BYU basketball: Miles isn't pouting over his struggles

PROVO — Junior BYU center Chris Miles knows his failure to make free throws against Utah on Tuesday contributed significantly to the Cougars' failure to hold onto their lead and hold off the Utes in overtime.

But Miles is not pouting, stressing about his free-throw woes or worrying about his confidence on future trips to the charity stripe. His teammates also don't plan on any changes in philosophy, when it comes to going into the post, because of Miles' struggles at the line.

Through 20 games, Miles is now shooting just under 42 percent from the foul line. He made only 2-of-9 against Utah. But Miles has committed to his teammates and coaches that he'll continue to work on that part of his game, and promises it will get better. Overall, coach Dave Rose likes how Miles — who scored 14 against the Utes — has progressed in the post.

"I'm really pleased that his aggression level has really increased," Rose said. "You don't want your post players' aggression level to be determined on how successful or unsuccessful they are at the free-throw line. He just needs to keep being aggressive in the post and our players need to keep having confidence in him. He just needs to step up there and get better at making free throws."

Miles says he'll do that by practicing his free throws in game-like situations by shooting when he's more winded. In practice Wednesday, Miles made 40-of-50 free throws while rested. But when he shot free throws after running or scrimmaging, that percentage went down significantly.

Following practice Thursday, Miles and assistant coach Dave Rice worked on Miles shooting free throws after running offensive sets, so he wasn't as rested.

Miles admits that his offensive effectiveness in the post is dependent on him being able to convert from the line.

"It's not something I'm shying away from or afraid of. I've hit game-winning free throws before in my career," he said.

The injury bug has bitten: Reserve center Gavin MacGregor, who played only two minutes against Utah, will miss at least the next two weeks with a "stress reaction" injury to his right foot. If not treated through rehabilitation, the injury will become a more serious stress fracture. A similar injury to MacGregor's left foot last season caused him to miss the entire year. MacGregor is wearing a soft cast on his foot and is not practicing.

"It's not looking good right now ... it just hurts. It hurts all the time and is not allowing him to play at the level that he wants to," coach Rose said.