Personal
Born April 1978 in Caldwell, Idaho ... parents are Susan and the late Wayne Bower; stepfather is Robert Carlson ... brother Danny played basketball at BYU (1997-99) ... served a two-year mission to Poland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ... recruited by Texas, Northwestern, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, Utah... accounting major.
Before BYU
(UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN): Bower shot 44 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the line at Wisconsin ... hit six three-pointers vs. Temple and was named ESPN's Player of the Game ... selected player of the game vs. Ohio State ... served a two-year mission to Poland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to playing at Wisconsin.
(RICKS COLLEGE): Bower played his freshman season at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho ...was named Region 18 MVP ... averaged 16 points and made 48 percent of his three-point attempts.
(HIGH SCHOOL): Bower was named the Idaho's Mr. Basketball as a senior at Skyview High, averaging 26.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
Summary
Bower should play a key role for the Cougars in his senior season ... He was the Cougars' primary reserve, including five starts, last season despite being slowed by a back injury ... He had back surgery after the season ... He is a transfer from the University of Wisconsin who sat out using a redshirt year in 2001-02 because of NCAA transfer rules ... An excellent shooter, he was the team's top percentage shooter (of players with significant minutes) from three-point range (.439) and the free throw line (.875) last year ... He shot 44 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the line at Wisconsin ... He can play some point but is primarily a wing ... He has an outstanding knowlege of the game and possesses good leadership skills ... He should be a strong factor for the Cougars on the perimeter in 2003-04 ... He has career highs at BYU of 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Stats
BYU CAREER HIGHS: POINTS: 14 vs. New Mexico FG MADE: 4 (four times) last vs. New Mexico FG ATT: 8 at Creighton FG%: .667 (2-3) vs. Toledo 3FG MADE: 4 vs. ISU, UNM 3FG ATT: 7 vs. ISU, UNM 3FG%: 1.000 (2-2) v. Toledo FT MADE: 7 vs. Kansas State FT ATT: 8 vs. Kansas State FT %: 1.000 (6-6) vs. Utah State REB: 5 (3 times) last vs. AFA ASSISTS: 5 vs. AFA STEALS: 2 (three times) last at USF BLOCKS: 1 (3 times) last at AFA MINUTES: 31 (twice) last vs. SDSU
Slowed by preseason injuries, Bower was still a primary reserve on the perimeter and made 5 starts ... starting vs. AFA in Provo, he had a season-best 5 assists while equaling a season-high 5 rebounds with 5 points ... his first start was vs. St. Bonaventure, helping handle the Bonnies pressure defense ... made 13 consecutive free throws over eight games before missing the second of four attempts vs. SUU ... went 6-6 from the line late vs. Utah State to keep the Cougars on top ... his trey with 1:49 left against SUU was BYU's 14th of the game, setting a new school record ... had 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 9 points vs. SUU ... was the sub of the game with 9 points and 2 assists in 15 minutes vs. Oklahoma State ... hit a big shot in the corner at ASU ... had five double-figure scoring games, including a season-high 14 points vs. New Mexico in Provo ... made 4 treys vs. UNM, equaling his season high that he achieved in only 10 minutes vs. Idaho State while scoring 13 points ... made multiple threes in eight games ... played 20 or more minutes in 14 games.
SUMMER TOUR IN AUSTRALIA: Bower averaged 4.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.8 apg and 0.6 spg in 19.4 minutes.
Bower practiced with the team while redshirting due to transfer rules.