LSUs Jaime Lloreda Is MVP

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- There was no controversy or shock when the Bill French/Most Valuable Player Award was announced at the 55th Annual NJCAA Tournament on Saturday evening.

Jaime Lloreda, a 6-8, 220 pound sophomore power forward from Dixie State College in St. George, Ut., via Panama, got the nod after scoring 26 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the 82-81 title game victory over Coffeyville C.C. of Kansas.

Lloreda, who signed with Louisiana State, was a force all tournament long for the Rebels, averaging 23.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest in four games to lead Dixie to the title.

Lloreda is difficult to defend because of his extraordinary combination of speed and athleticism at the forward position. He consistently beats defenders to spots in the low post and uses quick leaping ability to wiggle his way to the basket. Once there, he recovers well on his leap and is apt to go up and follow his misses or draw fouls.

One improvement in his game from last season is that Lloreda is now able to put the ball on the floor a bit better on the way to the basket. While he's not a great ball handler, he's much more adept at using the dribble to get from point A to point B and score.

Lloreda's biggest weakness right now are free throws, and he'll need to improve those when he gets to the SEC next year. That said, he very well could be an impact player for John Brady's Tigers next winter.