re: How can Johnny possibly live up to the hype?

quote:

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Can Johnny survive Ben Simmons without a national championship?

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Absolutely. Last year's UK team may have been the most dominant team in at least 20 years, if not more, and they still didn't win the title. To say that it's NC or bust is silly

However, if Jones with the likely 1st pick in the NBA draft, two other top 30 freshman, a backcourt loaded with proven experienced players, struggles to break .500 in the SEC next season, then talk of a coaching change wouldn't be unreasonable. Why:

1. He may never have a more talented team at LSU
2. There doesn't appear to be a dominant team (ala '15 UK or '14 UF) in the SEC next year
3. The conference as a whole may not be as strong as last season. The tournament teams (UK, Ark, OM, UGA) should all be a bit down from last year (though I recognize that AU, MSU and Vandy will likely be much better)

If LSU isn't one of the 3-4 best teams in the league next year, then there may be a problem. They'll be picked to finish 3rd (maybe 2nd) in the preseason projections

Fair or not, sweating out selection Sunday and going 1 and done in the NCAAT would be a very disappointing season.