Veal named to pre-season first-team All-Southland Conference

HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana point guard Marlain Veal was named to the Pre-Season All-Southland Conference First Team, the league office announced Tuesday.

Veal, the New Orleans native, was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2017-18 guiding the Lions to a 22-12 season, the most wins by the program since 2005.

The senior led the Lions in minutes played (1146), assists (207) and steals (66) last year helping guide SLU to their first Southland Conference title since 2005 and the program’s first ever NIT appearance.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Marlain,” said fifth year head coach Jay Ladner. “He deserves all the attention and more that he’s receiving. I truly believe he’s the best player, pound for pound, in the country. I also know that he’s humble enough to know that awards like this are not possible without his outstanding teammates. When Marlain chose to continue his academic and athletic career here we didn’t have a lot to offer on the basketball side other than a dream. His progress has paralleled the success of our program and now has us competing at the top of our league.”

The Helen Cox High School grad showed his all-around versatility averaging 12.8 points, 6. 1 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game last season. Veal was also named Southland Conference Player of the Week Nov 27-Dec. 4.

Veal was also clutch for the Lions. He picked the best night possible to have his season high in scoring when he dropped 29 points in an 89-79 win against Sam Houston State in the Southland Conference Tournament propelling the Lions to the championship game against Stephen F. Austin.

While the 2017-18 season was spectacular for Veal, he has built a remarkable resume in his three years with SLU. Veal had been selected to the All-Southland Conference Team three years in a row.

With his 207 assists last year, Veal broke the all-time program record for career assists and is just 13 steals shy of breaking the program record.

Veal and the Lions will open the season Tuesday, Nov. 6 on the road at LSU at 7:30 p.m.
The play-by-play can be heard on 90.9 KSLU. Live stats and video will be available at LionSports.net at the men’s basketball schedule page.

HARDWOOD CLUB/S CLUB

Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the basketball program are encouraged to join the Hardwood Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letterwinners.

All membership fees and donations to Hardwood Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern basketball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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2018-19 Preseason All-Southland Conference Team

First Team

School Pos. Class Hometown

Marlain Veal Southeastern La. G Sr. New Orleans, LA

Shannon Bogues Stephen F. Austin G Sr. Kileen, Texas

Kevon Harris Stephen F. Austin G/F Jr. Ellenwood, Ga.

TJ Holyfield Stephen F. Austin F Jr. Albuquerque, N.M.

Ishmael Lane Northwestern State F/C Sr. Port Allen, La.

Second Team

Josh Ibarra Houston Baptist C Sr. Angelton, Texas

Jalone Friday Abilene Christian C Jr. Oklahoma City, Okla.

Josh Nzeakor Lamar F Sr. Mesquite, Texas

Jaren Lewis Abilene Christian F Sr. Orlando, Fla.

Marcus Harris Sam Houston State G Sr. San Antonio, Texas