Who is … Jaime Lloreda?

Sporting News, The, March 1, 2004 by Kyle Veltrop

6-9/245, Sr., F/C, LSU

Brandon Bass, one of the top freshmen in the nation, represents the future of LSU basketball. But the focal point of its present is Jaime Lloreda (HI-me, YA-raid-uh). He averages 17.2 points, and his 11.6 rebounds per game rank second in the nation. Lloreda and Bass (6-8, 240) give LSU an elite low-post combination.

"We had Jabari Smith and Stromile Swift (in 2000),' says coach John Brady. "Those guys were bigger, but Jaime and Brandon both have great presence around the goal. There is no ego between them; they share the ball well" For now, though, the Tigers will lean more on Lloreda, who is battling a minor leg injury, as they make their way toward a second consecutive NCAA Tournament trip.

* Strengths: Blocks out well and reads where the ball will go even before it bounds off the rim. Is strong and physical and very good on the offensive boards. Has a nice up-and-under shoulder fake. Seals off his defender well. Plays with a passion. Has a good feel for the game. Can sense the doubleteam, kick the ball out, then post up his defender again. The Tigers have little depth, and Lloreda is smart with his fouls while not being a pushover on defense. He makes opponents go over him.

* Weaknesses: Is such a poor free throw shooter that he often shies from the ball late in close games. Field-goal shooting (60.1 percent) is better than what he shoots at the line (55.3 percent). Range doesn't extend beyond 8 feet. If he had a way to score 15 feet from the basket, Lloreda would be almost unstoppable. Lacks a go-to move, such as a jump hook. Must rely on pump fakes or trying to plow through defenders. Lacks special athleticism. Turns the ball over too much.

* An Opposing coach says: "What makes it all come together for him is his relentlessness. You try to limit his touches, but he plays so hard, it's tough. He gets good angles on you, both on the boards and in his offensive positioning. He uses his body and is capable of making people bounce off him."