After doctors determined Rose was bleeding internally, and that the source of that bleeding was a mass blocking the blood flow to his spleen, an hourlong surgery was performed on June 6 to remove his spleen and a portion of his pancreas — both contaminated with the tumor.

Rose admits to spending some long nights in the Las Vegas hospital dealing with the uncertainty of his illness. Instead of getting down, however, he focused first on just getting better from the surgery. Last Tuesday, he learned officially that he had pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cancer — a rare cancer that is diagnosed in only about 10 Utahns per year.

Even though the tumor is malignant, it's slower growing and less aggressive, which is why Rose's prognosis is favorable.

"I look forward to every day," Rose said. "I'm just really encouraged with the situation. ... I believe this is going to be a challenge for me but something I can handle and fight through."

Most players feel Rose's cancer battle could turn out to be an inspirational rallying point for the team this coming season.

"This is a big speed bump, but we're going to be able to get over it and everyone knows that, so now we need to go out there and get to where he wants us to be and help ourselves get to where we want to be as well," junior guard Jimmer Fredette said.

Rose said he's heard from fans, former players and coaching acquaintances from around the country.

"I promise you this: I'll appreciate every day," Rose said. "I'll appreciate every practice and I'll appreciate every game more than I have because that's kind of what you do when you go through something like this. ... I love to coach. ... I love what I do. That is one of the things that has really helped me get through this. I want to be here. I want to do this."

E-MAIL: jimr@desnews.com