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BYU basketball: Eric Mika named Center of the Year Award finalist

By Nathan Cunningham

Dec 22, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (12) shoots the ball over two Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners players during the second half at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 81-71. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (12) shoots the ball over two Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners players during the second half at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 81-71. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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BYU basketball star Eric Mika is putting together a massive season. Now he’s been rewarded for his play.

BYU basketball center Eric Mika has been named as one of 10 finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award.

“Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is unquestionably one of the most accomplished centers of all-time,” President of the Basketball Hall of Fame John Doleva said in a press release. “His mindful and spirited approach to the game put him in a class of his own at both the collegiate and professional level and we appreciate his insights as we look to recognize the best centers in the game today.”

Mika and the BYU basketball team own a 16-8 record on the season. He is averaging 20.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 54 percent.

Mika leads the West Coast Conference in blocks, scoring an double-doubles. He’s also one of only three players in the nation averaging 20+ points and 9+ rebounds. One cannot overstate Mika’s importance to BYU basketball.

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After returning from a LDS mission in Italy, Mika has become the Cougars’ best player. He’s got a NBA skill set and will eventually be in the pros – it’s just a matter of time.

For now, Mika and the Cougars are preparing for the Portland Pilots, who will be coming to Provo on Feb. 4.

The other nine finalists – which are subject to change – are as follows:

Tacko Fall – UCF

Justin Patton – Creighton

Yante Maten – Georgia

Przemek Karnowski – Gonzaga

Tim Kempton – Lehigh

Jock Landale – St. Mary’s

Thomas Welsh – UCLA

Josh Hawkinson – Washington State

Ethan Happ – Wisconsin

Five finalists will be selected in March. Abdul-Jabbar and the selection committee will then choose a winner. That player will be announced on Friday, April 7.

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