West Coast Convo’s All-WCC First Team
By Josh Horton
March 11, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward/center
Sam Dower(35) shoots against Brigham Young Cougars forward
Eric Mika(00) during the first half in the championship game of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Dower – Forward – Gonzaga
They say good things happen to those who wait. Gonzaga senior forward Sam Dower is a perfect example of that.
Dower spent four years in Spokane before he really got a chance to make his way into the Zags’ starting lineup. The Minnesota native watched Robert Sacre, Elias Harris and Kelly Olynyk shine for the Bulldogs in his first three seasons of eligibility, providing quality minutes off the bench. Dower, who was always a fan favorite, did not panic and transfer when there was a log-jam in the Bulldogs front court and waited for his time to shine.
Gonzaga proved that patience is truly a virtue, as the 6’9” senior led the Bulldogs in scoring (15.0 PPG), rebounding (7.1 RPG) and field goal percentage where only players with 10 attempts or more are considered (.590).
In addition to accumulating some impressive statistics, Dower took part in some signature moments for the Bulldogs this season. With the Bulldogs down by one in Santa Clara, Calif. against the Broncos, Dower received a pass from Kyle Dranginis and fired away from 3-point range as time expired. The shot tore through the net, giving the Bulldogs a 63-61 victory.
His second signature moment this season came once again against the Santa Clara Broncos, but this time in the WCC tournament. Dower made 15 out of the 15 free throws he attempted, which included some in crunch time. Without Dower’s poise and concentration from the charity stripe, chances are that the Zags would have fallen that day to the Broncos and left the WCC tournament prematurely.
Dower will conclude his career as a Bulldog shortly, but not before he leads his team into the NCAA tournament. Regardless of how they fare, Dower will always be remembered for his phenomenal senior season.