HB Arnett’s 801 372 - 0819 hbarnett@fiber.net 1391 West 800 South – Orem, Utah 84058 Vol. 34, Issue 30 –February 24, 2014 Click Here <http://cougarclicks.com/product/Order-Cougar-Sportsline?ID=3173> To Order Or Renew Your Subscriptions Déjà vu…BYU and Rose Win with Witness Protection Production BYU won two basketball games this past week. They were big ones. The Cougars’ 73-65 win over Gonzaga in the Marriott Center last Thursday, put the Cougars back in the picture for a place in the NCAA tournament. They added some extra support for their place and position with a follow up 89-72 whipping of Portland on Saturday. The way Dave Rose did it was a Déjà vu moment. Remember the 2009-10 season? That was Jimmer’s junior year. Late in that season, out of nowhere, Rose pulled a Las Vegas guard named Michael Lloyd out of the witness protection program and off the BYU bench to give an added spark to BYU’s NCAA tournament run. In case you forgot, Lloyd was productive and at times very good. He carried the Cougars to an impressive win over Florida in the first round of NCAA play. He tallied 26 points against the Gators and won the game for BYU. Lloyd went from a no-name bench player to a “name” player that BYU fans wouldn’t forget. Now jump forward to this season. Rose has reached out to the BYU witness protection program again late in the year and plucked a winner and a Winder off the bench to give the Cougars a lift. Anson Winder, also a Las Vegas guard, came from nowhere to notoriety with his play this past weekend. He led the Cougars in scoring with 17 against Gonzaga and added 19 more points against Portland. If Winder play’s was a movie, it would be a remake of Robert Redford’s “The Natural”. Both Winder and Redford came from oblivion to stardom overnight. But, if you are looking for somebody to wield the “Wonderboy” bat that was so prominent in the film that would undoubtedly have to be Matt Carlino. Here are some “Wonderboy” statistics put up by Carlino against Portland in just 27 minutes of play against the Pilots. Let’s start with 30 points on 11-16 shooting, including 8-13 from beyond the arc. With the play of Winder and “Wonderboy” Carlino’s latest production, the only wonder left is where has Winder been and why was Carlino benched for Skyler Halford? That’s why they pay Dave Rose the big bucks. He makes the decisions and based on the strings he is pulling the last two weeks, BYU may also cash a big bucks check by getting an invite to NCAA post season play. Before NCAA play, there still is San Diego on the road looming for the regular season finale. The Toreros knocked off Gonzaga in San Diego last Saturday to make the WCC standings and BYU’s final game very interesting. The Zags close at Pacific and St. Mary’s on the road this Thursday and Saturday. San Francisco also finishes on the road with games at Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount. 2013-14 WCC Men's Basketball Standings Team WCC PCT Overall #24 <http://www.gozags.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=26400&SPID=90846> Gonzaga 13-3 .813 23-6 BYU <http://byucougars.com/home/m-basketball> 12-5 .706 20-10 San <http://usfdons.com/index.aspx?tab=mensbasketball&path=mbball> Francisco 11-5 .688 18-10 Saint <http://www.smcgaels.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=21400&SPID=12536> Mary's 10-6 .625 20-9 Pepperdine <http://www.pepperdinesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/pepp-m-baskbl-body.html> 8-8 .500 15-13 Portland <http://portlandpilots.com/index.aspx?path=mbball> 7-9 .438 15-13 San <http://usdtoreros.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/usd-m-baskbl-body.html> Diego 7-10 .412 16-14 Pacific <http://pacifictigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/index> 5-11 .313 14-13 Santa Clara <http://www.santaclarabroncos.com/sports/m-baskbl/index> 5-11 .313 12-17 Loyola <http://www.lmulions.com/sports/m-baskbl/loyo-m-baskbl-body.html> Marymount 3-13 .188 11-17 Carlino Shot Like a Girl against Portland As good as Matt Carlino shot the ball last Saturday against Portland, a BYU girl out shot him. Kim Beeston bested Carlino on the shooting stat sheet last week on the road while leading the Lady Cougars to a 91-67 win over Loyola Marymount. Beeston was a beast from beyond the three point line. The 5-11 senior hit 9 of 12 threes against LMU to lead the Cougars in scoring with 27 points. The Ladies will finish out the regular season at home this Saturday against San Diego. 2013-14 WCC Women's Basketball Standings Team WCC PCT Overall #24 <http://www.gozags.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=26400&SPID=90847&SPSID=62 7539> Gonzaga 14-2 .875 24-4 BYU <http://byucougars.com/home/w-basketball> 13-4 .765 23-5 Pacific <http://pacifictigers.com/sports/w-baskbl/index> 11-5 .688 16-10 San <http://usdtoreros.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/usd-w-baskbl-body.html> Diego 11-6 .647 22-6 Saint <http://www.smcgaels.