunt for its starting center—a crucial piece missing from an otherwise promising puzzle. With 12 players already locked in for next season's roster, the Cougars face a glaring gap at the five spot. Currently, Khadim Mboup and TCU transfer Adam Stewart are the only true big men on the depth chart, but neither is expected to step into the starting role. It's clear: BYU needs a game-changer in the paint.

The Cougars have already invested heavily this offseason, re-signing Rob Wright and adding talents like Collin Chandler, Bruce Branch, and Tyler Betsey. But the checkbook isn't closed just yet. BYU has the funds to land one more major piece, and all eyes are on a center. In today's transfer portal and international market, elite big men are both scarce and expensive. If you want a starting-caliber high-major center, you'd better come ready with at least $3 million—and often much more. With so many schools still hunting for size, BYU is in a fierce bidding war for the right fit.

Here's a name to watch: 19-year-old Croatian center Roko Ruzic. Currently playing professionally in Spain alongside veterans Ricky Rubio and Jabari Parker, Ruzic is no stranger to the big stage. He participated in the NBA Draft Combine last year, where he measured 6-foot-11 barefoot with a wingspan of nearly 7-foot-1. Even if he hasn't grown since, he'd easily be listed at 7 feet on a college roster.

Ruzic struggled at times with the physicality during the Combine scrimmages and ultimately withdrew from the draft. This year, he's opted not to declare for the 2026 draft, keeping his options open. College programs have been circling, and Ruzic faces a big decision: stay in Europe or take his talents stateside. Sources tell me BYU has been actively involved, and I consider Ruzic one of the Cougars' top targets. Two industry insiders confirmed that BYU's coaching staff held a Zoom meeting with Ruzic, and all indications point to a positive conversation.

Ruzic is a skilled 7-footer with the potential to anchor BYU's frontcourt. For fans dreaming of a dominant presence in the paint, he's the kind of prospect worth getting excited about. As the big man market shifts by the hour, the Cougars are making their move. Stay tuned—this recruitment is just heating up.