The athlete: Mitch returns for his senior season in the Blue and Gold, after playing one semester in 2008-2009…played in ten games, starting four of those contests…averaged six points and over five rebounds in those games…shot 38 percent from the field and behind the arc as well…swatted seven shots...came to VUSC for his after transferring from Nicholls State in Thibodaux, Louisiana where he played two seasons for Head Coach J.P. Piper…was Nicholls State Freshman Athlete of the Year and was in the top 10 in 3-point, field goal and free throws for the Southland Conference as a freshman…graduated in 2004 from Townsville State High School in Townsville, Queensland, Australia where he played for Head Coach John O’Farrell…All-Region, All-State and All-Australia second team selection…played on the McDonald’s Crocodiles Development team and was state champion in his senior year…averaged 19 points, 10.5 rebounds four blocks and two steals per game…has played for 15 years…big inside player who can help at both ends of the court…can rebound and step out and shoot from the outside…should help boost the Lions’ front line as a senior.

The person: Mitch Edward was born in Albury, Australia to parents David and Cathy on May 27, 1986…has one younger sister…majoring in Communications…loves eating at "In-N-Out"…favorite color is red and number is 12…favorite movie is "Top Gun" and TV show is "Entourage"…roots for LSU…sports hero is Brennan Hawkins…has more shoes than an average girl…thinks that trust is an essential character trait to have…most respects his dad and mom because they rock…learned in life that you learn from your mistakes…basketball has taught him patience…career goal is to be a successful Public Relations representative.

Mitch’s Senior Reflection: I hope to be remembered as a person who gave their all in the right spirit of competition.

Coach Litzenberger’s thoughts: Mitch is an outstanding student who can be a big part of our inside game this year. He needs to play hard and smart for us.

The athlete: Dennis is back for his fourth and final season as a Lion…has had a tremendous career for VUSC, on and off the court…played in all 29 games as a junior, starting 27…led the team in minutes and was second in total points…averaged over ten points and nearly five rebounds per contest, while knocking down a team-leading 44 threes…since VU began keeping career stats, he ranks in the top-ten in several Men’s Basketball career categories, including games played, points, field goals made, three-pointers made, free-throws made and free-throw percentage, and total rebounds, in 88 games played…boasts career averages of 11.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game…active in student leadership on campus, including a leader in BAM (Beyond Athletic Ministries)…graduated from Newport Harbor High School in 2006…highly-decorated local athlete…played for former SCC (VU) alumnus Larry Hirst at NHHS…All-Sea View League selection…NHHS Team MVP… three-point shooting champion…averaged 20 points and seven rebounds per game…two-time Coaches’ Award winner…holds NHHS’s record for career three-pointers with 71…helped his team record the third-most wins (21) in school history…named Daily Pilot’s Dream Team Player of the Year…played one club season with California Basketball Club…carried a 3.3 GPA in high school…has played basketball for nine years…gym rat who is always working on his game…right-handed shooter with good size…student of the game…one of the top players in the conference…expect a fantastic senior season from Heenan.

The person: Dennis James was born on August 25, 1987…born in Newport Beach, California and raised in Costa Mesa by his parents Kevin and Debbie Heenan…has an older brother and two younger sisters…sister Jamie is a sophomore on VU’s volleyball team…will graduate in May with a Business Administration degree… favorite movie is "Shawshank Redemption" and television shows are "The Office" and "Shark Tank"…loves the color blue and the number 32…roots for the Chicago Bulls and Cubs …sports hero is Gilbert Arenas…enjoys playing basketball, Frisbee golf, going to the beach, bowling, music, cooking, and eating…most respects his fiancé, Kelsey Carlson, for her strength, faith, and servant hood…career goal is to play professional basketball and own his own business…has learned that life is all about relationships and being a servant to others…basketball has taught him to work hard, be competitive, and have teamwork.

Dennis’ Senior Reflection: I want to be remembered as more than a basketball player, but as a man of God who lived out my life for Christ in everything I did.

Coach Litzenberger’s comments: Dennis is a leader by example on and off the court. He is an extremely hard worker who will have a great senior year.

