It seems that everytime the Brigham Young University athletic teams have a dominante, or even a successful, year critics say that it is unfair that the school can build athletic teams with young men in their early twenties. This arguement doesn't make sense for two reasons. First, these young men that take two years off of school to serve an LDS chuch mission are not playing sports or working out regularly while they are gone so it is of no extra benefit to them. Second, critics fail to see the fact that any school in the country has the opportunity sign these players and bring them into their program. This is what is happening at ASU with sophmore center Jordan Bachynski.
Last year Bachynski came to Tempe fresh off of his church mission where he served in South Florida. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches Bachynski was expected by many to dominate the Pac 12. What many people fail to realize though, is that while Bachynski was on his mission he was essentially removed from basketball for two years. When these young men volunteer to serve a mission they agree to a two year regiment of strict discipline. The morning starts at 6:30 in the morning when the missionary and his companion wake for personal and companion study. After that, the companionship is out knocking doors, teaching lessons, and giving service until roughly 9 o'clock at night when they return home. This process is done again for 6 1/2 days each week. On the 1/2 day off, which is called preparation day or "P-day" the time is spent writing home, doing laundry, and only then, if everything is complete, play some ball or some other type of exercise. While on their missions missionaries are not allowed to date, go to movies, or watch television. This would basically eliminate any time for Bachynski to watch game film or even basketball highlights.
After this two years of service is complete the missionary returns home to go to school, enter the workplace, get married, or perhaps play college athletics. The reason that Brigham Young University was mentioned is because it is no secret that the institution is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or Mormon Church. Their rosters for all sports are usually packed with return missionaries. Also, as stated before, any school can take a chance on these players and many often do.
In the case of Bachynski, growing up in Canada he had known from childhood that he wanted to attend ASU and be a Sun Devil. After his mission he came to Tempe and saw limited playing time as a freshman. This year there has been much more expected of him with so many injuries and player suspensions. In one game this season, the Devils only had 6 scholarship players available for a west coast road trip.
While the season started slow there was much criticism aimed toward Bachynski. Coach Herb Sendek tried to remind fans that Jordan was still getting into basketball shape following his mission. Well, it seems after last week that he may finally be hitting his stride. On January 21st Bachynski scored a career high 10 points and pulled down 7 rebounds against Utah. Jordan followed that up with 9 points and a career high 13 rebounds in a loss to Washington. In the Washington game however, it seems that Jordan began to take on more of a leadership role. The normally quiet and reserved player was suddenly more vocal and agressive on the court. It was refreshing to see his passion as he yelled at team mates in an effort to motivate them. The agressive play continued on Saturday, January 28th when he fouled out in a victory over Washington State. It is yet to be seen if the tallest player in ASU history will ever live up to the hype he was given upon his arrival in Tempe, but if the events of last week are any indication, the next 2 1/2 years should be exciting to watch.
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