BEAUMONT, Texas – When Lamar University men's basketball coach Tic Price was handed the reins of the program four years ago, he was placed in the unenviable task of rebuilding a program both on the court and in the classroom. On the court, the Cardinals had won a total of six games in the previous two seasons combined prior to his hiring, and in the classroom the Cards would be ineligible for the Southland postseason tournament due to their APR scores.
 
Four years later, those stats are nothing more than a distant memory. The Cardinals have won 19 games and advanced to the postseason each of the past two years, and Price is a perfect 16-of-16 in terms of graduating student-athletes.
 
Like many other universities around the country, LU held its spring commencement in early May. Among the numerous student-athletes receiving their diplomas were basketball's Zjori Bosha, James Harrison, Joey Frenchwood, Torey Noel and Colton Weisbrod. Those were just five names in what has become the rule, and not the exception, when it comes to LU men's basketball.
 
In addition to the most recent graduates, the list also includes Christian Albright, LeMon Gregory, Lincoln Davis, Quan Jones, Anthony Holliday, Marcus Owens, Tyran de Lattibeaudiere, Preston Mattingly, Sebastian Norman, Dontavious Sears and Donovan Ross.
 
"As coaches we're in the business of winning, but our primary goal is to graduate athletes," said Price. "That is the reason we're in this job, and it can't be overlooked. I'm so very proud of our perfect record in the classroom. Each one of these young men worked hard both on the court and in the classroom. They are creating a tradition of excellence. I'm very proud of each of them.
 
"We tell each one of our players that 'their college degree is priceless.' I'm glad to see our student-athletes take that to heart," added Price.
 
The Cardinals most recent crop of graduates were all key figures in the 2017-18 season. All five saw significant time as starters. Between the five, they recorded more than 200 career starts in a Cardinals uniform.
 
-LU CARDINALS-