If you read CTJ quotes and compare them to preseason 2010, you see this year he has much more confidence in the team. Last year it seemed like he was preparing the fans for a sub par season. Last year it was we are going to have to speed up the learning curve, this year its more like we are ahead of schedule. I'm ready for the season to start!
Agreed. Last year, there was a lot of "let's not put too much on the freshmen", "we have the chance to be good" kind of talk. This year there's a lot less of that, and you can either chalk that up to Trent's genuine optimism, or a little bit to that's what a coach in his position has to say given the last couple of seasons. That said, Trent is a no-nonsense guy who calls it like it is. So, clearly he sees some difference in this team versus last. Based upon insider reports, in a more recent scrimmage this week, Hickey continues to impress on how quickly he can get from end to end, and get into the lane, but also hit mid-range jumpers. He's going to be a difference maker, and from a recruiting standpoint--keep in mind he was our spring signee. Also, a lot on how the freshman are looking--Isaac is going to be good, and O'Bryant will have to work on his conditioning. I also am looking forward to Storm Warren being healthy and having a true big next to him. As the last Brady recruit left standing, I'd really like to see that guy have a big year. He is likely what this LSU program will be built on over the next couple of years--kids from LA and the surrounding area who want to be at LSU when perhaps it's not a "popular" pick. Here's a kid, a decent recruit, who showed promise at times, but stayed in school for 4 years, got his degree at his home state school and worked hard through the injuries--through thick and thin. He was a Brady recruit, but a "Trent" kind of kid. And, kids like John Isaac, Malik Morgan, should be commended for following in his footsteps. That isn't Javan Felix. But, hopefully, that will be kids like Ricardo Gathers, Jerrell Martin, Brian Bridgewater, Victor Craig, etc. Kids that could take this program from good to great.
Who's ready for some b-baahhlll?!! In case folks were not satisfied with some of the reporting from last week's scrimmage, here is actually a respectable (and detailed) report from Tigerrag's Ben Love: TigerRag - Tigers take the court 10 days from opener I think what's clear from this more helpful report, is that Hickey is a difference maker and Isaac will be a surprise. Warren looks very good, and O'Bryant may need to be brought along more slowly. In any case, first game this Saturday, and with what essentially amounts to another football scrimmage with WKU, and free tickets for the men's basketball opener, I'm curious to how the team and fans willl respond. :bball::geauxtige Skuttlebutt is that Ricardo Gathers will be here again, this weekend, taking in the home games. I again could see him potentially really having an impact as a Storm Warren replacement next year--that could mean starting as a freshman alongside Hamilton and/or O'Bryant. Who's ready?
For what it's worth, if Rico is in the stands at LSU's game, what kind of message will the fans/students send to BASKETBALL RECRUITS with their attendance and support? When folks wonder about why LA prospects get sucked into the midnight madness and hype of Kansas, Georgetown, Kentucky, etc., you have to debate whether "hoops atmosphere" matters. Certainly you'd like to think it does. And, can and will the students of today, with a #1 football program, bring the deaf dome back? It's something Joe and Trent need to figure out. With FREE tickets this weekend, hopefully folks are going just to show Gathers that we want him at LSU, and he should not be going to a Big Least school like St. Johns or UConn... :rolleye33:
Zach Kinsley Stats, News, Videos, Highlights, Pictures, Bio - Texas A&M Aggies - ESPN Kinsley got a spot on the A&M bench
Good for Zach. You got to give the guy credit... he was definitely moving and shaking to get himself in the right spots for more and more exposure. The LSU optimist is saying to myself, wow, the guy was trained essentially with two years of practicing as a walk-on at LSU, and then goes to UNO to score 16 ppg on essentially a non-Div I depleted and rebuilt team. Now, he goes to the Aggies (who would eventually play in the SEC) as a guard... to what, be a practice player for them? I don't know very much about their roster except that they do have a LA player from Ludwig's year on it, and they were able to land J-Michael Reese for next year. But, there are several other guards on the roster, and Zach goes there for his senior year? Kinsley Joins Aggie Basketball Program - Texas A&M Official Athletic Site - AggieAthletics.com You wonder if he just stayed at LSU would he be getting more PT now, with Stringer at 2 and a FR John Isaac in the wings. In any case, I wish him well. Thought this was interesting too from a LSU standpoint... T-Train was in town this past weekend for a Charity event. Trent did the walk, and in return, Tyrus practiced with the men's team with "other former LSU players". I'm sure the team enjoyed playing with a bunch of former LSU - pros waiting for the lock out to end. Johnson Takes Part in 'Dash Against Diabetes' - LSUsports.net - The Official Web Site of LSU Tigers Athletics
