Oct. 18, 2017
By Zac Ellis
VUCommodores.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt ventured 15 minutes down West End and Broadway to downtown Nashville on Tuesday for SEC Basketball Media Days at the Omni Hotel and Country Music Hall of Fame. Senior guards Matthew Fisher-Davis and Riley LaChance joined head coach Bryce Drew in previewing the Commodores’ 2017-18 season.
The Dores lose two starters from a year ago in All-SEC center Luke Kornet and guard Nolan Cressler. But three of the top four scorers return in Fisher-Davis (13.9), Jeff Roberson (10.8) and LaChance (10.5). Junior Joe Toye, who started in 13 games a year ago, also returns after averaging 6.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt welcomes six newcomers: true freshmen guards Saben Lee (6-2, 174, Tempe, Ariz.) and Maxwell Evans (6-2, 186, Houston, Texas), true freshman big man Ejike Obinna (6-10, 234, Enugu, Nigeria), redshirt sophomore transfers Matt Ryan (6-8, 209 forward, Notre Dame) and Yanni Wetzell (6-10, 235 forward/center, St. Mary’s (Texas), and freshman walk-on guard Isaiah Rice (5-11, 189, Carmel, Ind.).
Here’s a roundup of the Dores’ afternoon at Media Days:
– Drew said it’s a different vibe heading into his second season at Vanderbilt. “We’re further along with principles and philosophies now.”
– Drew said it will take a team effort to make up for Kornet’s depature down low. “We can’t sub in one guy for Luke and get that same quality production.”
Repping the Black and Gold today on the @SECNetwork | #SECTipoff pic.twitter.com/kxRxZtsAA2
 Vandy MBB (@VandyMBB) October 18, 2017
– Following an 8-10 start last season, the Commodores won 10 of their final 14 games to secure a berth in the NCAA tournament. LaChance still has fond memories of that run. “Down the stretch, it was the most fun I’ve had playing basketball.”
– Drew said Vanderbilt needs to become more consistent with its post game. Baptiste, Brown and Obinna expect to play key roles among the Dores’ big men. “Our guards definitely have experience. Our bigs have to gain that experience,” Drew said.
– Drew said Fisher-Davis is an NBA-caliber player. “You want guys who are excellent at doing at least one thing. Matt has skills as good as anyone in the country at shooting the ball.”
Coming at you LIVE from the Country Music Hall of Fame! #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/kA5stLr53v
 Vandy MBB (@VandyMBB) October 18, 2017
– Who does Fisher-Davis call when he wants to shoot around at Memorial? “I usually call Riley. I think he’s the best shooter on the team.”
– LaChance praised Vanderbilt’s backcourt this offseason, especially freshmen guards Maxwell Evans and Saben Lee. “We’ve got a lot of young guys who are fast and athletic… We’ve got a lot of different lineups we can throw at teams.”
– Fisher-Davis on his goals for his senior season: “Getting back to the tournament. We’ll have a good year.”
Coming at ya in 23 days #AnchorDown #SECTipoff pic.twitter.com/ISHcdZrkDZ
 Vandy MBB (@VandyMBB) October 18, 2017
Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics.
