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Violation of team rule sidelines Washington State PG Danny Lawhorn

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Washington State Athletics

It’s been argued many times over that the point guard position is the most important in college basketball, with successful teams generally having a solid option at the position. Washington State didn’t have that luxury last season, and while DaVonte’ Lacy, Mike Ladd and Royce Woolridge all had their moments the Cougars’ lack of stability at the position was a major factor in their going 13-19 (4-14 Pac-12).

The expectation entering the 2013-14 season is that things will be different for the Cougars at the point, thanks to the arrival of freshman Ike Ireogbu and junior college transfer Danny Lawhorn. But Washington State’s already hit a roadblock in its quest to find a point guard, as it was reported that Lawhorn isn’t participating in practices due to a violation of a team rule.

Head coach Ken Bone made the announcement Friday morning, and he did not disclose the rule that Lawhorn broke. The Cougars, who are also waiting for redshirt freshman guard Que Johnson to fully recover from a stress fracture in his shin, began workouts at an off-campus retreat Friday and will hold their first on-campus practice on Tuesday.

How much can Lawhorn help the Cougars? He averaged 8.4 assists per game at San Jacinto last season, following a freshman season in which he dished out 9.5 helpers per contest. With leading scorer Brock Motum out of eligibility, having a player who can set up his teammates becomes even more important in 2013-14. Washington State has players who can create (Lacy, Ladd and Woolridge all averaged double figures last season), but having a solid option at the point makes things easier for everyone offensively.

With Lawhorn sidelined for the time being, Ireogbu’s progression becomes even more important for Washington State.

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