BYU hoops getting a fresh start under new coach Rose

PROVO — BYU basketball coach Dave Rose knows he has a lot of work ahead of him, but, fortunately for him, it's the kind of work that he enjoys most.

Since he was hired last April, after Steve Cleveland bolted Provo for the Fresno State job, Rose has been taking care of all of the administrative issues that go along with being a head coach. Last Friday, the Cougars opened fall practices, something he had been looking forward to for months.

"This is the first time I've been able to coach," he said. "It's a fun time of the year. You have a few weeks to get your team better, then you start playing."

BYU is coming off a disappointing 9-21 season and the media picked the Cougars to finish last in the Mountain West Conference this season.

But Rose welcomes back a solid nucleus as well as several newcomers who could make an immediate impact on the program. "We have an interesting mix of experienced guys and new players," he said.

Seven lettermen return for the Cougars — honorable-mention All-MWC guard Austin Ainge, guard Mike Rose, swingman Jimmy Balderson, forward Keena Young, center Derek Dawes, guard Sam Burgess and swingman Brock Reichner.

Balderson led the Canadian National Team in scoring during the World University Games over the summer. "It was really good for Jimmy," Rose said. "Last year, he got right off his mission, then came here. He was going to redshirt and came off of the redshirt and had an up-and-down season. He worked on his conditioning in the spring, then played consistently (at the World University Games). We're looking for that summer experience to help his confidence."

Among the newcomers include a pair of talented freshmen — 6-foot-6 Lee Cummard and 6-foot-3 Jackson Emery. Cummard was regarded as one of the top prep shooting guards in the West before signing with BYU in 2004. Emery is a Lone Peak High product and Utah's Mr. Basketball last year. "They are both very athletic," Rose said.

Trent Plaisted and David Burgess should give the Cougars strength and scoring ability in the post. Both players sat out last season after suffering injuries.

Junior college transfers Rashaun Broadus and Fernando Malaman will battle for playing time as well. Broadus was the leading scorer at Western Nebraska Community College last year and is pushing Ainge at the point-guard spot. "He's got good size, strength and quickness," Rose said of Broadus.

The 6-9 Malaman is a native of Limeira, Brazil, who received all-region honors at Arizona Western College.