The LSU football team is now ranked No. 1 and its next game is against No. 2 Alabama on Nov. 9. That game almost certainly will determine the SEC West champion and possibly more.
So it’s a little hard for any other Tigers teams to get anyone’s attention right now.
1. Clear skies – for now
Last season ended with coach Will Wade under suspension for refusing to speak with university officials about comments of his that were picked up on an FBI wiretap.
The comments strongly suggested that Wade had violated NCAA rules while recruiting, though he wasn’t being investigated by the FBI or the NCAA.
In April, Wade was reinstated by the university after agreeing to forfeit bonuses he had gained during the season and accepting altered language in his contract that makes it easier for the university to fire him if the NCAA finds the coach guilty of serious wrongdoing.
Since then, it has been business as usual for Wade.
2. Key losses
Back to basketball.
The Tigers lost All-SEC guard Tremont Waters and forward Naz Reid as early entrants into the NBA and forward Kavell Bigby-Williams ran out of eligibility.
They were key players last season, especially Waters and Reid.
3. Near losses
Three other players – guards Skylar Mays, Javonte Smart and Marlon Taylor – also entered the NBA Draft early amid uncertainty about Wade and the program’s future.
But none found the pastures to be greener and opted to return to the Tigers, greatly enhancing the prospects for this season.
Forwards Darius Days and Emmitt Williams also return from last year’s team with the expectation that they will be important players this season.
4. Key newcomers
Guard Aundre Hyatt redshirted last season and is appears recovered from a knee injury as the preseason winds down.
Combo guard James Bishop and JUCO shooting guard Charles Manning are also important additions.
But it’s freshman forward Trendon Watford – a 5-star recruit – who is the most important newcomer to this year’s team.
5. More on Watford
Wade has called Watford a “Swiss Army knife” because he can do so many things.
The coach said Watford, who is 6-9, is capable of leading the team in scoring, assists or rebounding. Don’t look for him to lead in all 3, but to be among the best at all 3.
He could play all 5 positions.
6. High expectations
LSU went 28-7 and claimed the regular season SEC championship with a 16-2 league mark last year.
It advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 and finished No. 12 in the final AP poll.
Despite all the turmoil of last spring, the Tigers are heading into this season with very high expectations.
They are ranked No. 22 in the AP preseason poll and they were picked 3rd in the SEC – behind Kentucky and Florida – as they try to reach the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 2004-05 and 2005-06 Tigers team.
7. New point guard
Javonte Smart steps into the point guard position vacated by Waters.
Though Smart isn’t as dynamic a ball-handler or playmaker as Waters, he is talented, steady and disciplined.
This is a team that might not be as flashy as last season’s group but could be as good or better.
Smart’s ability at the point fits with the personality of the team as a whole.
8. Comfortable style
The Tigers don’t have as many big men last year and will rely more on speed, quickness and outside shooting.
LSU made only 219 3-pointers last year, 11th in the SEC. It shot 32.3%, also 11th in the SEC.
The Tigers were 2nd in the SEC in 2-point baskets, however, with 693.
Wade said last season was the adjustment for him and that he’s more comfortable working with a roster like this year’s.
9. Trip to Spain
LSU got a head-start on preseason preparation with an 11-day summer trip to Spain during which it went 3-1.
Throw in 10 practices on campus before departing and you have a group that should be tight and seasoned right out of the gate.
10. Season ticket sales
Yeah, football is going to be the top dog for a while, but the basketball team is on people’s minds more so than any other time in recent memory.
Season ticket sales have hit the 7,400 mark, nearly 1,000 more than last season and the most since the team featured a guy named Shaquille O’Neal, whose statue now stands outside the PMAC.
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