re: Moussa Cisse crystal Ball pick to LSU

That team had similar defensive issues as this years team, but they were covered up to a large extent by KBW. He’s almost single handedly the difference between a bad defensive team and a slightly above average defensive team.

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That team had similar defensive issues as this years team, but they were covered up to a large extent by KBW. He’s almost single handedly the difference between a bad defensive team and a slightly above average defensive team.

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I know it seems that way, but the numbers suggest otherwise. last year opponents scored just as many points and shot 2% BETTER from two than this season. The block % last year was only 1% point better than this season. Opponents actually got slightly more of their points from 2 point baskets than this season.

The BIGGEST difference between last year's defense (which was clearly better than this season, but by no means great) is actually the loss of Waters, not KBW. The biggest single difference between last season and this season is that LSU isn't forcing TO's at nearly the same rate. Last season LSU was in the top 70 in terms of TO's forced per possession. This year they are ranked 304 in that same category. They were 8th in the nation last season in steals per possession, with Waters ranking 6th in steals per game. This season LSU is 185 in steals per possession.

Last year they allowed teams to shoot it pretty much as well as they have this season. It's just that LSU was able to "steal" just enough possessions to come out on top in many, MANY close games.

Now, that's not to say having a "rim protector" wouldn't be valuable. And having one on this team would obviously help. But I don't think having one ALONE would make this a good defensive team. LSU has to get better at forcing more contested shots...from all areas.

Some people dont have a clue man

I don’t think any one realizes that LeBlanc is already on the team, so we don’t have to count him for next year. We have 3 signed, two more commits and 1 transfer. We need to lose six right now and I would say 4-5 are already in the bag. We also have a scholarship open, you get 13 total(Mays, Days, Smart, Williams, Taylor, Bishop, Manning, Watford, Cooper, Graves, Leblanc make 12). We would need to process someone if we did get anyone from here on out if we do lose 5 which seems likely. We will not keep Cooper if any of the guys we are after currently want to sign in 2020.

The things you describe KBW doing is the same things Cisse does. Cisse might be a little longer and more athletic, but they essentially bring the same thing. Go watch KBW’s JUCO highlights and tell me he wasn’t just as impressive. He led the country in blocks and rebounds in his last season of juco.

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Will become available with anyone else going pro (not looking likely).Therefore, it appears Cooper, Hyatt, and Bishop scholarships are on the rocks. Since we have 7 current commits Cooper is all but gone.

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It's hard for me to see Wade essentially kicking two of his guys to the curb. While I understand why he would want to do it considering you had two complete non-contributors on a team that desperately could use some depth, doing so could set a bad precedent for future recruits (i.e. there is a good chance you'll get kicked off the team if you don't perform in year one). With the frontcourt guys coming in (Leblanc, O'Neal and other big targets on the recruiting radar) it may be more of a matter of getting a guy like Cooper to decide for himself to transfer considering the list of players ahead of him would be pretty long. However, I'm not quite so sure Wade is ready to completely give up on guys like Bishop and Hyatt. Both are only freshman. There is still plenty of time for them to develop into good 4 year guys (which are still important to have).

Taking that into account, I'm leaning towards them thinking Watford has already decided he's leaving. Obviously you would LOVE to have him back as he would clearly be you best frontcourt scorer (even when considering the expected new players), but I get the sense that decision has already been made by him. 5 star guys ALL believe they are on the very fast track to the NBA and it's hard to shake that mindset even if/when the scouts may tell them otherwise. And it doesn't really help the argument for Watford to come back because he may not be drafted when you see another undrafted LSU player currently in an NBA rotation (Reid)

Alt, I'm sure the coaches know how to handle a situation like cooper's. You kind of nudge him out the door, maybe call around the state to a smaller school that could use him etc..

Most of these guys realize this is a business, and if someone else better can be acquired, and you haven't developed, it's best for all parties involved to go separate ways. I have confidence Wade knows how to handle the recruits/scholarships.

I really can't see someone picking Watford in the first. Naz didn't even get drafted and I feel like he was a better college player and a better NBA prospect.

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In Basketball there is no counting scholarships towards a specific class, there are just a total of 13 available every year.

This years roster has 3 seniors and 2 open scholarships.
So there are naturally 5 spots available for the incoming class.

Now there has to be attrition since we have 7 total commits/signings right now with the likelihood of two more to get to 9.

6. It's accepted that Emmitt will go pro
7-9. Will become available with anyone else going pro (not looking likely).Therefore, it appears Cooper, Hyatt, and Bishop scholarships are on the rocks. Since we have 7 current commits Cooper is all but gone.

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Your math is right, but Leblanc is already enrolled and on scholly. We have 1 open and 6 coming in.