The 2018-19 West Coast Conference begins as it has for some time now – with Gonzaga tabbed to be the league favorite. However, this year, there could be some changes as to which teams land in the #2 – #6 spots. If someone can separate themselves from what is likely to be a logjam in those five positions, then the conference may land two teams in the NCAA Tournament.
By Go-To Guy, LMU Lions Roar Contributor
The Lions are off to a 5-0 start for only the 4th time in school history. The streak includes the program’s first win over the Big East’s Georgetown Hoyas (4-1) and the first win over the Mountain West’s UNLV Rebels (3-1) in Las Vegas since 1973. Continue reading
Jarred Dubois, who played at LMU and then at Utah, and his team mate, Delon Wright speak about mental health issues in this article.
Pepperdine head coach Lorenzo Romar announced that Morris Jr. has joined Pepperdine staff. Morris Jr, is a excellent recruiter, and is great hire for Pepperdine. Press release here.
Mike Schmitz from ESPN who recently covered the under 20 European tournament has some high praise of incoming LMU freshman Ivan Alipiev.
Ivan Alipiev | Loyola Marymount | 6-foot-8 | Shot-creator
The 18-year-old Alipiev shined as Bulgaria’s best player in Sofia, creating offense for both himself and his teammates. He’s a smooth ball handler who can operate at different speeds, pull up off the bounce or get into the lane for kickouts to open teammates. He’s still a streaky shooter (30.1 percent), but Alipiev improved in that area since last summer and should have a big freshman season at Loyola Marymount, where he committed after spurning interest from high-level prep schools and high-major colleges.
With average athleticism, Alipiev has to answer questions about his defense before he can be considered a sure NBA prospect, but he should be an instant-impact player in the West Coast Conference.
The impressive surge by Loyola Marymount’s spring sports helped power the university to finish 2nd overall in the West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Cup, closing to finish right behind six-time champion BYU, and well ahead of 3rd-place finisher Gonzaga. St. Mary’s finished 4th.
The 4th Annual AI3 Skills Academy is scheduled for June 27-29 in Waterbury, Connecticut. This is a tremendous program founded by LMU legend Anthony Ireland. Additional information and registration information can be found here.
New Athletic athletic director, Craig Pintens, shares his vision for LMU here.
We at LMU LIONS ROAR would like to welcome Craig Pintens as the new LMU Athletic Director. President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., made the announcement today. Full press release here.
By Go-To Guy, LMU Lions Roar Contributor
According to lmulions.com, Jordan Bell, a 6’8” 235-pound PF with guard skills has signed to join the Lions in the fall. Continue reading
