With the season just under four weeks away, it is time to meet the 2013-2014 LSU Basketball team. I'll be starting with the seniors and finishing up with the newest Tiger's to get everyone ready for the what looks to be LSU's most promising team since 2009. This spotlight will be on one of LSU's most consistent scorers for the past three years, Andre Stringer.

Andre Stringer may very well be most known for his size, or lack-thereof. He stands at 5'9" 180 lbs, making him the smallest scholarship player on LSU's squad. That hasn't kept him from averaging over thirty minutes per game and over ten points in each of his first three seasons. However, the ways in which he has scored those have changed over the years.

Andre Stringer came in as a freshman and played a prominent role for the Tigers. He averaged 30.7 minutes per game and scored 11.2 points per game (Career high). He was forced into a point guard role for much of that season due to a lack of a true point guard. This allowed Stringer more opportunities to get into the lane and get fouled. He was sent to the free throw line more than twice as much in his freshman year than he was last season. However, as Stringer has moved to off-guard, he has been able to really improve his jump shot. He only shot 29.5% from three point range as a freshman, but was able to improve each of the past two seasons knocking down 31.7% as a sophomore and an amazing 40.9% as a junior. All reports coming out of camp have Stringer even more consistent with his deep shot than ever.

In Johnny Jones' offense, Stringer needs to be the outlet who can hit down the open three. LSU will continually get the ball down low to our post players and a deep threat is absolutely crucial to keeping double teams off our post players. While Stringer's height may be a deficiency, his athletic ability makes up for it.

On defense, Andre Stringer has been forced to face some much taller competition. However, at times, Jones is not afraid to put Stringer on a teams most important scoring threats due to his hustle and ability to keep players out of the lane. They can shoot over him, but it is very hard to get around the athletic shooting guard. In LSU's zone press, he plays one of the wing slots who try to force LSU's competition to pass cross court. His ability to keep his feet in front of players as well as his quick hands make him very effective in our press.

Image Link

Stringer is one of only two seniors, and LSU's only four season player on the roster. His experiences will be one of his greatest assets going into a season where LSU expects to play a ton of first year guys. His leadership should help gel the team together as a unit who can compete for an SEC championship. While he may be one of the smallest players on the roster, he plays one of the biggest parts in LSU's success.

"Singlehandedly Increasing the Interest in LSU Basketball"

Filed Under: LSU Basketball