In Wednesday's team meeting, Rose also stressed how much he wants the players to move forward and focus on their basketball workouts and work in the classroom. Most of the players are taking finals this week, and the three incoming players (Tyler Haws, Brandon Davies and Logan Magnusson) begin summer block classes next week.

"All of the guys in our program obviously came to play basketball at BYU, but they also came to play for coach Rose, so there's a really special bond there between the players and coach," Rice said. "So they were relieved to see him and really elated to see how optimistic he is about the future."

On July 6 the Cougar coaching staff will hit the road to visit recruits, many of whom have been in contact with the BYU staff since word broke of Rose's illness. How much Rose can remain involved in those trips is unknown at this time.

"We've communicated with all of our recruits and assured them that we're moving forward and that the program is still in stable hands. I think how positive and optimistic that coach Rose is about his situation gave them some reassurance," Rice said.

Rice, assistants John Wardenburg, Tim LaComb and Terry Nashif, and BYU athletic administrators have received hundreds of calls since Wednesday's announcement from coaches and athletic officials around the country expressing concern.

"It speaks volumes to the respect coach Rose has with his colleagues, that they not only respect the job that he's done but they respect the person that he is," Rice said.

Rose and his wife Cheryl have been crusaders for several years in the fight against cancer, and have led many efforts to provide comfort to families that are battling through cancer.

"I think they are going to use some of those experiences that they've had, in their own battle and challenge. I think he's going to attack it head on," Rice said.

e-mail: jimr@desnews.com