NCAA Basketball Ranking of top 10 mid-major winners of 2024 offseason
By Jack Gutzler
No. 4: Loyola Marymount
Loyola Marymount hasn't been dominating the transfer portal headlines this offseason, but the Lions have quietly made some big moves throughout the portal that should make them one of the top teams in the WCC next year.
The Lions incoming transfer class includes players such as Pepperdine forward Jevon Porter, San Jose State guard Myron Amey Jr, UCLA guard Jan Vide, Nebraska forward Matar Diop, and incoming freshman Jael Martin.
Jevon Porter is a huge addition for Loyola Marymount, and was widely regarded as a top 75 overall transfer along with being one of the top big men in the portal. Porter averaged 16.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, and 1.7 apg last year as a sophomore and will look to build on those numbers with the change of scenery. However, Porter will potentially be facing discipline following a DWI arrest earlier this month. However, should Porter take the court for the Lions as planned, he will be an immediate impact player.
Myron Amey Jr was another highly sought after transfer who averaged 15.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 3.1 apg while shooting 42.5% last season as a junior with San Jose State. Amey Jr will be a big upgrade at the guard position for the Lions, and much like Jevon Porter, will be an immediate impact player this season. Diop and Vide are both coming off freshman seasons that saw them see limited playing time with their respective schools last year. However, both players are both prospects who have overseas experience and significant raw talent helped them generate significant interest during their original recruiting. Expect these two, along with incoming freshman Jael Martin to take on an elevated role and potentially take big step forwards.
It's been over 3 decades since Loyola Marymount last made the NCAA tournament, but should this group be able to make the most of their Gonzaga and St. Mary's matchups, along with the remainder of their WCC slate, the Lions have a real possibility of hearing their names called on Selection Sunday.