Vanderbilt guard Riley LaChance could’ve let a disappointing sophomore season get to him.
After all, going from a freshman season that featured 24 double-digit scoring games to a sophomore season that only included one double-digit scoring game in the final 16 games would be enough to get anyone down.
But LaChance didn’t let that happen.
Despite having to play most of the year at point guard, the 6-2 sharpshooter bounced back in a big way by averaging 10.5 points and nearly four assists per game during his junior season in Nashville.
Now, with LaChance likely getting the opportunity to play more at shooting guard, there’s reason to believe that he’ll build off of last year’s success.
Inside the Numbers
It was puzzling to see LaChance shoot only 35.4 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from three during his sophomore season.
However, there was always a feeling that he’d find his way back to being one of the SEC’s premier shooters. Sure enough, he did that.
LaChance led the conference in 3-point field goal percentage last season (minimum of 100 3’s taken), shooting a blistering 48.6 percent from beyond the arc.
He eclipsed his freshman season total of 66 made 3’s in totaling 70 makes on the year, and knocked down numerous big shots for the Commodores during their late-season push to make the NCAA Tournament.
Another impressive stat? LaChance’s 2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
That was good enough for third in the SEC, which was rather impressive considering that he was venturing into a new role at point.
What They’re Saying
“I think Riley improved dramatically at that point guard position, and we obviously want to get him more shots off the ball. But we feel very comfortable with him being at the point.” – Vanderbilt head coach Bryce Drew on the SEC Coaches Teleconference this summer
Lovell’s Analysis
LaChance’s return to form as one of the league’s top shooters wasn’t all that surprising.
Perhaps one underrated aspect of his resurgence had to do with the arrival of Bryce Drew. The first-year Vandy head coach excelled at 3-point shooting at both the college and NBA level, so he undoubtedly played a big role in helping LaChance find his way.
With Xavier transfer Larry Austin Jr. and talented freshman Saben Lee joining the mix at point guard, LaChance should be able to get even more open outside shots off the ball.
And as he proved last season, if LaChance gets an open shot outside, there’s pretty much a 50/50 chance that it’s going in.
So, while LaChance may not lead the SEC in scoring this year, there are few better in the league – and country, for that matter – at knocking down jump shots.
That’s why it’s almost assured at this point that Drew will find a way to get him even more shots this season, which could result in LaChance putting up All-SEC type numbers.
And for a team trying to replace do-it-all center Luke Kornet, that would certainly be a welcomed development.