Pepperdine Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Waves

SPOKANE, WA - FEBRUARY 21: Head coach Lorenzo Romar of the Pepperdine Waves huddles with his players during a timeout in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 21, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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MALIBU, CA – JANUARY 28: Jonathan Allen #23 of the Pepperdine Waves tries to fake the defender during the game against Gonzaga Bulldogs at Firestone Fieldhouse on January 28, 2017 in Malibu, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Andre Ball (So.)

The cousin of the famous Ball Brothers, Andre can help make a name for himself at Pepperdine. Possibly the most athletic player on this wave team, Ball will provide excitement on both ends of the floor. His role last year was limited, but with the graduation of Cooper and Dunn it looks like he will have a key role off the bench

Daryll Polk Jr. (So.)

Polk served as the backup point guard to Colbey Ross last season, and looks like he will be assigned the same duty in the 2020 season. The 5’9” Point guard’s most valuable skills are his quickness and floaters. He will need to improve his outside shooting (30%) if he will want to stay on the floor for longer periods of time.

Keith Smith (Jr.)

The 6’6 guard should see time at the 3 this season. Smith spend his first two years at Oregon in limited time as a defensive specialist. He would often come into the game and be put at the point of the Ducks 1-2-2 full court press, and put on one of the opponents top scorers. At Pepperdine, you should see more of Smith’s offensive game.

Victor Ohia Obioha (So.)

Obioha was the only true Center to play meaningful minutes for the Waves last season. An efficient scorer around the rim, Victor’s offensive production was almost all dunks and put backs. On the defensive end, his size at 6’9” makes defenders think twice about going up in the paint (3.1 Blocks per 40 min).