Exhibition Game - Player Analysis

As described in my previous post, last night's exhibition game against Chapman was not the Lions' finest. However, LMU has some phenomenal players on its team, and there were some silver linings in yesterday's win. Here's what I saw from some of the key players:

Drew Viney - Viney showed why he could be this year's West Coast Conference Player of the Year, contributing a team-high 24 points and nine rebounds. He showed his ability to create offense, finding a shot even against tough defense, and put his long-range shot ability on display by knocking down two three-pointers. As I've said before, Viney is going to be the center point of the Lions offense this season.

Vernon Teel - Teel only played the first half of yesterday's game, and seemed to slightly injure his hip at one point. He played a decent game, and his ability to lead a fastbreak and score points around the bucket did not go unnoticed. Teel had a pretty obvious mental lapse at the conclusion of the first half, missing a dunk when an easy lay-in would have been called for, but to be honest I'm glad to see that happen to him in an exhibition game because I would bet a lot he doesn't let it happen again this season.


Jarred DuBois - DuBois' shot was off last night, but that's going to happen on any given night to any great shooter. DuBois' presence was still felt on offense though, as he dished out a team-high seven assists. It is also not to go unnoticed that DuBois and Viney seem to be the only Lions who can consistently knock down free throws.

Ashley Hamilton takes a shot in Saturday's game against Chapman

Ashley Hamilton - Hamilton had a great game. He is one of the team's most reliable rebounders, and looked strong on offense around the hoop. His ten points on just 4-6 from the field is something that Lions fans should get used to seeing.


Deji Egbeyemi - Played really well for a freshman. He's extremely athletic and will be an asset to the Lions on the boards.


Anthony Ireland - Ireland is a true point guard, something the Lions haven't had for awhile, and he's going to be a big part of the program for the next four years. He seems to have already established himself as Head Coach Max Good's first player off the bench, and it may be because of his ball-handling skills. Ireland had seven assists and showed off a nice long-range three.

Tim Diederichs - Diederichs went 4-4 from the field, something that was great to see after he had some trouble completing the play around the bucket last season. It looks like he's going to get the starting spot until the injured Edgar Garibay returns, so if he can play solid defense and score some easy buckets around the hoop the Lions will be in good shape.