Oct. 30, 2002

Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 30) - With eight new players, including seven freshmen, patience has been a key ingredient for the early season preparations for the Loyola Marymount University men's basketball team. The Lions will take the court for the first time this season against live competition in their first of two exhibition games in just under a week, Wednesday, Nov. 6, against EA Sports West All Stars.

"Our players have been working very hard and absorbing a lot of information in preparing for this 2002-03 season," said Head Coach Steve Aggers, who in his third season with the Lions will for the first time in his tenure field a team made strictly of his players. "Practice has been very positive as this young team grows and learns together."

The Lions recently voted junior Jason Dickens as the captain of the team. The vocal leader will play his first season after transferring from Davidson College in 2001.

"Jason brings positive maturity and leadership to our team," said Aggers. "With so many new players, it will be important that Jason and the other returning players display leadership for this program."

Fans wanting to get a sneak peak at the new Lions' squad will have a more personal opportunity at the 2002 Men's Basketball Tip-off Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 2 starting at 5:30 p.m. at University Hall.

"We really have a great group of student-athletes who have been working tremendously hard in preparing for their first season together," said Aggers. "Our tip-off dinner will give fans an opportunity to meet these fine young gentlemen in person and get to know our program on a much more personal level."

The dinner will feature guest speaker, Los Angeles Lakers' play-by-play announcer, Paul Sunderland, who is a graduate and former basketball and volleyball player at LMU.

To attend the Tip-Off Dinner, contact Assistant Coach Richard Reed at (310) 338-4506.

- GO LIONS -