In doing my 99 team college basketball previews in 99 days, I got to thinking (which is always a dangerous thing)… I bet I will be able to name 1,000 college hoops players before the season starts. Anyone want to challenge me?
The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” countdown ranks the 72 power conference teams and top 27 mid-majors in reverse power rankings order, and will lead right up to the start of the season. LSU comes in at #91 and appears to be in for another season of struggles. Click here if you missed teams #91-#99.
By: David Kay
LSU Tigers (6th, 2-14 in SEC West, 11-20)
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Malcolm White (Jr)/Dennis Harris (So)/Garrett Green (Jr)
F: Eddie Ludwig (So)/Jalen Courtney (Fr)
F: Storm Warren (Jr)/Matt Derenbecker (Fr)
G: Aaron Doston (So)/Ralston Turner (Fr)
PG: Chris Bass (Jr)/Andre Stringer (Fr)/Daron Populist (So)
Gone: F-Tasmin Mitchell, G-Alex Farrer, PG-Bo Spencer (transfer-Nebraska)
2010-2011 Outlook:
From first to worst; LSU went from a 13-3 conference mark in 2008-2009 to an abysmal 2-14 record last season. It will only get more difficult this year as the Tigers lose more than half of their scoring from last season. Leading scorer Tasmin Mitchell graduated while senior-to-be Bo Spencer was kicked off the team for failing to meet academic requirements.
The frontcourt will be the strength for Trent Johnson this season. Storm Warren returns as the team’s leading scorer while Ole Miss transfer Malcolm White should step right into the starting line-up. There are major concerns in the backcourt though. Chris Bass started 19 games last season but averaged more assists and rebounds per game than he did points. Aaron Dotson came to LSU with high expectations, but failed to live up to the hype.
Finding scorers will be the key for the Tigers this season. Only one returning player averaged more than five points per game last season (Warren) and the team shot a brick building 28.7% from three. The SEC West is in a down year which gives fans a sliver of hope, until they remember it was also weak last season.
Player to Watch: Malcolm White, F/C
The Ole Miss transfer sat out last season but will bring some size to the Tiger frontcourt and has SEC experience that LSU sorely lacks. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds a game in 2008-2009 and will need to contribute right away to help Storm Warren up-front since LSU’s backcourt does not have a proven scorer.
Key Non-Conference Games:
11/21 vs. Memphis (in Tupelo, MS)
12/18 vs. Wichita State
Other 99 in 99’s:
#91 Providence
#92 Michigan
#93 Oregon State
#94. Nebraska
#95. Auburn
#96. DePaul
#97. Iowa State
#98. Rutgers
#99. Iowa