The athlete: Greg is back and ready for his senior season, his fourth year in a Lion uniform…has had a great career for VUSC, and is looking to continue his remarkable success…started 27 of the 28 games he played in as a junior…led the Vanguard squad in points (12.1/game), steals (46), and assists (4.5/game) in 2008-2009…solid career averages of 9.9 points/game, and 4.9 assists/game in 85 career contests for VU…ranks in the top-ten in VU history in career games played, points, field goals made, three-point FG’s, assists, and steals…named All-GSAC and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention as a sophomore…played in 27 of the 29 games as a freshman…graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2006…played for Coach Jose Alvarez in the Empire League…earned All-CIF and All-League laurels as a prep player…was the Co-MVP for the Empire League as a senior…was named to an all-league team three times in his JFKHS career…two-time team MVP…earned offensive and defensive honors…three-time all-tournament player…averaged 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals as a senior…also played football in high school…has played basketball for nine years…has grown on and off the court in his time at VU…has incredible speed and quickness…smart, with great passing skills…one of the top guards in the conference and the country…should have another terrific season as he closes out his Vanguard career.

The person: Gregory Scott Jr. was born on May 23, 1988 in Patterson, New Jersey…parents are Greg and Christine…is the eldest of three children…nickname is "G-Love"…majoring in Business Administration…sports hero is Carmelo Anthony…likes the movie "Next Friday"…watches "Malcolm in the Middle" on television…favorite scripture is Psalm 23:4…loves the color blue and the number one…roots for the Duke Blue Devils…likes eating at "The Kitchen"…believes that righteousness is the most important character trait one can possess…most respects Samuel from the Bible…learned in life that he can do all things through Christ…basketball has taught him to glorify God with his talent…career goal is to expand his company, GIO (God Inspired Outfits), and play basketball professionally.

Greg’s Senior Reflection: I hope to be remembered as someone who stuck it out for four years and established himself as a respectable man of God.

Coach Litzenberger’s comments: Greg is a coach on the floor. He is our best defensive player and our best passer.

The athlete: Elvis returns to the Pride for his senior season, his second campaign with VUSC…played in all 29 games, making 23 starts…led the team in total rebounds, with 181 (6.2 average), and chipped in 8.5 points/game…tied for second on the team in steals…shot 40 percent from the field…came to the Lions after spending the two seasons at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California with Head Coach Russel Smith…was an All-Tournament selection…graduated in 2005 from McLane High School in Fresno, California…played for Head Coach Thomas Williams and was an All-Tourney and MVP selection…also played two years of club…also played football and was on the track and field team in high school…has played basketball for six years…one of the most athletic players ever to attend VUSC…explosive athlete…great rebounder…has worked hard to improve his shooting and ball handling…terrific defender…look for another season of solid numbers from Elvis.

The person: Elvis was born in Fresno, California on June 7, 1987…father Elvis Whitelow and mother Stephanie Riley…has three brothers and three sisters…majoring in Communications/Public Relations…loves the movies "Hitch" and "The Wood"…favorite TV show is "Entourage"…likes to eat at "Krusty Crab"…roots for the Chicago Bulls and the San Francisco 49ers…sports heroes are Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade…favorite color is red and number is 12…favorite actor is Will Smith…enjoys playing "Call of Duty"…most respects anyone who made it on their own in life…learned that life is hard, but there are moments to cherish forever… thinks that it is important to have a sense of humor…basketball has taught him to be aggressive yet patient, and how to be a leader…career goals are to play professional basketball, work for a Public Relations firm, and model someday.

Elvis’ Senior Reflection: I want to be remembered as the most exciting player to ever come to VU.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: Elvis is a great rebounder and makes great plays at the defensive end. He plays hard and is improving everyday.

The Athlete: Billal arrives at Vanguard via Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo, California…played for Head Coach Andy Ground at Saddleback, in the Orange Empire Conference…before SJC, played for Coach Keith Erickson at Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota…graduated in 2004 from EPHS, where he was named the most improved player on his team…other than his duties with VU, Azizi plays for the Afghanistan National team as well…has been playing basketball for 14 years…also played football in high school…solid post player who has an array of offensive skills…lefty who can shoot it outside or score in the paint…smart, deceptive player who changes speeds well…should bolster the Vanguard front line and provide them with another scoring option.

The Person: Billal was born September 12, 1985, to parents Sher and Ozra…born in Eden Prairie, Minnesota…has one brother and one sister, both older…known as "Billy"…plans to major in Kinesiology at VUSC…likes to eat steak and shrimp…favorite movie is "Gladiator" and TV show is "Fresh Prince"…roots for the Boston Celtics…sports hero is Randy Moss…favorite number is three and color is sky blue…hobbies include playing poker…believes that respect is the top character trait to possess…most respects his parents because they devoted their lives to make mine better…has learned that life is short, and to enjoy it while it lasts…basketball has taught him that practice makes perfect…career goals are to finish school, find a job, and have a family.

