That’s certainly not the case with the latest announcements, however.

BYU starters Caleb Lohner and Gideon George both posted on social media on Tuesday that they will be taking their basketball talents elsewhere.

George did declare for the NBA draft but that appeared to be a situation where he was attempting to get more feedback about what he needs to do at the next level. He had previously said he planned to return for another year as a Cougar but stated on his @GideonOmohkudu Twitter account that he had changed his mind.

“Two years ago I came to BYU not knowing what I would find or how things would turn out,” he tweeted. “What I found was a coaching staff that loved me, and a fan base that supported me in ways that I never could have imagined.

“At the time, this new journey was for two years. Yet here we are and due to historic circumstances, I have one more year of eligibility. While my current focus is on receiving feedback from the NBA, my plan is to return to college. After a lot of thought, and prayer, I have decided that my time at BYU has come to an end. It has been an incredible experience and my time at BYU has changed my life, but God has other plans for me now.

“I am forever grateful to Coach Pope, Chris Burgess, Nick Robinson, Cody Fueger, Bobby Horodyski and the rest of the incredible BYU staff. You and the rest of Cougar Nation treated me like family and I will never be able to repay you for what you have done for me.

“I love you all.

“Gideon George”

Lohner expressed similar sentiments when he made his own farewell post on his @caleblohner Twitter account.

“After deep introspection and extensive consultation with my coaches, family, and advisors, I have decided to leave BYU and have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal,” Lohner tweeted.

“This has been a very difficult decision for me, but I believe it is the right one for me at this time. I have loved BYU, will always be a Cougar, and will remember my time here fondly. I am also extraordinarily grateful to Cougar Nation, to all of my coaches, teammates, to the athletic department, and to the university for two terrific years that have not only been filled with awesome experiences but have also made me a better person.

“While I don’t know exactly what the future will hold, I am excited and optimistic and look forward to figuring out what is next. In line with my life view, I intend to find joy in the process.

“Caleb Lohner No. 33”

Although both Lohner and George had struggled to be as consistent as BYU would’ve hoped, their departure leaves BYU head coach Mark Pope with more gaping holes to fill as it appears his team will be missing seven players from last year’s roster. There is also an assistant coach vacancy, left by the departure of Chris Burgess.

Since it is only mid-April, there is still the potential that more player and/or coaching changes could be coming before things are set for the 2022-23 season.