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The Ben Simmons led basketball culture change next year
Posted on 4/2/15 at 1:42 am
Posted on 4/2/15 at 1:42 am
I know I'm not going to say anything that hasn't been said already somewhere on here by someone else, but I just wanted to lay my thoughts out about how I perceive Ben Simmons will change LSU basketball next year.
The number one thing that caught my attention during the McDonald's game tonight was when they were interviewing Simmons on the bench and he was genuinely pissed off that guys were not playing team basketball and trying to pad their stats. In an ALL STAR GAME!
I was one of the most active basketball in game thread posters this season and I appreciated what Martin and Mickey brought to the table, but it was pretty obvious that both of them were taking this season as a chance to prove themselves to NBA scouts. While Simmons will 99.999999% be 1 and done, his game is so advanced that he really doesn't have anything to prove to NBA Scouts next season. Really, all that he has to prove is if he is #1 overall worthy, but barring injury or utter disaster, there's almost no way he falls out of the top 5.
It's been said by many on here and I agree that Hornsby was the heart and soul of the team this season. He's not an NBA level talent, but he was the most consistent with effort.
Hopefully, the combination of Hornsby and Simmons as leaders will bring this team together and create a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individuals. Blakeney and whoever else joins the team (hopefully Newman although I have my doubts) should buy in considering Simmons is their primary reason for choosing LSU.
I know Johnny Jones gets a lot of the blame for the way the season turned out, but teams take the character of their best players. Hell even All World Coach Billy Donovan couldn't do much at Florida this season because his most talented players all seemed to be me-first guys.
I'm still very concerned over the lack of front court depth. With a playmaker like Simmons, a big man who can finish is critical, and hopefully Victor can be that and whoever else gets minutes can show vast improvement around the rim (I'm looking at you Darcy).
TLDR- We good next year
The number one thing that caught my attention during the McDonald's game tonight was when they were interviewing Simmons on the bench and he was genuinely pissed off that guys were not playing team basketball and trying to pad their stats. In an ALL STAR GAME!
I was one of the most active basketball in game thread posters this season and I appreciated what Martin and Mickey brought to the table, but it was pretty obvious that both of them were taking this season as a chance to prove themselves to NBA scouts. While Simmons will 99.999999% be 1 and done, his game is so advanced that he really doesn't have anything to prove to NBA Scouts next season. Really, all that he has to prove is if he is #1 overall worthy, but barring injury or utter disaster, there's almost no way he falls out of the top 5.
It's been said by many on here and I agree that Hornsby was the heart and soul of the team this season. He's not an NBA level talent, but he was the most consistent with effort.
Hopefully, the combination of Hornsby and Simmons as leaders will bring this team together and create a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individuals. Blakeney and whoever else joins the team (hopefully Newman although I have my doubts) should buy in considering Simmons is their primary reason for choosing LSU.
I know Johnny Jones gets a lot of the blame for the way the season turned out, but teams take the character of their best players. Hell even All World Coach Billy Donovan couldn't do much at Florida this season because his most talented players all seemed to be me-first guys.
I'm still very concerned over the lack of front court depth. With a playmaker like Simmons, a big man who can finish is critical, and hopefully Victor can be that and whoever else gets minutes can show vast improvement around the rim (I'm looking at you Darcy).
TLDR- We good next year
This post was edited on 4/2/15 at 1:45 am
8
Posted on 4/2/15 at 1:46 am to TheWalrus
Epps, Simmons. Victor. We can go three Gaurds and 2 big to rest our front court.
Robertson and Malone will probably be situational figuring JJ likes speed and quickness first. Simmons will be perfect considering he's essentially a 6'9 PG and if he develops a J could play wing if we go big.
Robertson and Malone will probably be situational figuring JJ likes speed and quickness first. Simmons will be perfect considering he's essentially a 6'9 PG and if he develops a J could play wing if we go big.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 2:08 am to TheWalrus
The night basketball arrived in Baton Rouge
Posted on 4/2/15 at 8:42 am to The Boat
Not sure how Simmons is on the glass, but I could see rebounding be an issue for us.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 8:48 am to Tiger n Austin
quote:
Not sure how Simmons is on the glass, but I could see rebounding be an issue for us.
