Kim, Lions have something to prove

Barry Faulkner

Vanguard University junior guard Brian Kim has already made a

believer of Lions men’s basketball coach Bob Wilson, as well as those

who cram into the spatially challenged VU home gym they

affectionately call The Pit.

But after averaging 17.6 points as a sophomore, a figure Wilson

said led the Golden State Athletic Conference, GSAC coaches who

denied Kim all-conference recognition apparently need more

convincing.

“Part of that was we finished tied for seventh and Brian was much

better in the last 10 conference games than the first 10,� Wilson

said. “But [Kim] is using [last year’s sleight] as motivation.�

So far, so good. After three Vanguard wins in as many games this

season, Kim is producing 18.7 points per contest. Furthermore, he is

shooting nearly as well from three-point range (7 of 16 for 43.8%) as he is from the field (17 of 35 for 48.6%).

“I think we’re a fun team to watch and part of that is because of

Brian,� Wilson said. “Any time Brian Kim is on the wing with the

ball, something exciting usually happens. He is really a quality

player. He’s as good a scorer as there is in the conference, maybe

even in the NAIA.�

The Lions would appreciate a little more excitement after

finishing 14-18, 7-13 in conference, last season.

“We start four guys who started for us last year,� Wilson said. “I

think we’ll be a better basketball team, but that may not translate

to more victories, because I think the rest of the conference is much

stronger.�

Wilson believes Azusa Pacific and Concordia are clear GSAC title

favorites, with Vanguard fitting somewhere in the chase pack.

But with only one senior receiving significant playing time,

Wilson believes if this group continues to progress, the future could

be much, much brighter.

Part of that future includes Horace Wormely, a 5-6 senior who is

redshirting this season, after averaging 13.6 points per game last

season.

Joining Kim as returning starters are 6-7 junior Tim Burnette, 6-2

sophomore Kevin Dalafu and 6-5 junior Leon Rosborough.

Burnette has shown marked improvement, Wilson said. He averaged

5.8 points and 6.3 rebounds last season, but has produced 12 points

and 8.3 rebounds per contest, including two double-doubles, thus far.

He is also shooting 69.6% from the field (16 for 23), heading into

last Friday’s home game against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

“[Burnette] is really playing with a lot of confidence,� Wilson

said.

Rosborough’s shift from inside to a wing has helped him use his

athleticism more to his advantage, Wilson said. He is averaging 10.3

points (up from 8.3 last season) and 5.7 rebounds this season.

Dalafu, the point guard, has collected 22 points and 12 rebounds

in three games, while Brandon Duplessie, a 6-6, 245-pound transfer

from Los Angeles Pierce Community College, has been the other starter

thus far.

Wilson said depth, a weakness last year, has improved, as 6-4

senior Antquon James, 6-4 junior Garret Strocsher and 6-2 freshman

Bryan Botman have helped fortify a rotation of up to 10 players.

The Lions open GSAC play Nov. 30 at home against Christian

Heritage.