LMU’s Turbulent Offseason Backtracked
By Josh Horton
In all my time watching WCC basketball, I don’t think I have seen an offseason as up-and-down as the one experienced by the Loyola Marymount Lions in 2014.
While it’s not technically over, here is a rundown on how it’s all played out so far.
March 6, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions head coach Max Good instructs against the Portland Pilots during the first half of the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11 – Max Good is fired
Although some fans vehemently disagreed with the decision, former LMU Head Coach Max Good was fired on this day after an embarrassing season where the Lions finished last place in the conference standings. While many folks wanted Good to receive another chance due to another injury-riddled season, LMU decided it was time to move on from the 72-year-old Good.
ESPN’s Jeff Goodman immediately mentioned Mike Dunlap as a frontrunner for the job.
May 12 – Mike Dunalp is hired
Well, that was fast.
LMU quickly found their man as they agreed on terms with former NBA Head Coach Mike Dunlap (Charlotte Bobcats) just one day after canning Good.
Mar 18 – Kyron Cartwright re-opens his recruitment
Former LMU commit Kyron Cartwright ended up being released from his letter-of-intent in wake of Good’s firing. He later committed to Providence College, where he will play in the Big East next season.
Mar 18 – Max Heller Transfers
Walk-on guard Max Heller decided to leave the program on this day. First reported by Kevin Cacabelos.
Mar 26 – Ben Dickinson Transfers
While this came to no surprise, former LMU forward Ben Dickinson left the program officially on this day. Dickinson later ended up at UNC Greensboro.
Mar 27 – Elijah Stewart re-opens his recruitment
Former LMU commit and bona fide four-star recruit Elijah Stewart was released from his national letter-of-intent on this day. The Westchester High School product, which is a jump and a skip from LMU’s campus, earned high interest from big time programs such as USC, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and UCLA. Stewart eventually signed with the Trojans of USC.
March 8, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions forward Nick Stover (11) shoots against Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (00) during the second half in the quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 29 – Nick Stover Transfers
A source told West Coast Convo on this day that Nick Stover would not be returning to LMU. The former three-star recruit later ended up at South Alabama.
May 4 – C.J. Blackwell Transfers
Redshirt sophomore C.J. Blackwell transferred from LMU around this time, according to LMULionsroar.com.
May 5 – David Humphries Signs
David Humphries, a shooting guard from North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), signed with LMU on this date. Read about it here.
May 6 – Simon Krajcovic Signs
The LMU recruiting class really started to take shape here with foreign point guard Simon Krajcovic (Canarias Basketball Academy, Spain) signing with LMU. Read about the signing here.
May 8 – Gabe Levin Transfers
All-freshman team forward Gabe Levin decides to leave LMU on this day. This was the most gut-wrenching of the transfers. Levin has garnered interest from Northwestern, Notre Dame and Marquette since then. He will visit all three of those schools.
May 12 – Matt Hayes Signs with LMU
Santa Rosa JC guard Matt Hayes pledged with LMU on this day. Read about the commitment here.
May 28 – Joshua Spiers and Petr Herman sign with LMU
The Lions seemingly rounded off their recruiting class with Aussie Joshua Spiers and Slovakian Petr Herman signing on with LMU. Read about the commits here:
Undated Events – Marquis Godfrey De-commits