WAC Basketball: Examining the 5 newcomer programs for 2021-22 season

Jan 14, 2021; Phoenix, AZ, USA; GCU women's basketball head coach Molly Miller, men's basketball head coach Bryce Drew and Jerry Colangelo (right) talk after announcing that Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin and Southern Utah University will join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during a press conference at the GCU Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona RepublicNews /

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WAC Basketball Lamar Cardinals guard Ellis Jefferson Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Lamar Cardinals

Lamar may not have the history of success that their Southland brethren have with just two tournament appearances since the 2000 season, but new head coach Alvin Brooks returns to his alma mater to change that.

Last year’s squad went just 10-18 leading to the coaching change, but the Cardinals have a roster of youngsters to build around with only three seniors last season, although forward Avery Sullivan was the team’s leading rebounder and averaged just under 10 points per game.

But the portal is where Lamar has taken the biggest hit where their top four scorers outside of Sullivan all entered, leaving Ellis Jefferson the Cardinals’ top scorer at 5.6 points per game and Lincoln Smith is the team’s top rebounder with 2.9 per game. Brooks was able to land a solid guard on the portal bringing over Jordyn Adams from Austin Peay.

The sophomore had a bit of a slump last season with nine points, 2.6 rebounds, and two assists, but as a freshman, he was an All-OVC player and the OVC Freshman of the Year averaging over 17 points per game. Brooks has a challenge in rebuilding the roster, but Adams is a good start as is a returning Kasen Harrison to the Cardinals’ backcourt.