DAVID BECKER/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL FILE PHOTO | Bishop Gorman senior guard Anson Winder, shown going for a loose ball during an 81-59 win at Faith Lutheran on Dec. 9, 2008, has given an oral commitment to Brigham Young.
POSTED: Wednesday November 4, 2009
Anson Winder was hoping all along he would be able to play major college basketball close to home.
So when Brigham Young extended a scholarship offer to the Bishop Gorman senior guard in early August, the Cougars took an early lead in the recruiting race.
“They were on top of my list from the get-go,” Winder said.
Winder gave an oral commitment to BYU on Wednesday, choosing the Cougars over offers from UNR and Idaho. He took official recruiting visits to all three schools, including BYU the weekend of Oct. 24.
“The visit was excellent,” Winder said. “The team was really close. They get the most out of their players.”
Oral commitments are non-binding. Players can’t officially sign until Nov. 11.
The 6-foot-3-inch Winder averaged 11.1 points and 7.7 rebounds as a junior, helping Gorman to a 28-5 record and the Class 4A state title.
“We’re excited for Anson,” said Gorman coach Grant Rice, the brother of BYU associate head coach Dave Rice. “It’s a great fit for him. The up-tempo style is going to fit his game.”
Winder said BYU envisions him beginning his career with the Cougars as a shooting guard before eventually moving to the point.
Grant Rice said Winder, who played some in the post as a junior, will play mostly on the wing this season.
“That’s helped him with his strength,” Grant Rice said of Winder playing in the paint.
Winder’s stock soared after starring on the summer circuit, where he led Las Vegas-based Triple Double Elite to the 17U Platinum Bracket second round of the StarVision Sports Center Stage Tournament.
“I think his decision is a good decision,” Triple Double Elite coach Tyrell Jamerson said. “He’ll be set for life even without basketball. As far as basketball, his upside is tremendous.”
Jamerson, a former UNLV guard, said Winder has gone from relative unknown to a rising star on the recruiting scene in the past year.
“It’s still like a dream,” Jamerson said. “A year ago, he had no looks. It became a whirlwind.”
Winder, whose first offer came from Idaho in late July, said his play over the summer made a difference.
“This summer was great,” he said. “Going in, my dad, coach Rice and coach Tyrell said to play my game, and it helped a lot.”
Winder will join two players at BYU with Las Vegas ties. BYU senior swingman Jonathan Tavernari played at Gorman, and sophomore guard Michael Loyd is from Palo Verde.
Also Wednesday, Grant Rice said Gorman senior point guard Johnathan Loyd, Michael Loyd’s younger brother, will wait to make his college decision until after the season.
Johnathan Loyd has offers from Cal Poly, Cal State Northridge, Northern Arizona, Oakland and Southern Methodist, Rice said.
The Gaels also will return swingman Shabazz Muhammad, a sophomore who Rivals.com rates with five stars.
“The sky’s the limit for this team,” Winder said. “We have all the pieces. We just have to put it together.”
a-dub you've come along way. you had alot of support and direction from alot of quality people. especially your family! continued success. i will see you soon.
BYU always in the top 25 and big dance???? LOL, when was the last time BYwho won a game IN the big dance....exactly. Know your role. Catholic to Mormon good luck little fellow. Glad UNLV passed on him LOL.
Congrats Anson! Great to see another Las Vegas kid realize his dream of playing college basketball. You are a fantastic young man.
Great job family!I knew when you played for no limit that you where going to be a great.so keep up the hard work.can't wait to see you on the next level! Your family stephon stowers
Congrats to a fine young who will make everyone from vegas and your family proud,always remember what we always said hard work pays,your upside is among the best stay focused,Stevie,S
Congrats Anson, I guess the cat is finally out of the bag! Anson is going to thrive in their up tempo offense! BYU always seems to be in the top 25 for most of the season, and is always in the big dance, what a great opportunity!
From Gorman to Mormon, good luck in the transition.
The pipe line Rice To Rice is solid for both programs. If BYU can get Coleman, and Allen in a couple of years then its going to be like UNLV back in 90's
Anson is a very good basketball player, but even a better young man. He would've been a great addition to any collegiate program. Congrats Anson.
Well deserved! The kid works hard! He will be a force for Gorman this year.
The Rice brothers connect again. . .
Grant feeds David for the alley oop. . .
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