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=21400&SPID=12537&SPSID= 101621> Mary's 10-6 .625 20-7 Portland <http://portlandpilots.com/index.aspx?path=wbball> 7-9 .438 14-13 Santa Clara <http://santaclarabroncos.com/sports/w-baskbl/index> 5-11 .313 9-18 Loyola <http://www.lmulions.com/sports/w-baskbl/loyo-w-baskbl-body.html> Marymount 5-11 .313 8-19 San <http://usfdons.com/index.aspx?tab=womensbasketball&path=wbball> Francisco 4-12 .250 9-18 Pepperdine <http://www.pepperdinesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/pepp-w-baskbl-body.html> 1-15 .063 5-22 Diamond Doldrums Continue The only way to describe BYU’s start to the baseball season is…dismal. That’s the adjective I would use after a 1-7 start. When it comes to BYU’s softball start to the season, the appropriate adjective would be disappointing? That what happens when you go 6-9 out of the gate. In both cases it starts and ends on the mound. Neither BYU club is getting good consistent pitching and when they face good pitching, they can’t consistently hit and produce runs. That pretty well describes both sports. Good pitching is paramount in both sports. BYU Has 5 at NFL Combine Five hopeful BYU football players are strutting their stuff and stats at the NFL Combine. Here is an analysis of those five Cougar players as put together by the staff of NFL.com. Also included, if completed, are their measurables in the different areas of analysis. Cody Hoffman, WR, 40-yd dash – 4.65; Bench Press – 13 reps; Vert Jump – 27.5 inches; Broad Jump – 108.5 inches; Three Cone Drill – 6.89 sec; 20-yd shuttle – 4.2 sec Overview…Had a reception in 43 consecutive games to finish college career. 2013: Honorable mention FBS All-Independent choice after recording 894 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Was suspended for one game for violation of team rules. 2012: Had 100 receptions for 1,248 yards (ranking second in school history behind Austin Collie, 2008) and 11 touchdowns. 2011: Started all 13 games and led team in receptions (61), yards (943) and touchdowns (10). Had five 100-yard receiving games. 2010: Played in 13 games with 10 starts. Led team with 527 receiving yards. 2009: Redshirted. Strengths…Outstanding size with long arms. Extends outside his frame and can snag throws outside his body. Wide catching radius. Deceptively quick coming out of breaks. Has NFL pedigree. Experienced, four-year starter. Played through a shoulder injury during 2011 and '12 seasons. Is tough and durable. Weaknesses…Comes off the line too gingerly and will struggle beating NFL press coverage. Limited agility to shake defenders releasing and does not create in space. Monotone route runner. Many of his catches are contested (minimal separation). Does not play to his size in the run game -- uses too much finesse as a blocker. Average athlete with limited burst and explosion. Average leaping ability. Must learn what it means to be a pro and could benefit from committing more to the craft. Bottom Line…A big, outside-the-numbers possession receiver with good length and hand-eye coordination to fend for a roster spot as a No. 4 or No. 5 receiver. Eathyn Manumaleuna, DL. Bench Press – 29 Overview…2013: First-team All-Independent Team pick after starting in all 13 games. 2012: Started in front of Detroit Lions 2013 first-round draft pick Ziggy Ansah before suffering a torn patella tendon in 2012. Redshirted after suffering knee injury after four games. 2011: Started all 13 games at defensive end. 2010: Played in 13 games and started in eight. 2008-09: Did not play while serving on a mission to Oklahoma. 2007: Started all 13 games at nose tackle as a true freshman. Strengths…Good strength, balance and body control. Lines up in a flexible stance and engages quickly. Generally holds his ground. Has two-gap ability. Shoots his hands to stack, locate and shed. Can press his man and walk him back to cave the pocket. Moves very well for a big man, especially laterally -- can pick 'em up and put 'em down in chase mode. Senses screen. Strong wrap tackler. Has NFL bloodlines. Weaknesses…Lacks ideal length and bulk -- can be locked up by larger blockers. Is not a quick-twitch, power player. Marginal sack production -- one-dimensional rusher who could stand to develop counter moves. What you see is what you get -- will be a 25-year-old rookie. Bottom Line…Thick, stout, overaged defensive lineman with functional strength, awareness and competitiveness to provide depth and effective run defense. Is scheme-versatile, having played tackle and end in a hybrid front, and could be used as a 4-3 tackle or 3-4 five-technique. Good soldier. Daniel Sorensen, FS Overview…2013: FBS All-Independent Team. 8 tackles, 1 INT vs. Utah State. 6 tackles, 1 TFL vs. Notre Dame. 2012: Honorable mention All-Independent. 10 tackles at Notre Dame. 8 tackles, 1 INT at Georgia Tech. 2011: Started all 13 games. Had 6 tackles, 1 FR at Ole Miss. 30-yard INT TD vs. Idaho State. 2009-2010: Served in the Costa Rica San Jose Mission. 