There's been some discussion about whether you would want your kid to play at BYU or Duke (basketball).

Some LDS college athletes often want the same thing as the rest of us: a good education, and opportunity to marry an LDS spouse, etc. So it's understandable that some would choose BYU no matter what.

There are a few who probably think they have a shot at the pros, in which case playing for a higher profile team than BYU (if you can start) makes more sense. Thus the case for Duke or Ohio St. (national champs) in football.

But there's a third consideration that I have seen mentioned that I don't really identify with: the guys (and families) who want their kids to be a big LDS star in the LDS community. The thinking seems to be that if you play for BYU you will be more noticed among LDS fans, especially local ones in Utah. I guess if you are into that so be it. I know there's an area of Lehi/Alpine where several x-football players from BYU live and they kind of run the place so to speak. That does not appeal to me one bit and I'd hate for my kid to get caught up in that culture.

If you care about your kid making a positive difference in his university community and have an LDS influence over that community, BYU is probably the last place you want to send him. I'm not saying you (or your son) SHOULD care about this. But if you do, think of how much positive influence an LDS kid at a traditional university has vs. one who goes to a university that is 98.4 (latest stats per BYU web site) LDS. I'd rather my kid be the shining LDS influence on a non-LDS team than one of 30k. Talk about missionary opportunities.

I guess my point is different kids (and their families) are motivated by different factors. But the idea that BYU is the only alternative seems a little limited to me. There are great LDS athletes at Ohio St., Stanford, etc. who are doing very well and making positive difference for the Church and themselves. Not everyone wants to be Lehi royalty some day.