Vanderbilt Basketball: Sharpshooter Riley LaChance’s senior campaign

Riley LaChance has been very solid for Vanderbilt basketball the past three seasons, but is this the year he becomes a star for the Commodores?

Rated out of high school by 247Sports as a four-star prospect, Riley LaChance has had an up and down career with the Vanderbilt Commodores. In his time, he has made two NCAA Tournament appearances, but was unable to make it out of the first round in either attempt. LaChance has also dealt with a coaching change in the midst of his time with the team, as former Valparaiso head coach Bryce Drew took over the team this past season following the departure of Kevin Stallings.

Nonetheless, LaChance has had a successful career with the program, starting for the majority of his career. In his freshman season with Stallings, LaChance started in all 35 games for the Commodores and scored 12.3 points per game. While knocking down 66 total three-pointers, LaChance was second among freshman in the conference in that category. While leading all SEC freshman in scoring, he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.

After a great start to his career, though, LaChance had a poor season as a sophomore. He slumped throughout most of the year, only starting 19 of the team’s 33 games and dropped his scoring average to just 6.9 points per game. In addition, his efficiency fell from 43.6% (38.2% from three) from the field to a measly 35.4% (36.1% from three).

This past season, however, LaChance came back strong for his junior campaign under new coach Bryce Drew, with his best season yet. He once again started all 35 games and averaged 10.5 points per game. This might be a smaller number than what he put up as a freshman, but his efficiency was at an all-time high. He shot a blistering 48.6% from three on 4.1 attempts per game, which ranked first in the SEC and 11th in the country.

Playing as a true point guard, he also dished out of a career-high 3.9 assists per game. Entering his senior season, he will likely be the starting point guard for the Commodores, and more of the scoring and playmaking duties will be on his shoulders.

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After graduating big man Luke Kornet, Vanderbilt will need someone to step up their scoring, and LaChance could be that guy. He is an elite shooter at the college level and is a threat from just about anywhere on the floor. Watch out for LaChance to be the type of breakout guard who ends up averaging 15+ points per game in SEC play this upcoming season. Vandy might need it if they want to get back to the Big Dance.