His Thoughts: I chose Vanguard because I felt it could help me become a better student-athlete much more than any other school.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: Billy will help us at every phase of the game. He can play both inside and outside. He will be a great scorer and rebounder as well as a very good defender.

The athlete: Drew is back for his second season with the Men’s basketball program, and his junior year overall…contributed as a sophomore, averaging 3.5 points per game in 27 appearances…shot 41 percent from behind the arc and 80 percent from the free-throw line…came to the Lions after transferring from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington…played for Head Coach Jim Hayford and in 24 games averaged just under three points and 1.1 rebounds per game with 19 of his 24 total field goals coming from the three-point line…graduated from El Toro High School where he was Sea View League MVP and a First team All-CIF player…competed for Head Coach Todd Dixon, a former standout guard and Athlete of the Year for Vanguard University, then known as Southern California College…also played volleyball…has played basketball for ten years…great shooter with deep three-point range…very good passer…smart player who knows the game well.

The person: Drew was born in Anaheim, California to parents Ron and Sue on October 21, 1987…has one younger brother, who plays college volleyball, and a younger sister, who attends VU…majoring in Business Administration…loves eating Mexican food at "Chipotle"…favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13…favorite TV show is "Lost" and movie is "Finding Forrester"…roots for the Kentucky Wildcats…sports hero is Reggie Miller…likes the color blue and the number 24…hobbies are beach volleyball and hanging out with family and friends…most respects his dad…learned that life is hard…basketball has taught him teamwork…career goal is to own his own sports training business.

His thoughts: My favorite thing about Vanguard is my teammates.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: Drew is an outstanding offensive player that will be important to our scoring chances this year.

The athlete: Alex returns to VU for his junior season in 2009-2010, after playing one semester a season ago…joined the Lions at the Christmas break, after transferring from the University of Nebraska…made an immediate impact on the VUSC squad with his talent and size…played in 17 contests, starting eight of those…averaged over 10 points per game, on 49 percent shooting from the field…led the Lions with 6.3 boards/game and 19 total blocks…chipped in 13 threes…at Nebraska, played for coach Doc Sandler…before playing for the Cornhuskers, attended Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming…graduated from Canby High School in Canby, Oregon, in 2006…achieved a 3.5 GPA at CHS…earned All-League as a junior and senior, before being honorable mention all-state as a senior…also ran track at Canby…has played basketball for eight years…spent two years as a member of the Portland Panthers club team…exceptional talent…can score inside or step out and drain the three…soft touch on a smooth jumper…rebounds well…should challenge for All-GSAC honors as a junior.

The person: Alex was born to parents Kenny and Ginny in Palm Springs, California, on August 28, 1987…has one brother, who played basketball for the University of Texas, and one sister…nickname is "Chapp"…working on his major in sociology at VU…prefers the food at "Krusty Krab"…favorite color is red and number is 23…likes to watch "King of the Hill" on TV, and favorite movie is "Always"…roots for the Portland Trailblazers…sports hero is Kevin Garnett…likes the scripture Romans 12:21…enjoys Fridays and Christmas…favorite actor is Denzel Washington…when he is not playing basketball, likes to go to the beach…most respects his parents…basketball has taught him to handle adversity.

His thoughts: My favorite things about Vanguard are the location and the people here.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: Alex was huge for us as a transfer last season. He is stronger this year and will help us inside.

The athlete: Allen comes to the Vanguard Men’s basketball program after playing two seasons at Glendale College in Glendale, California…was named best defensive player both of his seasons at GC…graduated in 2003 from Torrance High School in Torrance, California…played for Coach Tachibana in the Pioneer conference…earned best defensive player honors in all of his four seasons, and was named team MVP his senior year…led his team to the conference championship as a senior…has been playing basketball for nine years…good athlete with good work ethic…has a great attitude on the court…can shoot it from deep or take it off the dribble…will be relied upon this year to provide solid minutes in the backcourt.

The person: Allen was born on December 18, 1984, in Los Angeles, California…mom is Angela, and is an only child…plans on majoring in Kinesiology at VUSC…favorite place to eat is "BJ’s"…enjoys watching the movie "300" and the TV Show "The Office"…favorite color is red and number is 21…favorite actor is Denzel Washington…prefers Sundays and likes Christmas…roots for the Lakers…sports hero is Ray Allen…favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13…thinks that integrity is the most important quality trait to have…most respects his mother for raising me on her own…has learned to keep God first in life…basketball has taught him to never give up…career goal is to succeed in whatever he does.

