Just in: Mark Pope reveals the ‘special’ Collin Chandler quality that sets him above the rest and why he sees him as the new….

Just In: Mark Pope Reveals the ‘Special’ Quality That Sets Collin Chandler Apart, Calls Him a ‘New Signing’ Ahead of the Season

In a recent media appearance that sent waves through the BYU basketball community, head coach Mark Pope opened up about rising star Collin Chandler and the impact he expects the young guard to have this coming season. Calling Chandler “special” and highlighting his growth, leadership potential, and renewed health, Pope’s comments paint a bright picture for both the player and the team heading into a pivotal year.

Chandler, a former top recruit with immense upside, faced significant challenges last season due to a lingering leg injury that limited his availability and performance. Now, fully healthy and back to full speed, Chandler is once again generating excitement—and his head coach couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what’s to come.

A Fresh Start for Collin Chandler

After a redshirt year and a frustrating 2023-24 season marked by injuries, Collin Chandler is finally healthy, fit, and ready to showcase why he was once one of the most talked-about recruits in BYU basketball history.

“For us, it honestly feels like we just landed a high-profile transfer,” Pope said. “Getting Collin back fully fit is like making a huge new signing. We didn’t get to see the real Collin last season, but now, we’re seeing flashes of something really, really special.”

Pope’s comparison to a “new signing” highlights just how little the Cougars were able to rely on Chandler last season. Despite his potential and pedigree, the 6’4″ guard struggled to maintain consistent minutes due to injury setbacks, which stunted both his development and his on-court rhythm.

But the reset has done wonders. With a full offseason of strength, conditioning, and skill work behind him, Chandler has returned to practice with a newfound hunger and maturity that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Leadership Leap

While Chandler’s athleticism and shooting are well-documented, Pope emphasized that it’s his mindset and leadership that have taken the biggest leap over the summer.

“The thing that sets Collin apart isn’t just his physical tools—it’s the way he carries himself, the way his teammates respond to him,” Pope said. “He’s become a vocal presence. He’s stepped up in film sessions, in practice, and off the court. That’s what leadership looks like.”

Pope revealed that Chandler has emerged as one of the emotional and strategic anchors of the team, even in practices where he isn’t the top scorer or the flashiest player.

“It’s his voice and his energy,” Pope continued. “He’s holding guys accountable. He’s asking tough questions and pushing the team forward. That’s rare for someone his age who’s had such an interrupted college start.”

The implication is clear: Chandler isn’t just returning as a contributor—he’s being groomed as a cornerstone.

A Reintroduction to BYU Fans

Chandler’s injury struggles may have dimmed his spotlight, but for those who remember his high school highlights and national recruiting buzz, the excitement never truly went away. A top-30 recruit in his class and a four-star prospect out of Farmington, Utah, Chandler originally committed to BYU over offers from major programs, including Arizona, Oregon, and Stanford.

His skill set—an explosive first step, deep shooting range, and tenacious perimeter defense—made him a prized get for Pope and the Cougars. But it’s only now that fans will truly see what he brings to the floor on a nightly basis.

“This is the most confident, most complete Collin we’ve seen,” Pope said. “He’s attacking the rim, defending hard, and hitting shots from deep. But beyond that, he’s reading the game better. He’s becoming a floor general.”

Pope emphasized that Chandler’s versatility will be a key asset, suggesting he may play multiple backcourt roles throughout the season.

“He can run the offense, but he can also play off the ball, attack closeouts, and defend three positions,” Pope added. “He’s that dynamic.”

A Different Season Ahead

BYU enters the upcoming season with a mix of returning veterans and fresh talent, and Pope believes Chandler’s emergence as a healthy, motivated leader could be the X-factor that propels the Cougars forward in a competitive Big 12 landscape.

“This conference is no joke,” Pope said. “You need players who aren’t just skilled, but who compete every possession. Collin’s one of those guys.”

While Pope stopped short of naming Chandler a starter outright, he made it clear the guard would play a major role in the team’s identity.

“If Collin keeps trending the way he is, we’re going to be a tough out,” he said. “He’s that impactful.”

Looking Forward

For Chandler, the upcoming season represents more than just a return to health—it’s a chance to fulfill the promise he showed as a prep standout and to make up for lost time.

“I’m just thankful to be out there again,” Chandler said in a recent practice interview. “Last year was tough, but I learned a lot. Now it’s about putting it all together and helping the team win.”

With the full backing of his head coach, a clean bill of health, and a leadership role firmly in hand, Chandler is poised for a breakout season. And if Mark Pope’s glowing praise is any indication, BYU fans should be prepared to witness something truly special.