Top 5 centers in the WCC this past season
By Josh Horton
Jan 9, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Nate Austin (33) is fouled by Pepperdine Waves forward David Jesperson (12) while shooting the ball during the second half at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
No. 5 – Nate Austin (BYU)
Preseason Rank: 4
By Andrew Perkin
When it comes to rankings, most pundits love the flashy stats and the panache. Nate Austin gives neither of that. What he does give, however, is 26.7 minutes per game of aggressive, energetic basketball, and BYU fans love him for it.
Austin pulled down double digit boards 10 times this season, with a season high of 16 against San Francisco. Overall, he averaged 7.9 rebounds a game. I’d also be interested to know how many scuffles he averaged each game as well. The big man leaves it all out on the floor, and he’s willing to scrap.
Austin embraced his role on the team this season. Gone are the days when he would take an ill-advised jumpshot in a crucial situation. He simply fought for every loose ball and every rebound, and he brought the energy every night.
It will be interesting to see what roles each BYU front court player will take next season. Without the heralded Mika, Austin may be the guy who gets the low post touches. Then again, BYU has two unproven commodities in Isaac Neilson and Jamal Aytes who could command the ball down low. Cougar fans can be certain, though, that whatever role Austin takes on, he’ll do it full-bore.