LSU Tigers – #8 SEC college basketball power rankings

LSU

Coach: Jonny Jones (1st season at LSU) Overall 205-162, 12 years

2011-12: Record 18-15 overall, 7-9 in SEC ( 8th)

Starters Returning (3) Anthony Hickey, Johnny O’ Bryant, Andre Stringer

Preseason Tournament: None

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Seton Hall, at Marquette

Transfer Out: Ralston Turner (N.C. State); John Isaac (Baton Rouge CC)

Transfer In : Charles Carmouche (Memphis- eligible right away)

Early departure: Justin Hamilton

Out of Nowhere Trent Johnson left LSU for TCU. Now in comes Johnny Jones, who was the head coach of North Texas last season. Jones, who played at LSU was a member of the 1982 final four team. The Bad news for Jones is the Tigers lose 2 of their top 3 scores from last year’s team plus a couple of transfers. That leaves them with only limited scholarship players for this season. The good news LSU returns three starters from last season.

The strength of this team will be the backcourt where both players are under 6 feet. Leading the way at point guard is Anthony Hickey (8.9 ppg). Hickey is more of a passer and with his speed he should thrive in Jones system. At the other guard spot is Andre Stringer (10.1 pppg). Stringer is a more of a scorer. This unit received a huge boost when Charles Carmouche transferred to LSU. He started 75 games at Memphis and averaged 7.5 ppg in his career there. Also providing depth here are two freshman Malik Morgan and Corban Collins.

Leading the way in the frontcourt will be center Johnny O’ Bryant (8.5 ppg). He really came on as a freshman last season with his strength and athletic ability but he must improve his offensive skills. Role players from last season Eddie Ludwig (2 ppg) and Jalen Courtney (2.3 ppg) will battle for the starting power forward position. The Tigers are really hurting for depth here. The only really other player here is Andrew Del Piero (.8 ppg). JUCO transfer Shavon Coleman and freshman Shane Hammink will battle for the starting job at small forward. This unit took a hit when JUCO transfer Calvin Godfrey didn’t qualify.

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