Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
Making up for the loss of Loudon Love’s production is going to require a group effort.
Filling the leadership void, though, could turn out to be a one-man job.
Junior wing Tanner Holden — a two-year starter for Wright State and first-team All-Horizon League pick last season — has been such a high performer that his teammates would respect what he had to say if he chose to speak up. And that’s exactly what he plans to do.
“I’m working on being a better leader, being more vocal, being the guy who steps up and becomes the voice of the team,” he said. “With Loudon leaving … I’m trying to be that guy.”
Love was a huge presence in the program — and not just because of his 6-8, 260-pound frame. The two-time league player of the year also had a big personality and was popular with coaches and players alike.
He finished as the program’s all-time leading rebounder and third-most prolific scorer. He’s also the winningest player in the Raiders’ Division I era, having contributed to 89 victories over his four years (a number that would have been even higher if last season wasn’t shortened by COVID-19).
“It’s definitely weird not having him here. He’s been a staple in this program for a long time,” Holden said. “It’ll be tough to replace him, but I feel we have the right guys to do it.”
