More Accolades for Drew Viney

[ADG'99]

It's a pretty narrow category, and I've never heard of this magazine, but exciting nonetheless: dimemag.com/2009/12/top-5-under-the-radar-college-players-out-west/

Drew Viney, Loyola Marymount (Redshirt Sophomore)
Viney is a great example of a transfer player finding success in a smaller venue. Viney was highly recruited coming out of high school by almost every Pac-10 school, before deciding on trekking up to Eugene, Oregon. After averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in only 6.9 minutes a game as a freshman in 2007-08, Viney chose to move closer to home and to Loyola Marymount. After sitting out last year per NCAA regulations, Viney has been on a tear so far this season. The 6-7 lanky guard from Villa Park, California is averaging 18.4 points and 5.1 boards per game in route to leading the Lions to a 2-5 record and an 8-point win over USC in mid-November. Viney is going to be salivating over the opportunity to compete against WCC defenders come conference play. He can score inside or from distance (He’s shooting 54.5 percent from three) and is a good help-side defender - making any defending assignment challenging. Viney could be the best transfer in the WCC and is going to make Coach Max Good very happy at Loyola over the next three years.

[LIONS90045]

Thanks ADG - Dime magazine had news on another recruit within the last year - I think Iron looked long and hard to find it - was it about Okam or Aziz? - so these guys are on top of things.

[irishlion]

I'd be content with one lethal (Viney), and 4 effective. Because the lethal player will make the others much better, if they let him. For example - get him the ball, and keep playing. If he's doubled, someone's open. And Viney can pass the ball well. So - its a win--win. If Viney scores, you get the assist. If Viney is doubled, he gets it back to you for an open look. And you get the points. Win Win - just play as a team, and play smart. The game will come to you, if you just let it.

[lambdachi1988lion]

I really think Larry Davis can be another lethal player, we just need him to get healthy!

Go Lions

[irishlion]

Agreed!

[lambdachi1988lion]

From the Elias Harris blurb:

"Gonzaga lost senior Josh Heytvelt to eligibility last season, but he never took advantage of his height; he was always to busy settling for jumpers and devouring mushrooms."

hahaha

[dedicatedlionfan]

hahahahaha what a dumbass!!

[LIONS90045]

A side question on Drew - just how tall is he?
He is listed at 6'5" but many articles refer to him as 6'7". And he was listed as 6'7" in last year's roster?

www.lmulions.com/sports/m-baskbl/archive/070209aaa.html

He looks taller than LaRon who is listed at 6'5".
Is this just a typo in the roster that no one is catching week after week? Or did he shrink?

[irishlion]

He is between 6'7 and 6'8. The 6'5 is in error. The only announcer I've heard to really catch it was the Tulsa color commentator. He's closer to Timmy D's size than Larons.

[ironlions]

Drew is at least 6'7. I think the 6'5 listing is done on purpose for his future play professionally.

[irishlion]

Uh, professionally, you list as taller, not shorter. I think it was done to surprise some opponents this year. Professionally - you want a 6'7 shooter over a 6'5 shooter. The taller the player, the better the stock.

[ironlions]

This could be true but you also don't want to be consider a "tweener".

[irishlion]

He's a 6'7 small forward. That's not a tweener. Sadly, if you're 6'5 in the NBA, thats a point guard these days... Viney's professional prospects are, in order, 1) small forward, 2) shooting guard, and 3) power forward. Point guard and center, we can probably rule out. And Power Forward is a stretch. So SF and SG are his two best options, and 6'7 is good for both, in pretty much all the professional leagues.

But - before we go there - we have some LION business to take care of. Let's get this young man some wins.

[LIONS90045]

Thanks guys - that clears up the height question.