His thoughts: None given.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: Allen comes to us as a very athletic player. As he develops he will become a good player in our program.

The athlete: Landon is back for his third campaign with the Vanguard Lions in 2009-2010…played in 26 games for VU as a sophomore, making two starts…scored 24 points and dished out 16 assists…has career numbers of 36 points, 23 boards, and 21 assists, in 38 games played…shooting 40 percent from the field as a Lion…came to the Lions after graduating from Capo Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California…played for Head Coach Brian Mulligan where he was a Coach’s Award winner in the South Coast League…played six years of club basketball…son of former Lion basketball player Rich Pluimer…skilled shooting guard who is a team player…smooth player that can play any of the three perimeter positions…willing to work on both ends of the floor…displays solid leadership skills.

The person: Landon was born on January 30, 1988 in Lakewood, California to parents Rich and Pam…has two sisters…majoring in Business…loves eating at "Fratello’s"…likes the color blue and the number 22…enjoys watching "ESPN" on TV…roots for the Philadelphia Eagles and NY Yankees…sports hero is Michael Jordan…favorite movie is "Rudy"…likes films with Russell Crowe in them…favorite passage from the Bible is the entire book of 1 John…likes winning and going to the dollar theatre…believes that the most important characteristic to have is a good head of hair…most respects his parents because they are great…basketball has taught him to listen to the message and not the messenger…learned that life throws curveballs…career goal is to do good stuff.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the high-tech weight room.

Coach Litzenberger’s comments: Landon is a very hard worker who is improving every day. He will be a player who can play every position when he is needed.

The athlete: Joshua rejoins the Lions for his junior season, his second season with the program…appeared in 24 games off the bench a year ago…snagged 15 rebounds and scored nine points on the season…came to Vanguard after spending his freshman campaign with Head Coach Larry Doty at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon…graduated in 2007 from Linfield High School in Temecula, California where he played for Head Coach Scott Day…was First Team All-League 2006-2007 and First Team All-CIF 2006-2007…played two years of AAU basketball…also played football and baseball…has played basketball for 10 years…lefty who can score inside and rebound the ball at both ends….quality addition to the Vanguard team…gives the squad another option off the bench.

The person: Joshua was born in San Clemente, California to parents David and Elizabeth on May 24, 1989…has one brother and one sister…majoring in sociology…favorite color is purple and number is 40…favorite movie is "Wedding Crashers" and TV show is "Two & a Half Men"…roots for the Dallas Cowboys…sports hero is Ben Wallace…enjoys eating at "Splash Cafe"…hobbies include sleeping, eating, playing sports and lifting weights…most respects his mom and dad…learned life doesn’t come easy…basketball has taught him hard work…would like to make money somehow.

His thoughts: My favorite thing about Vanguard is the people.

Coach Litzenberger’s comments: Josh is another great young man who will be a big part of our future in VU basketball. He brings hard work, effort and will become a force inside for us. He can score inside, rebound the ball and is a physical force on defense.

The athlete: Billy will make his first appearance on the court for VU in nearly a year, after redshirting 2008-2009 with an injury…before he was hurt, played in three contests for Vanguard, starting one of those games…went 4-5 from the free-throw line in the three games…came off the bench for the Lions as a freshman, seeing action in 15 games…averaged 1.6 points, 1.3 rebounds and had four steals in his debut season for VU…came to Vanguard after a successful career at Temecula Valley High School in Temecula, California for Rico Thompson in the Southwestern conference…led team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots…First Team All-CIF, MVP Southwestern League and Valley Player of the Year…athletic, physical player who can play three positions …strong finisher in the lane…very quick off the ground…also can shoot it from deep…has played basketball for 16 years.

The person: William (Billy) was born in Huntington Beach, California on March 8, 1989 to parents Bill and Janet…oldest of three children…majoring in Business Administration…likes eating at "Alfredo’s" and California burritos…favorite movie is "Into The Wild" and watching "Seinfeld" on TV…roots for the Anaheim Angels…sports hero is Steve Nelson…likes the color British green and the number three…favorite Bible verses are Romans 12…favorite actor is Rob Machado…thinks that love is an essential quality to possess…most respects Christian Halett, Cody Adams, and Nick Tunnicliffe for being hospitable to me…has learned in life that God’s grace is sufficient…basketball has taught him how to put a round ball through a hoop…career goal is to either teach high school or own a small business.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard are the 4:1 odds.

