Then, following BYU's 2005-06 season, he walked into the BYU basketball office and asked then-assistant coach Walter Roese for a chance to walk-on with the Cougars. Roese, recognizing that it's not every day that a 6-foot-9 kid walks into your office, invited MacGregor to participate in the Cougars' offseason workout and pickup games. MacGregor used the opportunity to emphasize his strengths.

"I knew there were a few things that I did well, and that's what I wanted to focus on when I came to play. I knew that I could play defense, block shots and rebound, and just be active."

That summer coach Dave Rose, impressed enough by MacGregor's effort, offered him a roster spot.

"I've always felt confident that I can play with these guys," MacGregor said.

Still, he didn't play much as a sophomore and was used mainly as a practice player against former center Trent Plaisted. MacGregor then missed last season with a foot injury (a season he's trying to get back from the NCAA) but he's come back to play a vital reserve role in his senior season.

"I really like coming off the bench and coming in and trying to bring some energy, and do what I do best, which is rebound and play defense. Every day I have to come in and bring that effort that I've always brought or I'm not going to keep getting that chance," he said.

Between Miles, MacGregor and Anderson, the three have been more than adequate at filling the hole created by Plaisted's early departure to the pros.

"We've got a good rotation. We've got a good group of guys that play well together and bring a lot of energy and heart into the game," MacGregor said.

Rose also thinks his center-by-committee is working out pretty well for the 10-1 Cougars.

"I like what we're getting from the post," Rose said. "I think Chris, Gav and James are all doing a pretty good job."

E-mail: jrayburn@desnews.com