David Nielsen Transfers to Westminster College

PROVO -- Reserve basketball forward David Nielsen has decided to transfer from BYU to Westminster College in Salt Lake City. A Salt Lake City native and Brighton High graduate, Nielsen is entering his sophomore year of eligibility.

"David Nielsen is an outstanding young man who gave 100 percent effort in every practice and game," BYU coach Steve Cleveland said. "I wish David the very best as he pursues his athletic career at Westminster College."

Nielsen spent two years with the BYU program after returning from an LDS Church mission to Chile. After redshirting the 1998-99 season, Nielsen played in 20 of 33 games for the Cougars this past season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.1 rebounds in just over eight minutes per game. The 6-foot-4 Nielsen played in BYU's final 10 games after the loss of Silester Rivers to injury and performed well despite the opponent's significant size advantage. He had a career-high eight points in BYU's NIT win over Southern Illinois and a career-best seven rebounds and three steals in the Cougars' NIT win over Bowling Green.