Coach Litzenberger’s comments: Billy is a great young man who works very hard daily to become a better person and athlete. His leadership qualities are evident both on and off the floor. We look for Billy to be a major contributor for us this year with his versatile play.

The athlete: Brennan rejoins the Lions for his second season on the Men’s basketball team, his third year at VU as a student…played in 21 games for VUSC in 2008-2009, starting one of those contests…shot 47% from the field, and 38% from behind the arc…dished out nine assists and recorded a pair of steals…came to Vanguardfrom JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California, where he played for Head Coach Tom Lewis…was a two-time Scholar Athlete of the Year award winner as well as a winner of the Hustle Award, Coach’s Award and Most Improved Player…four-year varsity starter…played three years of club…also was a baseball standout who hit nearly .500…very good ball handler…hard working player who has vastly improved his outside shot…great on-ball defender…should see time as a reserve guard for VU.

The person: Brennan was born in Mission Viejo, California on December 15, 1988 to parents Randy and Charlotte…dad also played at VUSC…has one brother and two sisters…majoring in Communications…likes eating at "Taco Bell"…favorite movie is "Death at a Funeral" and TV show is "Big Bang Theory"…likes the color Carolina blue and the number 2…roots for the UNC Tarheels, Steelers and Angels…sports hero is Michael Vick and Troy Polamalu …favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:15…hobbies include ninja and ninja tag…most respects my family because they support me no matter what…thinks that self-control is essential to have…learned life is what you make it…basketball has taught him how to dribble and discipline…career goal is to win the lotto.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the community and the caf.

Coach Litzenberger’s comments: Brennan is coming on strong as a player. His basketball IQ is getting better everyday. He brings great work ethic to our team and is a great team player.

The athlete: Daniel joins the Pride as a freshman from Phoenix Christian High School…graduated from PCHS in 2009…played for Head Coach Ron Cornelius…named All-Conference and All-State as a senior…averaged 21 points per game and 10 boards per contest…has played basketball for 14 years, including one year playing for the Lake Show club team…also played tennis in high school…will redshirt this season while he adjusts to the different size and speed of the college level…brings length to the Lions’ roster…a big man who can step out and shoot the three or take his man off the dribble…should develop into a solid player in the VU program.

The person: Daniel was born to parents Ron and Kim on May 11, 1990…birthplace is Switzerland…has one sister, Andi…plans on majoring in Communications at Vanguard…favorite place to eat is "In-N-Out"…likes the number 21 and the color blue…enjoys watching "The Fresh Prince of Bell Air"… favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13…roots for the LA Lakers…sports hero is Dirk Nowitzki…favorite actor is Meagan Fox…likes to play tennis and golf…thinks that respect, self-control, and forgiveness are important character traits…most respects his dad, who taught him about life and basketball…has learned that every day is different…basketball has taught him to be a leader on and off the court…career goal is to take basketball as far as he can.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because it seemed like the right fit for me.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: Daniel brings athleticism to our team as a freshman. We look for him to become a very good player as he gets stronger.

The athlete: Tremayne arrives at Vanguard University via Citrus Hill High School in Perris, California…graduated from CHHS in 2009 with a 3.6 GPA…played for Head Coach Tim Hatch in the Mountain Pass conference…averaged over 18 points per game in high school…earned All-League and named MVP of his team…has been playing basketball for 13 years…played two seasons for The Iceman club team…very athletic point guard…explosive quickness off the dribble…solid on-ball defender…one of the top recruits for the VU basketball program.

The person: Tremayne was born on March 6, 1991, in Los Angeles, California…mom is Kimberly Gipson…has decided to pursue a degree in Kinesiology…enjoys eating any seafood…"Tre" loves the movie "He Got Game"…prefers watching anything on "ESPN"…favorite color is blue and number is seven…roots for the Boston Celtics…sports hero is Deron Williams…favorite actor is Eva Mendes…thinks that personality is important to have…most respects his mother…has learned that the world is bigger than me…basketball has taught me never to be satisfied…goal is to win the GSAC Tournament and go from there.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because of the area and the school.

Coach Litzenberger’s Comments: "Tre" is one of the best young players I have ever recruited at Vanguard. He will be a very good point guard in the GSAC before he finishes at VU.