West Coast Convo WCC Preseason Poll
By Josh Horton
Jan. 3, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions guard Anthony Ireland (3) looks to pass against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at the Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA Today Sports
6. LMU
Record Last Season: 11-23 (1-15)
Key Loses: Ashley Hamilton
Key Returners: Anthony Ireland, Ayodeji Egbeyemi, Alex Osbourne, Goodwin Okinji
Key Additions: Nino Jackson, Gabe Levin, Evan Payne, Patson Siame
The Lions were a cellar dweller in the WCC last season, but that could change significantly this season for Loyola Marymount. Max Good is returning one of the best guards in the entire country in Anthony Ireland, and brought in a quartet of great freshman that will contribute right away.
As alluded to before, the Lions have an uber talented backcourt. Anthony Ireland and Ayodeji Egbeyemi are great backcourt mates, whom started in 25 games together last year (Egbeyemi didn’t play in the other 9). Combine those two with freshmen guards Evan Payne and Nino Jackson, plus junior Chase Flint and you get a backcourt with both talent and depth.
With Anthony Hamilton graduated, the Lions front-court takes a hit. However freshman Gabe Levin will help fill that role significantly. In addition to that, Goodwin Okinji, Alex Osbourne, and Nick Stover will help remedy the 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds that Hamilton left behind.
By Josh Horton (@WestCoastConvo)