BYU basketball: Head coach Dave Rose collects win No. 300

BYU basketball head coach Dave Rose is arguably the greatest coach in Cougar history. Rose reached a milestone on Saturday night, capturing win No. 300 for his career.

Dave Rose has done it. Win No. 300. He’s become the second head coach in BYU basketball history to reach the milestone, joining Stan Watts (371-254).

Granted, it didn’t really happen in the fashion most Cougar fans would’ve wanted, a win is still a win. I’ll take a 73-62 win over a loss – especially to Portland.

While it does feel like BYU basketball has underachieved in recent memory, there’s no denying Rose’s accomplishment. He is the 25th fastest college basketball coach to reach 300 wins and he turned around a flailing BYU basketball program that went 9-21 in 2004-05.

Rose has averaged 25.7 wins per season and the Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament eight times since he took over in 2005-06. He won four conference championships in the Mountain West and was the conference’s Coach of the Year Award winner three times.

I’ve criticized Rose plenty this season, but the man deserves his due for this. For my money, he’s the best coach BYU has ever had. While this season has been frustrating and disappointing, I don’t think it’s fair to hold Rose too accountable.

Young teams make mistakes. They suffer through growing pains. It’s just how it goes.

Next year should be the Cougars’ year. The only starter BYU will lose is L.J. Rose – and putting TJ Haws at the point guard spot will drastically improve the offense. The starting lineup should include Haws (sophomore), Nick Emery (junior), Elijah Bryant (junior), Yoeli Childs (sophomore) and Eric Mika (junior). Defense might still be an issue – I’d like to see Rose shake up the coaching staff some – but, having the core return for the 2017-18 season bodes well for Rose.

So sure, losses to UVU, San Diego and Santa Clara are embarrassing, but (as painful as it might be to say) just wait until next year.

For now, congratulations to Coach Rose on win No. 300. Here’s to 300 more.