Ward showed the biggest improvement from last year. But you also have to wonder whether that was "improvement" or really just what he could always do, but not given much opportunity to play significant minutes until the very end of last season. It was incredibly frustrating to watch LSU get blown out time and time again last season, yet Ward wasted away on the bench until the game was clearly out of hand. In the last 9-10 games of the season he started playing 20+ minutes and was a 38%-40% 3 point shooter...which is not that far off from where he was this year at 41%

I'm sure the usual suspects will disagree, but I don't think Reed improved much from last season. The same issues that were there last year were there this season. At times he was dominant and you saw the flashes of potential greatness. Then, like you said, FAR too many times it looked like he was zoned out, or high, or something.

Williams had his share of freshman moments. But I think most would agree he outperformed his expectations and looks like he could be a good player going forward. Of course, part of that was because McMahon had little choice but to play him early with Cook ineligible. It's surprising how guys may be able to get better when they actually get significant minutes to gain experience.

Chest is TBD because McMahon chose to redshirt him I guess to develop him for that 5th year...that he'll never play at LSU.

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Posted by mcmaniacinsaneasylum

Baton Rouge

Member since Feb 2023

1980 posts

Posted on 3/20/24 at 2:08 pm to Alt26

quote:
Ward showed the biggest improvement from last year. But you also have to wonder whether that was "improvement" or really just what he could always do, but not given much opportunity to play significant minutes until the very end of last season.

I think Ward improved his ball handle and on ball creation. Defense is still worrisome. One benefit to Cook’s suspension was that Ward got to play more and do more. It should have been that way from day 1 though.

quote:
I don't think Reed improved much from last season

Agree. I do think he’s improved but not enough to where it really matters. He’s supposed to be one of if not the guy next year and that’s troubling.

He’s improved his shot blocking and he’s gotten better at finishing around the rim. His shot is better too. His game had to change quite substantially since he gained weight. He doesn’t push the pace in transition anymore as a point forward like he did his freshman year.

Still worried about mental issues. That’s harder to fix imo.

quote:
Chest is TBD

I saw enough at the scrimmage. Won’t be (and don’t expect him to be) a superstar, but he will be a good, scrappy, high motor player. I imagine his game to resemble Hannibal but at 6’8’’

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