re: LSU basketball transfer portal watch

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A debate I’ve had with others on this board revolves around expectations we have for taller wings and centers. We had a few last year(Reed and Phillips) that a lot of people said were “overrated” or blamed McMahon for lack of development. My point is and has always been the transition from hs to college is extremely difficult for players 6’9+.

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I don't recall too many people saying Phillips was overrated. Hell, most thing he should have played more. I agree that a lot of big centers are "projects" early on. Especially on offense. But those guys, largely because of their sheer size, can contribute early on defense and rebounding. Phillips's size and length were a defensive presence when he was in the game. He was also a solid rebounder. His offense was very raw and generally limited to dunks and putbacks. But you can absolutely live with that early if he can defend and rebound. Compare him with Efton Reid last season. Reid had really solid skill for a young center. Unfortunately, he was a poor defender and even worse rebounder. Thus, he didn't contribute a ton. Give me the big man who can block shots and rebound. We'll develop his offensive game.

Reed on the other hand was frustrating. He showed flashes of the exceptional skill he has for a 6'10 player that can handle the ball a bit and play from the perimeter. The frustration came from the way McMahon used him. Reed essentially wanted to be a 6'10 combo guard. While skilled, he's not polished enough to do that. Still, McMahon allowed him to be largely ineffective in that role all season.

Compare that to Naz Reid in 18-19. Early in that season he too wanted to be essentially a 6'10, 245 lb SG. IMO, the turning point of that season was the Florida St game where LSU blew a late lead because they were crushed on the glass. Reid played 41 minutes that game and somehow managed to grab only 2 rebounds (0 offensive). After that, Wade made his big arse get into the post more. The result was that his 3 point attempts went down and his rebounding went up significantly. From that point on LSU became a dominant offensive rebounding team. People forget that team was a terrible 3 point shooting team. But they were very efficient offensively because they crushed people inside on the offensive glass and went to the FT line a ton.

This season it was pretty clear early on Jalen Reed couldn't be left to be a 6'10 CG. He should have been forced inside more. That's on McMahon. Still, he has a skill set that could be developed into a really good player from inside and out. It would be a big boon to keep him and (hopefully) develop him.

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Hell, most thing he should have played more. I agree that a lot of big centers are "projects" early on. Especially on offense. But those guys, largely because of their sheer size, can contribute early on defense and rebounding. Phillips's size and length were a defensive presence when he was in the game.

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This is what people don’t get when they make the “it takes time” argument. He made the team better when he was on the court THIS year. He still didn’t play. That’s part of the coaching issue you have brought up. There is a difference in Efton Reid looking lost on both sides of the court and Phillips actually being a presence down low with just a lack of polish.

Regarding Kel'el Ware who is big time talent whom Wade liked and LSU is back in contact with per reports - these comments below from his former coach are concerning. Maybe he didn't like the coach, maybe he didn't like going from Arkansas to the northwest, maybe he felt entitled as a top 10? LSU needs talent but also highly competitive guys if not a couple true dogs out there to set the tone (ie. Tari, Smart, E. Williams, Days, Murray, KBW, Mays type players). Traore had some smaller yet similar issues at Auburn this season with Pearl not happy with his focus and practice intensity several times which carried over to games.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations,” Altman said. “They haven’t gone as well and haven’t been as constructive as we want them to be. I was disappointed in his effort. I let him know that. He’s gonna have to make some adjustments or I’ve got to make some decisions. His time has been reduced. That doesn’t help us, because he is talented.”

This isn’t the first time this season that Altman has publicly criticized Ware’s effort.

Following Oregon’s home win over Oregon State on Dec. 31, Altman paid a backhanded compliment to the freshman, noting that Ware had played with energy in that game and “at least acted like he wanted to be here tonight.”

“He hasn’t blocked any shots lately. He hasn’t gotten any hands on balls,” Altman said. “He’s not using that length. We’ve still got to try to put the best team out there that gives us the best chance.

“If he’s playing hard, that helps us. But if he’s not, that hurts us.”

Kadin Shedrick from Virginia (come home Reece Beekman)

TJ Bamba from Washington St

Both hearing from LSU

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I wouldn't trade Phillips for any center in the portal right now.

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Keeping Phillips and finding a 2 good point guards is the key to everything. I’m not overly concerned about keeping any other players or recruiting any other positions. All that will fall into place. But Phillips is going to be very good and without 2 good ball handlers we might as well get settled in to last place.

What point guards are looking like real possibilities right now?

Jalen Cook

you'll get at least 2 of those

I do.

Jordan Wright out of Vandy would be a coup. He was a beast the last month and a half, and was dominant in the SEC Tourney game v LSU