PROVO -- Will bigger be better?
Size didn't do much for Godzilla at the box office, but Steve Cleveland is convinced it'll help BYU's basketball fortunes.After a 4-5 start, the Cougars are looking to reach greater heights with the return of 6-foot-9 forward Mekeli Wesley. The sophomore, who averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds last season, makes his 1998-99 debut Saturday at the Marriott Center against California (5-1). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. (KSL-TV, Ch. 5).
"Mekeli's return against Cal will be inspirational, but we will need to see how he does from a conditioning standpoint. I don't think anyone has high expectations for his first game," Cleveland said. "But in the next several weeks, his presence will be felt. Mekeli will allow us to have a good inside-outside attack."
Wesley began practicing with the Cougars Thursday after re-enrolling at BYU following a suspension for academic and Honor Code shortcomings. The former Provo High star, who married and became a father during the offseason, improved his grades at Salt Lake Community College last semester.
"I'm a little bit sore, but I feel good," said Wesley after practice Friday. "Hopefully, I can come in and contribute (Saturday) and for the rest of the season."
Without Wesley and with 6-foot-11 center Bret Jepsen in and out of the lineup with injuries, the undersized Cougars have evolved into a perimeter team. More than 30 percent of their field goal attempts come from beyond the arc.
Fortunately for BYU, the team is connecting from long range fairly regularly -- 58-of-146 for 39.7 percent. Scoring leader Mark Bigelow (16.9 ppg) is among four players who are averaging at least one three-pointer made per game. Nathan Cooper, Todd Christensen and Michael Vranes are the others.
Outside shooting has allowed the Cougars to compensate for their lack of height. The old adage, however, has proven true: live by the three, die by the three. BYU made .667 percent in a 76-68 victory over Louisiana Tech and just .167 percent in a 62-43 setback at Auburn.
Cleveland said Wesley, who'll see most of his action at power forward, is capable of hitting from long range as well. He hit 18 treys as a freshman.
"We're a better basketball team if we have four players on the floor who can shoot from the perimeter," said Cleveland, also noting Wesley's presence also gives the Cougars something they've been missing all season long -- continuity and size up front. Only 6-foot-7 forward Silester Rivers and backup Mark Michaelis have been constants.
Wesley said he's comfortable going one-on-one down in the post. And that in turn, he added, should open up BYU's perimeter game for quick threes. It'll also help to have Wesley's size competing for offensive rebounds. BYU grabbed just two in its worst loss of the season -- a 93-62 debacle at Oregon.
Though he suffered from leg cramps and became winded quickly in practice, Wesley hopes to work his way into shape with 25-30 minutes of playing time.
"Even out of shape, he'll help this basketball team," said Cleveland. ". . . We still have a few mountains to climb, but the future is bright for this group."
Wesley agrees.
"I feel we have a good chance to win games in the league and have a chance of playing in the postseason," he said. "I'm confident we can get some things together and work hard."
The first test comes tonight, when Cal visits Provo. The Bears are led by senior guard Geno Carlisle (20.3 ppg) and sophomore forward Sean Lampley, who averages 15.4 points and 12 rebounds per game.
"Cal is the most athletic team in the Pac-10 and will apply great defensive pressure," Cleveland said. "They have size off the bench and will contest every shot. We need to execute, set good screens and be successful at shooting the ball in transition."