Byu Unveils Giant Talent: 7-6 Shawn Bradley -- Basketball Isn't The Only Mission For Towering Cougar Freshman

SALT LAKE CITY - Shawn Bradley is only a freshman, but already he has cast his long shadow across the NCAA Tournament.

The 7-foot-6 center from Brigham Young University blocked a tournament-record 10 shots Thursday in BYU's 61-48 men's basketball victory over Virginia.

Bradley was unaware he had made history until a television reporter said, ``Congratulations on the record.''

Bradley replied, ``What record?''

BYU (21-12) faces Arizona (27-6) this afternoon to determine a berth in next week's West Regional in Seattle. Creighton (24-7) plays Seton Hall (23-8) for the second berth.

If BYU loses, it will be the last college basketball game for two years for Bradley, who has applied to go on a Mormon mission beginning in June.

Bradley has made up his mind to go, even though it will interrupt his career.

``I think just by doing it sets an example,'' he said. ``Whether I touch as many people going on a mission or playing basketball, the fact that I'm going shows my dedication to my church. It's something that I've always wanted to do.

BYU Coach Roger Reid, of course, would prefer to have Bradley around, but he finds the decision heartening in an age when professional athletes are snubbing $4 million contracts.

Reid said Bradley's decision might cost the center millions in terms of the pro contract he will likely sign in three to five years.

Arizona Coach Lute Olson predicts Bradley ``will be the next dominant player in college basketball when he returns from his mission.''

Arizona was one of seven schools Bradley considered before he announced in the fall of 1989 he would accept a BYU scholarship.

BYU got not only a 7-6 body but an athlete who was an all-state first baseman (batting over .400) and a decent golfer and tennis player. They also got a bright, outgoing young man who has said, ``Hey, I like being tall.''

Playing on an undistinguished team, Bradley has kept BYU in the headlines from the start. He blocked his first shot five minutes into his first game.

``Bradley has a chance to be the best big man who ever played,'' Nevada-Las Vegas Coach Jerry Tarkanian. ``It's not like he's just a big goon. I've never seen a 7-6 guy that well-coordinated.''

Bradley, who weighs only 210 pounds, is averaging 14.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game. His total of 175 blocks this season is the most ever by a college freshman.

Bradley grew up in Castle Dale, a coal-mining town in central Utah. His German-born father, Reiner, is 6-8; his mother, Teresa, is 6 feet.

Shawn was so big as a 1-year-old that strangers would mistake him for a 3-year-old. He was 6-1 in sixth grade and 7-0 as a ninth grader.

Bradley will be the biggest man on the court today, but he won't be the only guy who doesn't buy his clothes off the rack. Arizona has the Tucson Skyline of 6-11 Brian Williams, 7-foot Ed Stokes and 6-10 Sean Rooks.

``I don't think our big guys will have nightmares tonight,'' Olson said on the eve of the game.

The Wildcat coach also noted that facing an intimidator won't be a novel experience for his players.

``Our guys face some pretty good shot-blockers every day in practice,'' he said.

Still, at tipoff time the cameras will focus on the 90-inch Bradley. His record performance Thursday has made him the center of attention.