Technically this should be on the 2010 thread but I didn’t feel like looking it up. Taking a look at the top rated players out of the state of La from last year and putting them up against our freshman. I think when we get into the meat of the season we will be pretty pleased with what CTJ has put together.

Langston Galloway 10.7ppg 7.3rpg 1.7apg
Markel Brown 2ppg 1.3rpg .7asp
Brain Williams redshirt(injury)
Ronald McGhee non qualifier
Jarvis Ray 2.5ppg 2.3rpg 0apg
Cedric Jenkins 0ppg 2rpg 0apg
Chip Armelin 5ppg 2rpg .4apg


Andre Stringer 15.8ppg 2.3rpg 2.8apg
Ralston Turner 12ppg 2.5rpg 1.3apg
Matt Derenbecker 4ppg 2.3rpg .3apg
Jalen Courtney 1.7ppg .3rpg 0apg

Some 09ers
Kendrick Washington 8.5ppg 3rpg 2.5apg
BJ West .4ppg 2.0rpp .4apg(I thought this guy was a must get)

I think you're right, Mgreen. Personally, I was a little nervous about the Ralston Turner vs. Markel & Langston debate, but given the video I had seen on Ralston, I wasn't doubting Trent's decision too much. I think the interesting thing is recruiting rags who often have their own agenda. Remember that Turner ended up ranked lower according to Rivals to Galloway and possibly Brown as well. Not to slight those two guys though, b/c Markel is probably more athletic than Turner (but gives away a few inches) and many folks in LA were really talking up Langston. I think that ESPNU over the last few years has put out more consistent, accurate ratings. No doubt we needed Stringer, and frankly, he's probably the most critical signing of 2010. First he's a PG and without him, we would have had a hard time winning a few of these games. Second, he's the first key Miss signing in years LSU has had in several years, and he was in part the reason for landing Johnny O'Bryant.

We often forget that Trent is not that bad of a recruiter. When he was at Stanford (as an assistant for Mike Montgomery), he recruited several players who ended up going to the L (Jacobsen, Knight, etc.) and similarly at Nevada he was able to get a few decent players, so he could recruit. I think that what's surprising is his ability to get into more southern AAU circles and surrounding states so quickly. I think we have his integrity, and the help of guys like Colis Temple, Keith Richard, to thank. Frankly, even his assistants like Brent Scott and Don G, have been able to adapt alright with recruiting in the south. I think now, the only question is can he develop his top 15-20 classes, and convert that into the kind of success on the court to land some top 10 classes...

I think also, you look at the track record with LA kids. LSU has been able to land arguably the best player in each class the last few years. In Trent's first full year, Eddie Ludwig and Kourtney Roberson, were vying for that distinction (Roberson was higher rated, but has had trouble getting on the court). The year after that, Matt D. This year, John Isaac. Obviously, we should knock on wood here with some pretty interesting classes coming up in 2012 (Rico Gathers) and 2013 (Bridgewater). What's also been impressive is the fact that he hasn't gone out of state to sign B or C players, like his predecessor did. Turner and Stringer were great signings. I think the key over the next years will be (a) the depth of classes in LA, MS, TX, AL and GA, and (b) what big names might commit to LSU to get the ball rolling further.

In any case, I do like the results so far. Even Courtney has shown some promise early. I think we should not lose sight of the Isaac signing. What we may lack to some degree is with Turner/Stringer is that really athletic body to lock someone down on defense. I think Isaac, with everything that I've read, might be that versatile combo guard that can play some point in a pinch, and just be unrelenting on d. I really can't wait to see him at full strength and in a Tiger uniform.

