With both the juniors and seniors introduced, it's time to turn to the youth of the roster. This installment of Spotlight: LSU Basketball features a shooting guard who started 14 games as a freshman. Malik Morgan is a 6'4" shooting guard who averaged over 5 points per game last season in 18.4 minutes per game. He shot 34% from three point range and 62% from the charity stripe. He was also able to log 1.3 assists per game and 1.2 steals per game.

While he logged meaningful minutes all year, his defense lagged behind where the LSU coaching staff hoped. He tended to be a half step late and used his hands to guard the opposition rather than move his feet. With even stricter hand check rules this season, Malik will have to really improve his footwork, something he practiced all offseason.

On offense, Malik can make jumpshots, but feels more comfortable as a slashing combo guard who can get into the lane and finish around the basket. He is gifted with very good touch and his ability to get physical around the basket makes him a possible mismatch against smaller shooting guards. He had 90 rebounds last season, including the highest offensive rebound percentage (ORebs per possession played) of the guards. He was also able to log the third highest steal percentage.

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Sitting behind the senior Andre Stringer at shooting guard, Morgan will be most likely coming off the bench, however, Coach Jones could decide a taller player is needed to guard some of LSU's opponents taller 2's. Morgan is patient and doesn't force shots, which will be necessary with all of LSU's new offensive weapons. If Morgan can increase his shooting percentages, he could see more playing time, but his biggest jump is required on defensive footwork.

In LSU's press, Malik played a very active trapping wing position that's main job was to force cross-court passes. His length was his biggest asset in these situations and was able to force turnovers regularly without being caught out of position.

Filed Under: LSU Basketball

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Alt26

quote:
He tended to be a half step late and used his hands to guard the opposition rather than move his feet.

Nailed it! He was constantly reaching last year instead of sliding his feet. Of course that's something that can easily be fixed. We've got to remember that most these guys play very poor defense at the AAU level. He's got a chance though to be a very good player. That lefty drive/shot I think fools some people. Ultimately I think CJJ doesn't "love" going with 2 sub-6' guards in the backcourt at the same time, and would like Morgan to become the starter at SG with Andre "toaster-oven" Stringer coming off the bench to heat it up from outside.

Reply•119 months

ROUSTER

If Morgan can improve on his defense, he could be the most overlooked player on this team.

Morgan has a really sweet stroke and more importantly has good size for the SG position.

It will be interesting to see how much a year in the program has helped him.

119 months

BigEdLSU

Very glad Malik decided to stay with the program.

Reply•119 months

oauron

Malik's development will be something to watch from year 1->2.

Reply•119 months

SouthOfSouth

quote:
Malik's development will be something to watch from year 1->2.

He certainly has the ability to make a significant jump. He is a gifted athlete, but he seemed to always be a half second behind on defense and it got him into some foul trouble.

Offensively, he brings toughness to the perimeter that I think is very beneficial.

119 months

Chicken

Nice write up, SoS...

Reply•119 months

Benw225

Good stuff
:geauxtigers:

119 months

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