Y basketball brings in top freshmen players

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    By Michael Christensen

    This fall the BYU men”s basketball team will face the challenge of replacing graduated stars Mekeli Wesley and Terrell Lyday. They”ll have two great candidates in freshman Jared Jensen and Shawn Opunui.

    Wesley and Lyday were both all-conference performers last year and they left big shoes to fill. The freshmen said they hope they are up to the challenge.

    Jensen, a 6-9 forward from Fremont High School, average 29 points a game to lead the state in scoring this past season. He also averaged 14 rebounds per game.

    Head coach Steve Cleveland said Jensen is a great low post offensive player. “He has an opportunity to have an immediate impact on our program,” Cleveland said.

    Jensen said he recognizes that he will have to give his best effort this season. “I”m going to have to come and work hard and just try to contribute on everything coach asks me to do,” Jensen said.

    Opunui graduated from nearby Orem High in 1999. He averaged 21.7 points and 6.1 assists per game during his senior year. Like Lyday, Opunui is a great three-point and free throw shooter. He shot over 40 percent from long range and 90 percent from the line.

    “Shawn is an athletic point guard who has excellent open court passing and is an outstanding three-point shooter,” Cleveland said. Cleveland said Opunui will split time with senior point guard Matt Montague.

    Both players are spending time with their new teammates scrimmaging and lifting weights. They said the summer play is helping them get to know the other players and adjust to the higher level of play.

    “Everyone is stronger and faster and smarter too,” Jensen said. “It”s just a completely different game.” Jensen said he hopes to bring a versatile game to the team.

    “I like to play inside, bang down low and then once in a while shoot shots outside,” Jensen said. Despite his scoring ability, Opunui said he sees himself as more of a passer than a shooter.

    “I love to see the floor,” Opunui said. “I love to see the break and hit the open man. That”s where I get the most pleasure.”

    Opunui”s unselfish style of play extends to his playing time as well.

    “The most important thing is just to win, whether I play two minutes or 30 minutes,” Opunui said.

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