Let's hope so. This was released by Gary Laney now of ESPN: http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/lsu/post?id=3602#more Basically, the only potential other player to add to this roster is a graduate transfer (i.e., like Garrett Green for SD State) from Memphis--and another guard. Here's the optimistic view. CJJ and other coaches can make small ball work. Having freer reign to get up and down the court helps players like Hickey, Stringer, Morgan and Coleman blossom. With the depth of guards we can play faster and at least be competitive and even if we don't win a bunch of games, the system is attractive to top recruits in the 2013 class. We go say, 17-13 or so and land in the NIT again, is hopefully optimistic, but we're able to establish some momentum for SOME big signings in CJJ's key recruiting class #2. We sign some local talent mixed in with some out of state kids (likely TX or MS) and we're setting the stage for some good years. We hope, like many programs do, "small ball" can work at LSU. The pessimistic view is that we struggle next year and no big names are convinced that LSU's future is bright. Johnny O'Bryant and Jalen Courtney are "running bigs" and get frustrated or can't keep other SEC bigs from dominating down low. Fans don't fill the PMAC, and half of the seats continue to be empty. I think as I always say, folks underestimate the importance of fans filling those seats regardless of win or lose. With no "impact" signings, LSU continues to be up and down for a few years as they were in the Trent and Brady eras. I'd like to think that there's some real coaching and player development going on this summer. Jones is to his credit an underrated coach, and Kirby as well has been around enough systems to really game plan with Jones. But, we have to see it on the court now and not just on paper or the boards.
Former UNO, Memphis player Carmouche joins LSU BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- LSU coach Johnny Jones says former University of New Orleans and Memphis guard Charles Carmouche has enrolled in LSU and will join the Tigers for the upcoming season. The 6-foot-3 Carmouche played two seasons at New Orleans before transferring to Memphis, where he played the past two years. However, he received a medical redshirt last season while completing his graduation requirements at Memphis, allowing him to transfer to another Division I program without sitting out a year. Carmouche, who is from New Orleans, has played in 92 games in his college career with 75 starts. He has averaged 7.4 point s, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Jones says Carmouche's ability to defend and his experience will make him an instant leader and a valuable addition to the Tigers.
I think small ball is the best way for a program with less talent to compete, but I hope cjj doesn't think it's the best way to win period.
I still say Jalen Courtney will be the wild card next season. At 6-8, 230 or so he has the frame to play on the block but don't know if he is physical enough. If Courtney emerges then it could make a big difference in our prospects this season.
We recruited a center from the band....might as well recruit one from the football team. I bet Mingo could play defense on the court as well !!!
Any chance we full-court press do to our lack of size in order to keep teams out of their half-court offense? I know this should go in the Den, but I don't feel like hearing, "Football is a week away...Who cares about basketball?".
True. After losing, or being delayed, on Odoh and Godfrey I am grasping at straws. Oh well, I guess small-ball it is.....
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Damien-Jones-139989 Damian Jones committed to Vandy
