No. 10 Zags signs versatile big man

By Associated Press

Summary

No. 10 Gonzaga has signed forward-center Sam Dower from Minnesota to a national letter of intent to play next season.

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Story Published: Nov 12, 2008 at 4:38 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 4:35 AM PST

No. 10 Zags signs versatile big man

In this March 9, 2008 file photo, Gonzaga's Josh Heytvelt (42) and Abdullahi Kuso, left, celebrate after their 52-48 win over Santa Clara in their semifinal basketball game at the West Coast Conference tournament in San Diego. Heytvelt scored 15 points in the victory.

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - No. 10 Gonzaga has signed forward-center Sam Dower from Minnesota to a national letter of intent to play next season.

Bulldogs coach Mark Few said on Wednesday the 6-foot-9 Dower is a unique post player who is tough to defend because he is left-handed.

Dower's summer AAU team coach says Dower is also an effective 3-point shooter and is athletic for his size.

Dower didn't make the varsity team at Osseo High School in the Minneapolis suburbs until midway through his sophomore year. He averaged 2.5 points per game that season. He improved to 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season as a junior.

He chose Gonzaga over scholarship offers from Minnesota, Marquette and Iowa.