Top 5 power forwards in the WCC this past season
By Josh Horton
Feb 20, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (00) grabs a rebound stares down a Gonzaga Bulldogs fan on the front row during the first half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
No. 5 Eric Mika (BYU)
Preseason Rank: NR
By Andrew Perkins
It’s hard not to be satisfied with the performance of the freshman phenom. Mika came in with extremely high expectations and performed admirably for a team that needed him to contribute. He ended up averaging 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, even though a late season rotation switch sent him to the bench. Mika posted five double-doubles on the year as well. His vital contribution to the team was most apparent in the final minutes against Iowa State after he left due to injury. Without his strong interior presence, BYU let the game slip away.
As Mika learns to harness his passion and emotion, he will be a force to be reckoned with. He will have ample opportunity to refine himself in that area, as he will be heading to Rome, Italy to serve a church mission starting in May. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Mika will return in 2016 in time to play his sophomore season.