The Mercyhurst men’s basketball team finished up a solid 18-11 season on March 2, but it is still making headlines.
Four Mercyhurst University players have been dismissed from the men’s basketball team for violating team rules.

Sophomores Matt Lee and Andrew Rickard, junior Steven Coleman, and freshman Arnis Libazs are the four players in question.

The losses came less than a month after they were heavy contributors to the playoff run by the Lakers.

Lee started 25 of 28 games he played in and averaged 15.8 points. He was named second-team all-PSAC West following the season. As a sophomore, he was expected to take on a larger role next season.

Rickard played in 28 games and averaged 10 points a game.

Coleman started in 13 of the 21 games he played in and averaged nine points per game.

Libazs had a limited role off the bench.

All four were underclassmen with bright futures on the team.

Now Coach Gary Manchel will need to replace graduating seniors and starters Jamal Turner and Bill Weaver, along with the four dismissed. This leaves at least three holes in the starting lineup.

Senior Luis Leao, who led the team in scoring and rebounding, will have to carry more of a load next season.