re: LSU Basketball Recruiting Thread: 2024 (And Beyond)

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Sears just confirmed to Portal Report that he willl visit South Carolina and Arizona State after the dead period

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It looks like the dead period ends around April 11, and there’s a live recruiting period until April 15 when another dead period is scheduled for several days.

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Yohan Traore

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hope not, the metrics show him to be a net negative on the offensive and defensive ends. all athlete, no skill.

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I agree with this lineup

Not sure why people have completely given up on Williams to run point

It’s hard to run PG as a true freshman but he has a year under his belt

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I can easily see an eventual lineup where Vyctorius and CG3 start but Mike Williams comes off the bench to replace CG3, then CG3 comes back to replace Vyctorius. Typical 3 guard rotation where MW3 takes over the point for 5-8 minutes a half then slides over to SG. But off the bench MW3 can play a little looser and provide energy looking for his shot more.

I just don't think Williams has the instincts for point right now. But that could easily change by sometime next year or the year after. Reportedly his success this year was from the work he put in over the Summer. If he keeps that work ethic up then the sky is the limit as he really has some natural ability.

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Current roster missing a big man but time still left.

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You have Reed (6'10), Fountain (6'9), Collins (6'9...with a bigger wingspan) and Miller (6'10) coming in. None of those guys are what you would call traditional post-players (which I assume you mean when you say "big man"), but they give you size and length inside.

To your point, McMahon has shown a preference for what many would consider to be "Stretch 5" players. But given the fact LSU's offensive (and defensive) efficiency numbers have been AWFUL in his first two seasons here is there any reason to pigeon hole yourself into making sure you have at least one such player be a focal point of your team? I would argue a post presence with stronger defensive and rebounding abilities would be more beneficial. Or, why not try playing Reed in a Trendon Watford type role? Watford was LSU's "5" in 20-21, but he didn't play a typical "5" role. Reed has a similar skillset to Watford. That offense was a top 5 offense. Of course, other players contributed to that as well. But it showed you can have success with different types of lineups.

Point being, McMahon hasn't been successful enough (and the data reflects it) to say his preferred style of play and roster make up is unmalleable. In fact, I'd say he needs to change what he is doing because what he's doing now simply isn't working.

With Cook declaring that does open up the 12th and final scholarship spot. Assuming it will be spent on a transfer PG although the team does need a center as well.

Collins and and Chest are supposed to add significant help in these areas but I wouldn't mind us getting a proven high motor guy from the portal

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Collins was too skinny last year. He will need to put on 15 pounds of muscle to be able to compete in the paint.

I don't see Chest as being big enough to play the 5 or a strong power forward position.

I think we need to pick up someone in the portal!

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Collins was a great rebounder in high school, so I think the ceiling is high with him. I agree that he needs to get stronger, but he doesn't necessarily need 15 pounds of muscle. Enrique Freeman was the top college rebounder this year, and he's 6'7" but only 205. Collins is 6'9 and 202, which is a little skinny, but 15 pounds would probably slow him down. Rebounding is about strength, effort, positioning, and length. 5 extra pounds of muscle would probably help, coupled with the rest of the intangibles.

How good is Mr. Basketball in LA Allen Graves, brother of Marshall Graves? He has decent size 6'10 and is headed to Santa Clara. Won state title at Ponchatoula.

Maybe he's someone to look for in portal down the line if he develops his game.

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However, I suspect LSU will try to get around that like they did this year.

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No player actually good enough to play P6 ball and play a decent amount would do this. Dean prob only did it bc it was his best shot at playing P6 ball.