Collin Chandler's arrival at BYU was a long time coming, and left fans in suspense for over four years. The highest-rated recruit in program history at the time, Chandler first committed to BYU basketball four years ago before departing on his two-year missionary service. The timing of his return couldn't have been worse, as he arrived soon after the news that head coach Mark Pope would be leaving Provo for the same position at a blue blood and his alma mater, Kentucky.
Deny it and fight it as much as you can, but there was no avoiding the truth: Collin Chandler would be out the door in Provo before ever suiting up for the Cougars.
But now in the present day, two years through his collegiate career, Collin Chandler is back in Provo. Now under a new regime, Chandler hopes to fill the void left by Richie Saunders' departure, and assume a leadership role with the program he left years ago.
All is forgiven for the prodigal son, but hearing why Chandler jumped ship from Lexington for a spot back in the Beehive State makes his decision to transfer from UK all the more fascinating. In a radio interview with ESPN The Fan, the blonde blur opened up about his choice to return home.
"There are a lot of great things about BYU off the court. But basketball-wise, I’m most excited about development," the junior guard shared. "Coach [Kevin] Young’s NBA experience is unique. I want to play at the next level, and learning from someone with that background is huge."
"I’ve talked to players who’ve worked with him, and they all say development is his strength. That’s what really stood out to me."
Chandler continued, sharing the relationships that helped him confirm his decision to take another shot at BYU.
"I talked to Richie Saunders," Chandler noted. "I also have a good relationship with [former BYU player] Trevin Knell since we had the same high school coach. They both gave me great insight and helped me think through everything."
Collin went a bit further on the Saunders comparisons, acknowledging where their skill sets overlap.
"First off, being compared to Richie Saunders is an honor. He’s left an incredible legacy at BYU. With new rosters come new styles, but I think this year’s team will play fast, share the ball, and make plays for each other. We’ve got a lot of guys who can handle the ball, so I see myself as part of that—making plays, playing fast, and being part of a fun system."
On the topic of players Chandler would be teaming up with at his new program, he noted some teammates he had already shared the floor with as well as others who he looked forward to familiarizing himself with.
"Experience is huge," Chandler noted. "That’s something I learned at Kentucky; having guys who know the system makes a big difference. Having someone like Rob Wright back is big. [...] Jake Wahlin [former Timpview alumni and Clemson transfer] is someone I know really well. We played AAU together and faced off in high school. I’m excited to play with him again."
Finally, on the topic of his return to BYU, Chandler's off-court priorities paired with Kevin Young's unique on-court capabilities made the Cougars the obvious favorites.
"Utah has a great staff and is building something strong, but I love the culture at BYU. I love what Coach Young is building and the foundation that’s already there."
"It just felt like home."
Chandler will be a junior at BYU this season, and hopes to build an NBA portfolio strong enough to carry the Farmington, Utah, native to the highest level of professional hoops. If Kevin Young's NBA bootcamp is as good as Chandler believes it to be, you'll see him taking great strides this season.
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