re: I'm actually jacked for basketball...Edit NOW WHOS READY

Hopefully NCAA Tournament bound

I'm going to say he makes the tourney this season. Along with being a great recruiter, he's also a very good head coach. I think he will get the most out of this team.

17-13 (7-11 SEC play)

I have high hopes for Wade, but I don't see this as a tournament team in year one. The SEC is an improving league with much better coaching that just a few years ago.

There is excitement (and their should be), but LSU has some holes in their roster. Particularly in the front court. You only have 4 guys 6'7"+ Can the transfer from N.Tex. (6'7") compete underneath with bigger SEC players night in and night out? Can Reath hold is own on the glass and on defense? For 3 years Epps wanted nothing to do with playing inside. He's going to HAVE to do that this year because he is (likely) the first man off the bench if/when Combs/Reath get in foul trouble. Kiir has size, but he's a true freshman.

Are their any reliable outside shooters? Edwards looks to be the only (potential) consistent threat from 3.

I KNOW this team will play MUCH better defense. That alone will give them a chance in many games. But with an improved league it's going to be tough night in and night out. Mizzou and Bama both signed really good classes this year with lottery picks. Miss. St. and Auburn are in year 2 with good 2016 classes. Plus there are no Rick Ray's or Tony Barbee's on the sidelines (as HC's). Guys like Ben Howland and Bruce Pearl have some "skins on the wall." Kentucky will be Kentucky. Florida is coming off an Elite 8 appearance. South Carolina is coming off a Final Four appearance. Both will probably take a step back this year, but it won't be too significant. Martin and White have good programs. A&M has NBA talent on the roster. UGA and Ole Miss, while rarely championship contenders, are generally solid teams.

I hope LSU greatly exceeds my expectations this year. But I'm also trying to be realistic. The real hype train starts next season.