Patriot League basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

Key players for the Patriot League

*Zach Thomas of Bucknell was discussed earlier, hence his exclusion

JR Lance Tejada – Lehigh

2017-18 stats: 14.7 ppg 2.5 rpg 1.9 apg

After having little impact at East Carolina, Tejada came to the Mountain Hawks and reinvented himself as a lethal shooter. The junior averages three made three-pointers a game, while shooting at a ridiculous 46% clip.

Tejada has made a long ball in all but two games, and hit six three-pointers twice in conference play. If he gets hot, Lehigh can make a run.

SO Thomas Funk – Army

2017-18 stats: 10.4 ppg 3.1 rpg 5.6 apg

In his two years in the Patriot League, Funk has been one of the top passers, including leading the conference in assists this season. Don’t underestimate his scoring though, as he’s a consistent double figure scorer.

SR Matt Klinewski – Lafayette

2017-18 stats: 16.4 ppg 5.9 rpg 1.5 apg

Once again a likely candidate for the All-Patriot League, the senior has led the Leopards into the mid-tier of the conference. But after scoring in double figures in the first 22 games, he’s gone inconsistent as of late. He must score around his season average for his team to do well.

SR Nana Foulland – Bucknell

2017-18 stats: 15.6 ppg 6.9 rpg 1.2 apg

The play of Thomas has actually made the previous best player in the conference somewhat underrated. He’s a proven scorer, and considering that he has to share the boards, a great rebounder. Most power conference teams don’t have as great a second option of Foulland.

SO Sa’eed Nelson – American

2017-18 stats: 17.6 ppg 3.8 rpg 4.9 apg

Without Nelson, American likely would go winless in the Patriot League. But even with all the scouting reports focusing on the sophomore, he still managed to finish in the top-3 in scoring, assists and steals. His 31 point effort against Loyola is an indicator of his potential to carry a team.