Jake Toolson Will Not Serve Mission Immediately as Planned

Per his Instagram account, Jake Toolson – a BYU class of 2014 signee – will not be going on his mission as originally planned.

"Due to an anxiety disorder that I have struggled with my whole life I wasn’t able to serve a mission at this time. Whether I leave in 3 months, a year, or come to find that I have a different mission in life, I have confidence that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. I am thankful to be surrounded by people who love and support me and most of all for a loving Heavenly Father."

For those that don’t know, Toolson is a three-star forward from Gilbert, Ariz. that can really shoot the ball. He projects to be a small forward at the next level, and was originally supposed to join the BYU roster in 2016-2017, along with Payton Dastrup and T.J. Haws.

Feb 20, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Dave Rose watches game action during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Now that Toolson cannot serve his mission at this time, it poses the question: would it be possible for Toolson to play right away for the Cougars?

While BYU has all of its 2014-2015 scholarships filled, Toolson can pay his way this season, just like Dalton Nixon and Kyle Davis are doing. It’s probably the most plausible scenario for Toolson, considering BYU most likely would like to keep him aboard and he most likely will not be able to serve a mission this year.

Hypothetically, Toolson could give the Cougars yet another dynamic in 2014-2015. BYU is already ripe with shooters – Tyler Haws, Skylar Halford and Chase Fischer, just to name a few – and Toolson can just add to that, making BYU one of the better shooting teams in the conference. It also gives Dave Rose a boatload of depth at his disposal, but more competition might make playing time scarcer.

More information will be posted up on the site when it is available regarding Toolson.