Southland report

SportsLine.com Report
April 5, 2000

After finishing 10th in the Southland in 1999, The Lions were not picked to do much this season, and they didn't. The fact they were in the playoff chase until the final day of the regular season is actually a sign Southeastern Louisiana probably did more than a lot of people thought they would.

A Glance at 2001

The Lions beat Sam Houston State and Texas-San Antonio this year and were competitive in most of their conference games. If they continue to improve, the Lions should contend for a playoff spot in 2001. The key will be SLU's players improving with experience.

With four of the Lions' five starters back next year, SLU will have experienced players, now they must take their game to the next level.

The Coach

Bill Kennedy led the Lions to four more wins, two more in conference play, this year than he did the season before. With all but one of his players from this year's team returning, and the Lions showing signs of improvement, Kennedy should still be the man in Hammond, La., next fall.

Who'll Be Back

Eight of the 10 underclassmen on this year's team are juniors, which means the Lions will be loaded with veterans. Marcus Kemp was a strong candidate for newcomer of the year honors, averaging 13.3 points. Alfrado Jackson is a quick big man (6-4, 203) and point guard Lee Carney showed promise for the future. The Lions' second-leading scorer, Jason Elloie (11.6 ppg), will be a junior next year.

Who's Gone

The only senior on the team was Kelland Payton. At 6-9, 238 pounds, Payton was a load in the middle for the Lions. His lane-clogging presence will be missed, but finding someone to fill his four points and 3.7 rebounds a game should not be too difficult.