BYU basketball community rallies around former head coach Dave Rose following stroke
Longtime BYU Men’s Basketball head coach Dave Rose is recovering in the hospital after suffering a stroke on Dec. 31, and both current and former members of the team offered up prayers and support on social media for him.
“We love you Dave & Cheryl and Rose Family,” BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe said. “You’ve got thousands of friends around the world pulling for your recovery and sending up prayers of faith heavenward on your behalf.”
Rose was the head coach at BYU from 2005-2019, coaching multiple NCAA Tournament teams, including a Sweet 16 run in 2011 led by Jimmer Fredette. In 2009, Rose was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, though he returned to coaching soon after, and suffered a heart attack in 2019 soon after his retirement from BYU.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with coach and his family right now,” Fredette said on Twitter. “He’s one of the best men I know. Such a fighter.”
Current BYU head coach Mark Pope offered his own words of support and gratitude for Rose on Twitter. Pope served as an assistant under Rose from 2011-2015.
“Lee Anne and I have such deep love and gratitude for Coach and Cheryl,” Pope said. “They have been incredibly generous mentors and friends. They have given their whole heart to BYU. They have brought so much joy to so many people for so many years. We are praying for Coach and his family.”
Former BYU big man Eric Mika offered up prayers for Rose and invited others to do so in a tweet.
“Praying for a speedy recovery for coach,” Mika said. “If you guys get a second I ask you do the same.”
