[1] After originally committing to the Houston Cougars, the press release on May 18, 1967, read as follows: "Western Kentucky signed its third all-state basketball player, Jim Rose of Hazard, Ky., to a grant-in-aid yesterday.

[1][4] Rose played college basketball at Western Kentucky University, from 1967 to 1971 under Coach John Oldham.

[5] In 1969–1970, Rose averaged 14.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists as the Hilltoppers finished 22–3, losing to Jacksonville 109–96 in the 1970 NCAA University Division basketball tournament.

Playing with teammates Clarence Glover (#10 pick in 1971 NBA draft), Jim McDaniels (#23 pick in 1971 NBA draft and Jerry Dunn, the Hilltoppers revenged their 1970 loss to Jacksonville University with Artis Gilmore, winning 74–72.

Western Kentucky defeated Ohio State 81–78, before losing in double overtime to Villanova University in the semi-finals 92–89.