DESMOND KING TABBED LONE STAR CONFERENCE PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Desmond King

Lone Star Conference Online Basketball Media Day

COMMERCE, Texas -- A&M-Commerce senior forward Desmond King has been named the Lone Star Conference's Preseason Player of the Year, announced today by league officials. In addition, A&M-Commerce was picked to finish fouth in the conference standings at the LSC conducted its online Basketball Media Day.

King was a first team All-Lone Star Conference North Division selection in 2010-11 after being named the conference's Newcomer of the Year in the North Division after transferring from Paris Junior College. He started all 26 games he played last year, averaging 16.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, both of which led the team. King was also a two-time LSC North Division Player of the Week, recording-double digit point totals in 23 games while surpassing 20 points in seven games.

The Lions were also picked to finish fourth in the new-look Lone Star Conference, garnering 175 total votes and one first-place vote. Tarleton State was the preseason number one, tallying 255 total votes and 11-first place, followed by Midwestern State and West Texas A&M. The voting was conducted by the conference's head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives.

The online Media Day is now live on the Lone Star Conference's website, with preview videos available from all 10 head coaches, including Lion head coach Sam Walker. A&M-Commerce opens up its 2011-12 season with an exhibition game at Arkansas on Friday, Nov. 4, before beginning the regular season at Southern Arkansas on Nov. 17. The Lions' first game at the Field House will also be its conference opener, hosting Midwestern State at 8 p.m. on Nov. 30.

2011-12 Lone Star Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

Preseason Player of the Year: Desmond King • A&M-Commerce