re: '12-'13 - Year in Review (Basketball)

I hate not making the NIT, but it was a surprisingly good season, especially the 4 OT game against Bama. Glad I could spend it with all of you weirdos.

Martin plays around the basket in HS ball but in AAU he plays inside/outside. I have seen him play PG at times and done a very nice job of it. he is much more than a standard college 4 or 5 man and he has a unique skill set that would probably be better suited for the SF position at the next level.

Nice write up

great job sos, its too bad alleva hates the basketball program so much that he wouldn't pony up a little dough to give adp and mouche another home game.

great season tigers

I appreciate the work Sos

SOS first of all thanks for all the hard work you put in getting these posts out there. You stuck with it and kept the interest high even when many were doubting.

This team played as hard in most games as I have ever seen an LSU team play. They had a lot of spirit and heart but just didn't have the depth and talent to go very far. They did better than expected. Remember when the coaches picked them to finish 14th. in pre-season poll?

I know it's hard when you are as big a fan as you are to be objective in handing out the grades and I would have probably done the same thing if I had done it first. But seeing your letter grades in print brought reality home to me.

If our guys had been this good we would be in the NCAA and certainly would have made the NIT.

1. JOB - Yes, most double doubles, first team all SEC, double teamed the entire season but an A? Also led the team in turnovers and missed so many shots that a player of his ability should have made. B+
2. Hickey - At times it seemed we couldn't win unless he was out there leading our up tempo play. But he spent way too much time dribbling around the perimeter and took too many threes that had no chance. His anemic shooting percentage, pitiful free throw shooting and at times disappearing from the offense are negatives. B-
3. Andre Stringer - If you are giving grades based on if they played to their potential then Stringer did good. One of the most improved players. Shot selection was much better, percentages reflected this. One of the few players I actually think didn't shoot enough. Our offense should have had more screen plays for him. But the guy is only 5'8" and there is just so much he can do on defense and offense. But still, what a beautiful jump shot, what hustle and determination. He get's an A for playing to his potential and doing what we needed him to but not trying to go beyond.
4. Coleman - Another guy that played to his potential as far as steals and rebounds. But he was just too short to be a good defensive player inside. And like JOB he missed a lot of layups and short range shots he should have made. Three point shooting was okay but not good and his free throw shooting likewise. B
5. Carmouche - What a surprise this guy was. Had sort of a mid season slump after starting out well but then came on like gangbusters in the stretch run. Had the best all around skills of any guard to go with nice size for the position. Great defensive player, good ball handler, dribbler and when his three's were falling was our best player. B+
6. Del Pierro - Another guy that you want to give a high grade to just for his improvement and heart. But at times he seemed to move in slow motion on defense and smaller players scored on him at will. Thought he did a fair job on offense in the low post and don't understand why he didn't get more tries. Especially when he would play well in the first half and then doesn't even get in for one play in the second half. Some of that was on him for not being aggresive enough. But he just didn't impact enough games to give him a high grade. C

The rookies really disappointed in SEC play. Let's hope they all improve over the off season.

Morgan - C+
Hammink - My most disappointing player. C-
Collins - I despaired every time he touched the ball. D

Look for improvement from everyone and great times ahead. My watch out would be if Hickey doesn't improve his shooting and Quarterman turns out to be as good as he looks. Hickey could be coming off the bench. Stringer could be coming off the bench also if Morgan improves and we play three big guys down low.

Thank you SoS for all of your time. Do you know of any non-conference teams, Coach Jones is thinking about scheduling for next season ?

JJ did a great job,we should feel lucky to have him his heart and soul are here