2008: Played 12 games. Had an INT vs. Wyoming. High School: First-team all-conference on offense and defense. Misc: Brother, Brad (QB), was drafted in the seventh round by the San Diego Chargers in 2013. Strengths…Good size with above-average straight-line speed. Technically proficient -- has enough toughness and will sacrifice his body. Dependable tackler. Enough range to make some plays on the ball and jump routes. Football is important to him and takes it very seriously. Makes the secondary calls and checks and understands coverages like a coach. Prepares like a pro. Tough, durable, solid producer. Reliable special teams contributor. High school punter capable of handling punts in emergency situations. Weaknesses…Has small hands. Is stiff in the hips and plays a bit flat-footed. Is challenged by elite speed and lacks ideal size to match up against tight ends. Is not a big hitter. Does not possess the top-end speed to range to the sideline and make plays on the ball -- not a true center fielder. Average career production on the ball. Bottom Line…More smart than instinctive, classic overachiever with enough size, straight-line speed and intelligence to function as a backup and special teams performer. Shows enough range to survive on the back end and toughness to interchange in the box. Can make a living on special teams. Uani (Devin) Unga, ILB Overview…Will turn 27 years old on Dec. 28, 2014. 2013: First-team All-Independent Team pick after playing in 13 games and making 12 starts. 2012: Played in all 13 games, but did not start. 2011: Redshirted due to transfer from Oregon State. 2010: Played at Oregon State, where he appeared in 13 games without a start. Was one of eight true freshmen to play. High School: Won football state title as senior; also won a state basketball title in 2005. Misc.: Also goes by Devin Unga. Grew up with eight siblings. Cousin of Reno Mahe, who played for Philadelphia Eagles. Another cousin, Fahu Tahi, played for Minnesota Vikings. Another Cousin, Harvey Unga, is BYU's all-time leading rusher and was drafted by the Chicago Bears. His uncle, Tim Manoa, played for the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts. His brother, Feti, played at Oregon State. Strengths…Good eyes to key and diagnose -- football smart. Plays on his feet and bends well. Steps downhill and has good take-on strength to stack and shed blockers. Motor runs hot in pursuit. Solid tackler. Drops competently into zone and shows nice awareness and reactions. Experience in a 3-4 defense. Has a special-teams mentality. Well-respected, motivated, hardworking leader. Comes from a football family. Weaknesses…Lacks ideal height and length. Has very small hands. Lacks ideal foot speed -- can be a step late to the perimeter. Can be covered up and negated when he plays on his heels and exposes his frame to larger linemen. Needs to be schemed free as a blitzer. Relatively inexperienced. Is overaged with limited upside -- will be a 26-year-old rookie. Bottom Line…An overaged, competitive, physical linebacker of Tongan descent, Unga went from walk-on to captain at BYU, where he was a tackling machine in his lone season as a starter. Skill set and college responsibilities translate well to the pro game, and he’s capable of serving as a core special-teams player and solid backup for a 3-4 team. Kyle Van Noy, OLB Overview…2013: FBS All-Independent Defensive Player of the Year selection. Had eight tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss in win over Texas. 2012: Third-team AP All-American after recording 13 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and forcing six fumbles. Had eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception return for a touchdown, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and blocked kick against San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl. 2011: Played in all 13 games with eight starts. Was only FBS player to record a stat in each of the following categories: tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, inteceptions, pass breakup, QB hurries, fumble recoveries, forced fumbles, blocked kicks and touchdowns. 2010: Played in all 13 games and made two starts. 2009: Redshirted. High school: Helped lead footballteam to state title as a senior. Also ran track (400-, 800- and 1,600-meter relays). Strengths…Has a muscular, well-proportioned build. Quick get-off. Knifes gaps. Good pass-rush ability -- can push the pocket or pressure the edge. Keeps working to the quarterback and has deceptive closing speed. Eyes the quarterback and tries to get his hands in the passing lane. Athletic with good movement skills in all directions -- equipped to keep pace with backs and tight ends in coverage. Is rangy and can open up his stride and run vertical. Glides on the field. Scheme versatile. Football smart. Weaknesses…Lacks elite length and flexibility to bend and flatten. Average instincts and diagnose. Still developing eye discipline. Needs to cultivate a more sophisticated arsenal of pass-rush moves. Leaves some production on the field. Leaves his feet to tackle and slips off the ball carrier. Hit-or-miss run defender. Could stand to improve his upper-body strength and stack-and-shed ability. Average motor -- could pursue with more urgency. Bottom Line…Good-sized, athletic, smooth-moving stand-up player who projects best as a 3-4 right outside linebacker, but could also warrant consideration from 4-3 teams as a Will or Sam. Is not without flaws, but has unique ability to play up the field, laterally or in reverse. BYU Television Timetable Men’s Basketball BYU vs. San Diego Saturday, March 1 at San Diego Tipoff: 2:00 pm MST TV: TWC SN, ROOT, CSN CA, TheW.tv Women’s Basketball BYU vs. San Diego Saturday, Mar 1 at Provo Tipoff: 1:00 MST TV: BYUtv Men’s Volleyball BYU vs. USC Friday, Feb 28 at Provo Match Start: 7:00 pm MST TV: BYUtv BYU vs. Pepperdine Saturday, Mar 1 at Provo Match Start: 7:00 pm MST TV: BYUtv