PROVO -- Utah's victory over BYU last Saturday exposed, once again, two weaknesses that have plagued the Cougars the past few seasons -- lack of size and lack of depth.
Despite its deficiencies, BYU has surpassed expectations thus far in posting 15 wins with six regular-season games remaining and a possible NIT or NCAA Tournament berth within reach.Meanwhile, when it comes to dealing with size and depth questions next season and beyond, help is on the way. Count on the Cougars, who have just one senior (forward Silester Rivers) on their roster, to be even better in 2000-01.
Several impact players are set to join the program, including Brighton High forward Jesse Pinegar, Cottonwood High center Derek Dawes, Provo High forward Jake Chrisman and Utah Valley State College guard/forward Travis Hansen. Plus, former California prep star Daniel Bobik, a guard, will return from an LDS mission to start his college career.
BYU will also have a pair of senior transfers who will be available for the
final 21 games of next season, point guard Trent Whiting (Utah) and forward/center Nate Knight (Kentucky).
So much for size and depth problems.
"All those players should take us to the next level," said BYU coach Steve Cleveland. "There will be competition at every position next year. We will be two-deep at every position. I've looked forward to this for a long time."
Three years to be exact. During that period, Cleveland has had to make some difficult decisions, which he's termed "solution options," regarding a bevy of players. While he's thrilled with what the future holds, it hasn't been easy getting to this point.
Since Cleveland took over the program in March 1997, he inherited numerous athletes (many of whom have served missions) that he's had to evaluate. He's also had integrate his own recruits -- all while observing the NCAA-mandated 13-scholarship limit.
"I've spent a lot of time at this, and it's caused me a lot of heartache," he said. "We're dealing with young men and their families. I've been in the home of every player finding solution options. But I can say it's worked out for the best for everyone involved."
Cleveland has addressed the missionary situation and gotten the program back to a practical cycle.
In recent seasons, the Cougars have had young players coming and young players going simultaneously, creating a dearth of experience and destroying continuity.
BYU still has a surfeit of players, and more decisions have to be made following the conclusion of the 1999-2000 season. The difference now is that the Cougars have a strong nucleus to go along with this infusion of new talent.
"By May, we will have resolved the scholarship imbalance, and we'll never have to deal with this issue again," Cleveland said. "We knew coming in it would take three years, and it did. We'll have a full house next year, but it's manageable."
Whiting and Knight wanted to be a part of BYU's burgeoning program so much that they chose to come to Provo as non-scholarship players. "It's a unique situation. We'll never bring guys in for 21 games again," Cleveland said. "It can't hurt to have another point guard and rebounder in the program."
Cleveland knows that when he looks at his roster next season, he'll have more weapons to choose from than he's ever had before. Here's an early peek at the 2000-01 season by position:
CENTER -- The Cougars have played without a true center this season, employing a lineup made up of two forwards and three guards. Next season, the 6-foot-11 Dawes, who's averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocked shots a game at Cottonwood, will provide BYU with a much-needed inside force. "Derek has a huge upside -- he has just scratched the surface of the player he can become," Cleveland said. "His presence will be felt immediately."
Dan Howard, a 7-footer who is taking a medical redshirt, will help, too.
FORWARD -- Mekeli Wesley is one of the Mountain West Conference's premier players, and Eric Nielsen seems to be improving with each game. Nathan Cooper provides the Cougars with a jolt off the bench.
Pinegar, who has been sitting out his senior year to recuperate from shoulder surgery, is a skilled offensive player. Chrisman is a hard-nosed competitor and strong rebounder. Knight will supply additional rebounding ability.
GUARD -- The Cougars are loaded here, especially at shooting guard, with Terrell Lyday, Michael Vranes and Todd Christensen. Add to the mix Bobik and Hansen, who can play both guard positions.
"Travis has explosive athleticism and is capable of scoring inside and outside," Cleveland said of Hansen, who played one year at UVSC before a mission. "He will be a great asset to the motion offense because of his ability to penetrate and post up smaller guards. With Travis on the floor, our team rebounding will be strengthened."
At the point, the Cougars should be in good hands with Matt Montague and Whiting, when he becomes eligible, running the offense.
In addition to the aforementioned newcomers, BYU has outstanding players on missions and preparing to go on a mission. Guard Mark Bigelow -- remember him?-- led the Cougars in scoring as a freshman a year ago; former Orem High point guard Shaun Opunui went on a mission out of high school; and Austin Ainge, son of Danny Ainge, is wrapping up a successful prep career in Arizona. He will also serve a mission before enrolling at BYU.
And, keep in mind that Brighton big man Garner Meads has yet to sign a national letter-of-intent. He is considering BYU, Utah and Stanford. Regardless of where Meads winds up, it's safe to say things are looking up for the Cougars.