PROVO — When he left for his mission to South Korea a couple of years ago, Corbin Kaufusi’s future appeared set as a BYU defensive lineman.
These days, he’s firmly entrenched as a center on the Cougar basketball team.
Kaufusi’s post-mission switch from football to basketball last summer has paid off, highlighted by his role in BYU’s big upset of Gonzaga last Saturday.
“He’s been huge. He’s a tremendous athlete,” said guard Tyler Haws. “Each game, he’s been getting a little more comfortable and finding his rhythm. He’s just been a huge lift for us on defense. He plays with so much energy, going after rebounds, altering shots and blocking shots. He’s a huge presence inside for us.”
Kaufusi, a 6-foot-10 freshman from Provo, will be counted on heavily again when the Cougars play in the West Coast Conference tournament this weekend.
No. 2 seed BYU tips things off Saturday (9 p.m., MST, ESPN2) at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas against the winner of Friday’s game between No. 7 Santa Clara and No. 10 Loyola Marymount.
And to think that a year ago, Kaufusi wasn't even on coach Dave Rose's radar.
“With Corbin, it’s all been kind of a surprise,” Rose said of Kaufusi’s first season in the program.
When the team convened for the start of practices in October, Kaufusi suffered a couple of injuries that set him back.
“What I really feel about Corbin is his development is kind of on track of what we thought it would be. But it’s delayed because of the injuries that he had,” Rose said. “I thought he could be to this point maybe earlier this season. When you consider the amount of time, consistent time, that he’s had on the court, this is probably where he should be. I think you’ve really seen some real improvement, especially in the last six weeks. Hopefully, he continues to get better.”
Kaufusi has filled a void left by Nate Austin, who suffered a hamstring injury early in the season. Since being inserted into the starting lineup on Jan. 29, Kaufusi has been providing the Cougars with solid defense and rebounding, which they sorely needed.
In the last six games, Kaufusi has averaged nearly five rebounds and he’s blocked a total of 14 shots.
“Every game it’s more experience and that experience is definitely starting to build up,” Kaufusi said. “I have a long ways to go, but it’s nice to get a little more under the belt.”
Where has he improved the most?
“Probably in the fluidity of (the game),” Kaufusi said. “Instead of hesitating and going to the next spot, and hesitating again because I’m not exactly sure … It’s not like I know perfectly right now but I have a better feel for it. Less hesitation.”
“He’s freak athletic and he’s learning more every game and even every practice,” said guard Chase Fischer. “You can see his progress, and with every practice and every drill he does he gets a better feel for the game. He’s a great teammate and works really hard. He’s going to be really good. He obviously was great for us against Gonzaga.”
At the Kennel, Kaufusi recorded three blocks, seven points and six rebounds in 29 minutes of play. At one point, he scored a circus hook shot from his hip.
“It’s a little bit of a sky hook mixed with a prayer,” Kaufusi said. “I’ve been working on that.”
His older brother, Bronson, a defensive lineman on the BYU football team who played on the basketball team in 2013, is thrilled for Corbin’s success.
“I was so pumped for that guy and that game (at Gonzaga). I was jumping up and down,” he said. “Some of my teammates who were watching broke their couches from jumping up and down. I was so proud of those guys.”
The Cougars have more work to do, starting this weekend in Las Vegas. Kaufusi will get more invaluable experience as the season winds down, and his future is bright.
“It will be an interesting offseason for him because he’s developed defensive skills, shot-blocking skills and rebounding skills,” Rose said. “His offense has kind of just been opportunities. The challenge will be for him to develop (on) the offensive side of the ball to get to where I know he wants to get to.”