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By Mark Wright
U Wisconsin's Bower Transfers to BYU
MADISON, WISCONSIN -- Sophomore basketball player Ricky Bower is
transferring to BYU and, by so doing, is also returning to his
family's college roots. His father, Wayne, played on the Cougar
football team in the early 1970s and his older brother, Danny, played
basketball at BYU for two years during the late 90's. In addition,
Bower's mother is also a former BYU student.
Bower, a returned missionary who served his mission in Poland,
originally signed to play for the University of Wisconsin during the
tenure of coach Dick Bennett. However, given the recent upheaval in
the Wisconsin coaching staff and attendant change of direction for
the program, Bower decided to transfer to BYU where he believes his
talents will complement Coach Cleveland's basketball vision.
Cleveland apparently told Bower that he will be able to step into the
shoes of Trent Whiting and become a combination
point-guard/shooting-guard, running the offense and passing the ball
but also free to find his own shots.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Bower's commitment to living the principles of the Gospel were never
more apparent than when he originally arrived to play for Wisconsin.
Bower successfully brokered an agreement with Wisconsin's coaches
that he would neither play nor practice on Sundays, allowing him time
to attend church and otherwise worship on the Sabbath.
After sitting out for one year, Bower, who averaged 4.3 points in 23
games at Wisconsin last season, will have two more years of
eligibility at BYU, starting with the 2002-2003 season. It is
anticipated that Bower will compete for playing time at the
point-guard position with returned missionaries Shawn Opunui, who
enters BYU this fall, and son of former Cougar great Danny Ainge,
Austin, who returns in 2002.
Source:
Bower heading to BYU
Milwaukee WI Journal-Sentinel 1May01 S2
By Mark Stewart: Journal Staff
Guard fears he won't suit Ryan's style at UW
Bower Transfers to Cougs
Salt Lake Tribune 1May01 S2
By Phil Miller: Salt Lake Tribune
See also:
Bower Goes Home ... to Play in NCAA Tournament
Despite Reduction, Clerical Error Costs Bower Four Games
Paperwork Error Benches LDS Basketball Player
RM at UWisconsin to Sit Out Sunday Basketball Games
University of Wisconsin Gets LDS Guard
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