West Coast Convo’s All-WCC First Team

Dec 6, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions guard

(3) dribbles the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Pittsburgh won 85-68. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Ireland – Guard – LMU

When head coach Max Good brought in a scarcely known, undersized point guard from Waterbury, Conn. in 2010, the LMU men’s basketball program changed forever. LMU has boasted some talented players in recent years – Ashley Hamilton, Drew Viney, Vernon Teel and Kevin Young – but none as talented as Anthony Ireland.

Unfortunately for Ireland, he was not able to reach college basketball’s biggest stage, the NCAA tournament. This was mostly due to an injury bug that seemingly plagued the Lions year in and year out. This year was no different, as LMU only suited up six players total at some points and Max Good consistently only had seven scholarship players at his disposal for much of the latter half of the season. Due to this, LMU struggled immensely, but that was not because of Ireland.

Throughout his four years, Anthony Ireland did not miss a single game and reportedly never missed a practice. The injury bug could never break the rock hard exterior of Ireland. He never quit, even while amidst in a season such as the Lions 2013-2014 campaign.

As a senior, Ireland’s scoring numbers went down while his assist numbers skyrocketed. The point guard embraced his role as the Lions primary ball handler this season, averaging 5.6 assists and posting an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.9. That was Ireland best assist-to-turnover ratio during his time in Los Angeles.

Ireland’s final season and career has come to a close. While it was not filled with any postseason success, Ireland was able to cement himself as an electrifying player and as a terrific leader that will have a place in the LMU record books. His ability to deal with this season’s adversity added a new element to Ireland mystique.