"We're talking about (opponents) that are really good teams, and that's the bottom line," Rose said. "You have to play really, really well in these games, and sometimes maybe you even have to play your very best to win in those situations and with those matchups. It hasn't happened yet, but I believe it's going to."

With so much experience gained this season, and with so many players returning next year (including four starters) there's plenty of reason for optimism in the Cougar camp. Fredette (16.2 ppg) was first-team all-conference player this year. Tavernari (15.7 ppg) was third-team, Emery made the all-defensive team and Miles is probably the most-physical center the league has returning.

Junior Lamont Morgan Jr., and freshmen Noah Hartsock, James Anderson and Charles Abouo are sure to see more minutes next year. Sophomore point guard Michael Loyd should benefit from his redshirt year. Incoming freshmen Tyler Haws and Brandon Davies should both compete for playing time. With at least one other scholarship available, one additional new face could be added as well.

"We all know that we're kind of stuck behind a hurdle in the track and we want to get ourselves into a position to where we can get over that," Rose said. "But now that the season is over, that's not our focus right now. Our focus is to get a team put together so we can get back into the (NCAA Tournament) so we can face that again. After dealing with the disappointment, you have to get fired up and get ready for what's next."

In what will be Rose's fifth year as head coach, next season will have the most continuity of the five. He'll have the most players returning without their seasons being interrupted by mission or redshirt.

Whether it's next year, or a few years down the road, Rose is confident that eventually the Cougars will make some noise on the national stage and get that NCAA Tournament monkey off their backs.

"I believe that we'll continue to get better . . . I believe that there will be a special group that will come through here and we'll be able to make a deep run in the tournament, and that's what motivates us."

BYU basketball season in review

RECORD - 25-8, 12-4 MWC

POSTSEASON - The Cougars lost to San Diego State in the semifinals of the MWC Tournament, but still received an invitation to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. However, they lost to Texas A&M 79-66 in the first round for the second straight year.

KEY DEPARTURES - Lee Cummard (16.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg)

KEY NEWCOMERS - Tyler Haws (Utah's Mr. Basketball, 6-5 guard Lone Peak High School); Brandon Davies (6-10 forward Provo High School); Michael Loyd (6-1 soph. redshirt)

FINAL ANALYSIS: With the departure of NBA draft pick Trent Plaisted and with 2008 MWC co-player of the year Lee Cummard being the only returning senior starter, the Cougars began the season with a lot of mystery. But with three new starters and an all-freshmen crew off the bench, BYU finished conference play on a 9-1 streak to grab a share of a third-straight conference title. But that accomplishment was overshadowed some when the Cougars lost their eighth-straight NCAA Tournament game.

E-mail: jimr@desnews.com