At long last, Collin Chandler is a BYU Cougar.
After committing to BYU during high school and then following Mark Pope to Kentucky before ever suiting up in Provo, the dynamic guard has now transferred to play for the Cougars under Kevin Young.
Chandler offered his first public comments about his move to BYU during a Thursday appearance on BYUtv’s “BYU Sports Nation.” Here are some of his most notable quotes.
On his experience playing for Mark Pope at Kentucky
“Being out on my mission, three weeks before I get home (BYU’s) coaching change happens, and I think (being on a mission) was a perfect place for it to happen, because the spirit is so important in those decisions for me, and so being in an environment like that was great. I ended up deciding to follow the coach I committed to, and I was excited to do that. I’ve learned so much since then.
“Coming home from a mission kind of felt like learning how to play basketball again, you feel like a baby deer when you get home a little bit, tripping over your own feet. But I grew so much (at Kentucky), being away from home, being married. It was all so great. I learned a lot, and I’m ready to learn more here.”
On why the timing was right to come to BYU
“I think coming home (to Utah) was something that we, me and (my wife) Hannah together, have been feeling is what we need for whatever reason, we might not know yet. But as well as playing for Coach (Kevin) Young and playing two years for Coach Young. I know playing one year for a coach and trying to learn everything, that aspect is hard. So I’m glad to have two years to do that, to work with him, figure it out, and win some games here.”
On how BYU’s program has been elevated since he originally committed to the Cougars as a high schooler
“It’s been fun watching as I’ve been away, it’s evolving, and as well as just college basketball in general. Coach Young, watching from Year 1 to Year 2, he’s evolving too, in roster construction and figuring out how to play that way.
“... I’m excited, we have a little bit of a different roster than it was last year, so more evolution as they come, but I think we have a lot of exciting guys, and that’s going be fun.”
On how BYU fans have welcomed him to the program
“Arms wide open is what I’ve felt. It’s been great. I mean, even when I left (for Kentucky) and when I was gone, they treated me great, which was awesome. That example of fandom and those feelings meant a lot to me, respecting my decision, my path and my journey. Coming back has felt that same way, and I’m excited.”
On playing with Rob Wright III
“Rob is a guy that you can build around because he can get downhill whenever he wants, right? When he can spray it to a bunch of guys who are shooting well, it’s dangerous, and it’s going to open up a lot for him, since he’s also a great scorer.
“I’m excited for the style of play where the ball can pop, the ball is moving, making plays, playing fast. I think it’s going to be a fun brand of basketball.”
On representing his faith as a basketball player
“Something that has drawn me to BYU, since I was younger, is playing for something bigger than yourself.
“... For something that I believe in so strongly, something I have faith in, that’s something that’s special to me, and something that I think I take pride in.
“... The church is great out in Kentucky. They took great care of me, so all love to all those members. I’ll have friends there for life, for sure.”
On moving from the SEC to the Big 12
“The SEC is extremely physical. I watched the Big 12 this whole year, extremely physical, extremely big. There’s no off nights. You learn that really fast. ... You can get beat any night, and you can beat them on any night, so that’s the fun part about being part of a conference that’s loaded.”
On his message to BYU fans
“I know they’re already excited, but get excited. We’re going to play hard, diving on the floor, play with grit, play fast. It’s going to be a fun brand of basketball for BYU, we’re just pumped, so let’s go.”