Had 10 in an All Star Game that was loaded with true BIG BIGS... also tapped out numerous others. Seemed to find the ball off misses more times than not in his 19 minutes on the court. No worries about rebounding. Especially since TQ, Hornsby, Blakeney all rebound the ball well. And so does Victor.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 8:56 am to TheWalrus
This is unbelievable the amount of expectation and pressure you rantards are putting on this kid.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 9:08 am to Jack Daniel
Excitement is great, placing unrealistic expectations is allowing emotions to over ride reality
Posted on 4/2/15 at 9:17 am to 756
This isn't just excitement. This fool is stating how he expects one kid to change the whole basketball history and culture at LSU. That's a little bit more than just excitement.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 9:20 am to Jack Daniel
It takes one guy to change a program sometimes.
Ben Simmons could be the "kevin faulk" of the basketball program
Ben Simmons could be the "kevin faulk" of the basketball program
Posted on 4/2/15 at 9:21 am to Jack Daniel
quote:
This fool is stating how he expects one kid to change the whole basketball history and culture at LSU.
I don't know that anyone is saying he will change the "history" of LSU basketball. That's not even possible. But I don't think it's too far fetched to say that the best prospect in the last several seasons coming here could change the way people (particularly recruits [see: Blakeney]) look at LSU basketball. He really is a game-changer.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 9:58 am to lsu2006
Mickey had the opposite impact in the locker room that Simmons will have next season.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 10:11 am to monsterballads
quote:
It takes one guy to change a program sometimes.
Ben Simmons could be the "kevin faulk" of the basketball program
Faulk was in school for 4 years.
Simmons will be good, and I am delighted he chose us, but he will not change the culture of LSU basketball.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 10:13 am to TheWalrus
Here's to hoping that Robinson can truly develop at the 5, with Malone putting in some quality minutes. Also that Victor can lock down the 4 with Epps and Bridgewater coming off the bench. That way we can let Simmons come in and run the offense, his passing really is incredible, but it will be much better letting him do this from the 3, rather than the 4.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 10:13 am to HonoraryCoonass
quote:
but he will not change the culture of LSU basketball.
well, you don't know that for 1.
and 2, him coming to LSU has attracted other top players.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 10:22 am to monsterballads
quote:
well, you don't know that for 1.
Yes, I do.
quote:
him coming to LSU has attracted other top players.
And that is great, but how is that going to help us a year and a half from now when he's playing for the Knicks?
Posted on 4/2/15 at 10:26 am to HonoraryCoonass
quote:
And that is great, but how is that going to help us a year and a half from now when he's playing for the Knicks?
So you think if we make a run deep into the tournament it won't help our recruiting?
How do all the one and dones help Kentucky? They keep getting top recruits after their freshman leave.
I understand we don't have the tradition, but a player like Simmons can definitely help steer our program in the right direction.
This post was edited on 4/2/15 at 10:30 am
Posted on 4/2/15 at 11:11 am to LSUtigers111
Simmons alone will pack the PMAC.
When I was 12 and I saw Stromile show and the packed PMAC vs. Zona it changed me. It hooked me on LSU basketball when before it was just there.
Every generation of young people need that hook. Some had CJ/Shaq, some had Tyrus and Big Baby, and others had Pistol like my dad.
It's great for the program even if it's just one year. I just hope he stays healthy. He really seems like the complete physical and mental package.
When I was 12 and I saw Stromile show and the packed PMAC vs. Zona it changed me. It hooked me on LSU basketball when before it was just there.
Every generation of young people need that hook. Some had CJ/Shaq, some had Tyrus and Big Baby, and others had Pistol like my dad.
It's great for the program even if it's just one year. I just hope he stays healthy. He really seems like the complete physical and mental package.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 11:19 am to TheCaterpillar
quote:
Simmons alone will pack the PMAC.
I could see that happening for sure. Fans want to see stars.
Posted on 4/2/15 at 1:42 pm to monsterballads
But can he overcome the CJJ factor?
Posted on 4/2/15 at 1:51 pm to TheWalrus
Do you want Simmons and Blakeney to be "one and done" great?
Or do you hope they are really good and stay for 2-3 years?
Or do you hope they are really good and stay for 2-3 years?
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