LOS ANGELES – Coach
Stan Johnson continues to add to his roster for his second season on the Bluff. Following last week's announcement that LMU has
signed a pair of transfers for the upcoming year, the Lions have added a third this month with the addition of Alex Merkviladze from CSUN.
"I chose LMU because I felt genuine love from the team and the coaches," said Merkviladze. The program checked all my boxes and I trusted my guts. Coach Stan spent time with me, gained my full trust, and I can call him my lifelong friend! Most importantly what LMU has and other colleges don't is culture! I'M PROUD TO BE LION!"
Merkviladze played all 22 games for the Matadors in 2020-21, making 18 starts. The 6-9 forward averaged 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. The Georgian ranked fifth in the Big West in rebounding average and third in defensive rebounds per game (5.7), and shot 43.9 percent from the field. The three-point threat finished second on CSUN with 29 on the season at a 38.2 percent shooting clip from long range. His eight double-digit scoring games and six double-figure rebounding games led to three double-doubles.
"Alex is a perfect fit for our program," said Johnson. "He reflects who I want our guys to be as a people, students and players. He's a positionless player who can really shoot the ball for his size and can score in the post. His work capacity and his character will help raise the standard within our program. I'm proud to add Alex and his family to Lion Nation. He's the final piece to what I believe could be a tremendous team. We got better today."
Prior to his one year of college, Merkviladze won four league titles at Modesto Chrsitian School, and earned first-team all-league and all-city honors in his senior season.
Due to the NCAA's recent exception, Merkviladze will have four seasons to compete for the Lions.
For more information on LMU men's basketball, follow the program on Twitter, like the Lions on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "lmulionsmbb."
