When LSU hires a new head coach one of his first recruiting priorities will most likely be to lock up a PG b/c we are in dire need of a good one. Who will this be? Looking at the PG rating almost all of the top rated ones are committed? Thoughts?
LSU doesn't need a "top" PG... they just need someone to be the "erica white" of the team. someone who won't have the fans holding their breath, waiting for the next turnover. I still think with grooming Spencer will be real good.
We actually have a great one coming Tommy Mason Griffin http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54076&Sport=2 The was named the Houston Chronicle’s Preseason Player of the Year as a sophmore,went to the NBA Players Association Camp which is for the top 80 players in America,Steve Nash Point Guard Camp and LeBron James All American Academy . Was the first freshman to start for Houston Hoops AAU team in 20 years that included players like Jai Lucas. article from Last year this time:
I think I've heard this "sentiment" in a few other places as well. I think even "hoops guru" (said sarcastically of course :hihi Dandy Don himself made a point of this on his site. I think that clearly if we go with a new head coach there's an inclination to "bring in his own" and there's one schollie to give. Perhaps, we've got sort of a "window" here between the Garrett Temple/Bo Spencer era and the Tommy Mason Griffin era. But, I like what TMG can bring. I think it's safe to say that if LSU makes a change from the current regime, a more guard oriented young coach will influence a shift in personnel. And, what I think the decision makers are weighing heavily is how a shift to a guard oriented attack affects guys like J'Mison Morgan, AR, and others that were recruited to a big man centric philosophy. I personally think that this class needed a guard signee, not necessarily a PG, but just a good solid combo guard. I actually think that a combo of Garrett and Bo has not been all that bad for us this year... turnovers have come from the wings, not our PGs. And i think Bo can develop. Relying on Farrer or Martin can hurt you. I also think the most critical thing for any NEW coach is to get on a plane and lock up the current signed class. That'll be key and the new coach's real recruiting impact will be felt in '09, where we have over 5 schollies to give and most of the class is up in the air. We have Tommy Mason Griffin and his buddy, "Tiny" Gallon who's liking us, but other than that, any new coach will have a big impact. I think Butch has made his imprint known in '08, but will new blood give us greater legs in '09 and beyond?
While we're on the topic of PGs, I think a more important question as it relates to recruiting is, which Head coach is going to give us the best chance to sign Langston Galloway in 2010? http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/16140537.html This kid is a player, and convincing a CLA hoops star to go to LSU has been an elusive task for the Brady bunch. This is a difference maker and it'll be a challenge to convince Galloway that he needs to come to LSU right after Tommy Mason Griffin. But, Galloway at 6-2 could play 2 guard and make for a very nice backcourt with two tremendous ball handlers--who look nice with a mature Bo Spencer as well. Does a guy like Anthony Grant or Scott Drew make a better recruiting pitch for Langston than Butch? :geauxtige LSU IS A BASKETBALL SCHOOL. RECRUITS BE ON NOTICE. THE "SLEEPING GIANT" MAY AWAKEN AGAIN. (NOTE: this was a term used to describe LSU by Jai Lucas (who's at UF now) who LSU "dropped the ball" with so they could lock up Tommy Mason Griffin. We'll see how this pans out, right?)
