1985 BYU Hall of Fame
Both at home and abroad, former BYU basketball player Herschel Pedersen was a shining star, victoriously leading teams in Denmark, Japan and the United States.
Herschel first came to BYU in 1947, but soon got tired of the emphasis placed on sports achievements. He realized that there were many other values and abilities one should develop, and that those who excel in music, speech, or any other endeavor should be recognized as well. Especially important to him was the development of spiritual attributes, so, after his first basketball season at the "Y," Herschel left on a three-year mission.
Basketball followed him to Denmark, however, where the Danish people were just beginning to develop the sport. There, playing with other missionaries (without practicing), his team won the Danish National Championship game, 82-5.
After that, Herschel and other missionaries gave up part of their preparation days to help Denmark's Olympic team, baptizing some of the athletes along the way.
Following his mission, Herschel was drafted, and played for the United States Army, first winning the All-Army Championship in California, and later the All-Service Tournament in Japan. He was named Most Valuable Player at every tournament in which he played.
Herschel came back to BYU in 1953, with a fresh outlook on the importance of education and service. Though his seemingly careless attitude about basketball at first incurred the wrath of his coaches, his outstanding abilities soon shone through, and partway through his first year back, he began starting in the games, which continued throughout this career. During the 1955-56 season, Herschel captured 314 rebounds, second-most in BYU history. He had 888 career points from 1954 to 1956.
Herschel and his wife, Shirley, have nine children.
1985 BYU Hall of Fame
Both at home and abroad, former BYU basketball player Herschel Pedersen was a shining star, victoriously leading teams in Denmark, Japan and the United States.
Herschel first came to BYU in 1947, but soon got tired of the emphasis placed on sports achievements. He realized that there were many other values and abilities one should develop, and that those who excel in music, speech, or any other endeavor should be recognized as well. Especially important to him was the development of spiritual attributes, so, after his first basketball season at the "Y," Herschel left on a three-year mission.
Basketball followed him to Denmark, however, where the Danish people were just beginning to develop the sport. There, playing with other missionaries (without practicing), his team won the Danish National Championship game, 82-5.
After that, Herschel and other missionaries gave up part of their preparation days to help Denmark's Olympic team, baptizing some of the athletes along the way.
Following his mission, Herschel was drafted, and played for the United States Army, first winning the All-Army Championship in California, and later the All-Service Tournament in Japan. He was named Most Valuable Player at every tournament in which he played.
Herschel came back to BYU in 1953, with a fresh outlook on the importance of education and service. Though his seemingly careless attitude about basketball at first incurred the wrath of his coaches, his outstanding abilities soon shone through, and partway through his first year back, he began starting in the games, which continued throughout this career. During the 1955-56 season, Herschel captured 314 rebounds, second-most in BYU history. He had 888 career points from 1954 to 1956.
Herschel and his wife, Shirley, have nine children.
- Nickname "Soup Bones"
- Back at BYU after LDS Church mission, tour in service
- Played frosh ball for Cats
- Uses height to good advantage
- “Soup” hooks well, knows how to handle himself on the court
- “Soup Bones” returned to BYU last year after tour in armed service and three years as Mormon missionary
- Should anchor the pivot spot this year
- Humorous and good natured, “Soup” is a P.E. major
Big “Soup Bones” is the other half of BYU Mutt and Jeff team. Last season Soup led team in scoring (421 points, 16.1 average), rebounds (293), and % FGM (40%). Along with Tebbs, he formed the backbone of last year’s squad. Pedersen can score on any kind of shot, but seems to work best around basket. Soup served two-year mission in Denmark for LDS Church, saw service in the Army before returning to BYU two years ago. Married with one child, P.E. major.