I think John Isaac will be thought of much differently by the end if his senior season. He is a kid that will be seen as a steal after his time in Baton Rouge is done.

going see issac play either saturday night (if lsu game is over by tip off) or tuesday evening. will report back on him afterwards

Any word on Issac?

srry for the delay, been working crazy hours. But, i went seen him play tuesday night. His team won by 30+ pts (at least was when i left), not sure on his stats for the game. Got a feeling they are going to be down a bit this year because he has a very good team around him and is not asked to do as much. However, he is every bit as good as advertised (not my first time seeing him play either), he has added more weight, my guess is CTJ asked him to. As far as his game he has great passing ability, good man def, can run the floor really well, decent handles. He has a very good jumper from about 2ft in from the 3pt line. Could use work on his 3, however that shot is not really his game. He will probaby play the 3 at LSU just my opinion w/ alittle 2. I will probably see him play more this year cause a couple of the kids, i coached in youth leagues are on his team. They also have a great pg this year, Anthony Davis, would fit in well at lsu, but has 2 things against him, he is a senior and our schollys are limited and he is only about 5'9". AD is a pure pg something we lack, he looks to pass first and rarely misses an open man. This is his first year at Pickering w/ Issac but i have watched him play at Leesville the past 3 years so know him well too. Has unmatched speed, great vision and outstanding hands on def. Also has an off game, but like i said he looks to pass first and shot only if he has too. AD, is being looked at by schools like LA tech and ULL, right now but after the season w/ Issac I expect a couple of bigger programs to offer. IMO, if we had an available scholly he would be worth it, and if he was about 3-4 inches taller we would have to fight to get him. But, as far as issac he is the real deal, and one of the best things i seen about him was his conditioning. He played all but 1 min, in the first 3 qtrs ( I left at end of 3rd) and not once did he look or act tired.

Thanks for the report. I am really looking forward to seeing Isaac with the Tigers. First, you have to say, that as shrewd of a recruiter Trent is, he gave John Isaac an offer as a sophomore--that's unusual for him. Second, Isaac is a physically mature combo guard that probably is the type to do whatever the coach needs. We underestimate sometimes how important that is to a team. While we all get caught up in the 5* type recruits, those guys are usually the first that throw fits or abandon a team when the going gets tough. Remember how valuable Garrett Temple was. Not saying Isaac has the same game as GT, but if he can be a physical defender and do the little things on the court, we will undoubtedly need that.

As for his size, I think that's where I am a little curious. He appears "big" perhaps b/c he just finished beefing up from playing defensive end on his football team. While i think sometimes the basketball/football thing can work with a QB, Tight End, WR, I'm not sure it works on the line :hihi:. Unless Isaac plans on growing 3 more inches, I'm not sure it's in his best interest to gain too much weight. If he's a 6'3" combo PG/SG, he should be around 200-205 lb., if he's more in that 6'4"-6'5" range, maybe he adds an additional 10-15 lbs. I'd be worried about his quickness if he gains too much weight, and I don't think he's being recruited to play the 3. He's a SG/PG contrast to Stringer as our small PG. Funny what you say about his shot. He was scouted to have a nice 3 pointer, so perhaps it was just the game you saw where he was off. I think the strengths he brings is his size, passing, defending and basketball IQ. I think if I were him, I'd be working at SG opposite AD on his dribble drive, 3 pointer and his perimeter d.

Issac and his Pickering team are now 5-0 in an early season, beating Pitkin 71-28 and Barbe 59-52 on friday and saturday.

Issac scored just 8 pts in their win over pitkin (blowout so wasnt really used) while AD (who i will still keep updating) poured in 18pts.
JI had 21 pts in the win over barbe and AD added 12 pts.
Those two games were last friday and saturday.

On tuesday JI and his pickering team beat the defending class b champs Rapides by 31pts 101 - 70 and they really embarassed them. JI finished the game w/ 4 straight dunks. Which also led to His team have to be escorted to their bus by the city police it was a real mess. JI had 27 pts and AD had 24 pts.
They also beat elizabeth on thursday 94 -42, not sure on stats yet. Then played rospine (who they beat by 1 pt in the jamboree) today and won 89 - 42, no stats for this one yet either. The last two games were part of a tourny in pitkin. This Pickering team is now 9-0 and from reports should be ranked number 1 in class 2A. As soon as I get stats for the last 2 games i will post them.

Thanks for the posts. Pickering is undefeated, and it does seem like they are going to be a force to reckon with. Isaac's stats are hard to find, but it does appear that he's on a pretty decent team.

Red Devils remain perfect on season - Leesville, LA - Leesville Daily Leader

I think to a point I made on the Den's page, Isaac and Bryant will certainly upgrade the athletic talent on the team... Isaac's going to be an underrated recruit when it's all said and done.