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PROVO — After an NCAA-record six triple-doubles — all in one season — nobody would blame BYU star Kyle Collinsworth for testing the waters of the NBA draft a year early.
Such talk may be premature, according to BYU coach Dave Rose.
All indications are that Collinsworth will return for his senior season following a standout season that saw the former Provo High guard tie Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Anderson's record for most triple-doubles in a career, the 10-year BYU coach said Monday in his annual end-of-season sit-down with local media.
Rose said the injury-riddled 2014-15 campaign affected the team, but added the Cougars rallied around the season and made a successful run that culminated in another trip to the NCAA Tournament — even with a come-from-ahead loss to Ole Miss in the First Four in Dayton, Ohio.
"I felt for some of the seniors, because we had some injuries that really affected the personnel on our team," Rose said in an interview with Greg Wrubell. "But when you get into the grind of the season and realize the challenge you have faced and how the season actually turned out, I think that you have to feel really pleased with the fact that these guys responded to a really tough situation.
"That's what I'll always remember with this group: that it was a lot more difficult than what we had expected, as far as our personnel was concerned. We kind of fought through it and still found a way to be pretty good at the end."
BYU's season will be remembered as much for rallying to make the field of 68 as losing in one of the tournament's opening games. But the competition should make BYU stronger, Rose added.
"When you get to the NCAA Tournament, you have to consider the season a success; what you want to do really is advance in that tournament.
"Advancing in that tournament is really special … special for your team and for your program and your guys. Hopefully the next time we get in that tournament, we have more success."
BYU is looking to replace an assistant coach and director of basketball operations after Cody Fueger accepted a position on the coaching bench of new Utah Valley head coach Mark Pope's staff a few miles up University Parkway.
Rose, who confirmed a report by KSL.com last month, said he could have a new staff in place as early as the end of April.
Rose touched on a variety of topics during his visit with Wrubell, adding that the team is applying for a medical redshirt for senior Nate Austin. The BYU forward missed most of the season after suffering a torn hamstring Dec. 10, but he could be eligible to play one more year if the NCAA grants the appeal — a request his head coach projects will be granted.
Austin has agreed to play without a scholarship in his sixth season if the appeal is granted, Rose said. BYU's graduated seniors include all-time leading scorer Tyler Haws, sparkplugs Skyler Halford and Anson Winder and Utah transfer Josh Sharp.
