re: Per Wade, everybody's leaving and he's recruiting accordingly...

He kind of hedged a bit by saying it looks like they are all staying in the draft..."right now". IMO, the only potential returnee is Days. Perhaps he doesn't love what he hears from NBA scouts. Combine that with the fact he could be LSU lead dog next season it MAY be enough to talk him into coming back.

quote:

---

I'm thinking one of them needs to be for a lead guard who can give LSU something like what Smart

---

I think with some more experience and maturity Gaines (and even Cook) can be solid PG's that not just score, but facilitate the offense. Something that will absolutely be needed because LSU doesn't look to have anyone who they can just clear the floor for and let them attack one on one. What they do have seems to be a lot of length, athleticism and slashing ability. They'll need a PG to facilitate and I think Gaines has the potential to be tremendous in that role...once he understands that every possession/pass doesn't have to be a highlight reel play.

quote:

---

and the other needs to be for a big who can protect the rim a little and also can contribute as a pick-and-pop guy with some outside shooting.

---

He's a true freshman, so you don't know how it will translate to college, but Colbert is a long shot blocker who is athletic enough to play away from the basket. A taller, little more offensively skilled version of Leblanc. Those two can help "protect the rim". The big LSU needs is probably someone with a big arse who can get physical inside and on the glass. Gray is a big dude who looks the part. We just don't know how good he his yet. I think Wade would like a a Marcus Santos-Silva (Texas Tech) type forward if he can find one. A guy not afraid to fight inside (Days was that guy and Watford never wanted to be that guy)

quote:

---

guy with some outside shooting.

---

No question. This team looks to have NO shooters on it right now (assuming Days doesn't return). I think next year's roster could be a team like this year's Houston in terms of physical make up. Houston doesn't play anyone over 6'8". They are all just athletic and tough. However, they do have a knock down shooter in Grimes that allows the spacing they want on offense. If LSU can find a shooter it could give the other guys a LOT more room to operate.

quote:

---

I don't believe any of the four could improve their draft status if they return.

---

I think Smart is probably the only one I'd say really couldn't improve his stock very much.

Thomas could improve...but probably doesn't really need to.

Watford ABSOLUTELY could improve his stock by becoming a better and more efficient all around player. He has the potential skillset to put us some big all around numbers (points, assists, better defense). That said, he's been ready to leave since before he stepped on campus so I doubt he would change his mind.

We know Days's physical limitations, but next year would be a chance for him to become the focal point of LSU's team. He was mostly a reserve in years 1 and 2. This year while LSU fans recognized his importance to the team he was largely overlooked relative to Thomas, Smart, Watford. Next year would be his first opportunity to be in the spotlight and it could be one of those situations where tremendous production could help mitigate the physical concerns...similar to Grant Williams at Tennessee (1st round pick) and Admiral Schofield (2nd round pick). Neither had ideal size for their skillset but both played their way into being drafted simply based on production. Days is about the same size as Williams...but he's just as good a rebounder and a much better shooter. There are LOT of points leaving that LSU needs to find next year. Days averaged 12 and 8 while taking (on average) 4-8 shots less than the "big 3" and playing about 7 minutes less per game.

Being "the guy" on next year's team he could likely average 16 and 9/10. That's 1st team All SEC type numbers

quote:

---

The guy I would absolutely LOVE to get would be Tanner Groves.

But I have a suspicion he and his brother are going to Gonzaga. They're both from Spokane.

---

I think maybe the best place to start is to look at guys who Wade recruited out of HS. Recruiting is about relationships and you can generally find the connection for seemingly out of nowhere guys once you start to look.

Wilkinson from Las Vegas...father's family is from Baton Rouge.

Fudge from Jacksonville...family in Lafayette

Knight, transfer from SJSU....from Lafayette

Wade obviously has ties to Virginia. Nickleberry has deep ties to metro-DC. That's why I think the center from Georgetown may be someone to watch. He went to HS in metro DC and LSU recruited him out of HS. Plus, he was a (briefly) a teammate of Leblanc (though I don't know if there is a relationship between them). If you want a "rim protector" and rebounder....there is your guy

Even if a player improves draft status by staying in school, the long term earning potential for most is arguably better by going pro sooner rather than later. They start making money earlier and improve their games sooner. Like it or not, there is a stigma on 3 and 4 year players. Pro teams would rather start molding players at younger ages. This is what happens in soccer and makes sense for basketball as well, IMO.

I don't see Watford as a first round draft choice because of his physical limitations. Same with Days and Smart. I'm not saying it is impossible. There are hundreds of players in the same boat and 30 first round spots (16 non lottery spots).

The comparisons to players who became first round draft picks by staying for all 4 years are the exceptions that prove the rule, IMO.

quote:

---

Thomas will and Watford could be late 2nd.

---

Agree about Watford. Thomas will be a mid first round draft pick and Smart an early second round IMO.

In terms of the freshman coming in and without knowing who the new transfers will be I expect Fudge and Bradley Ezewiro to start. Murray and Colbert will come off the bench for a lot of playing time.

Fudge, Murray and Ezewiro are natural scorers.

Lazy? Inconsistent maybe but that was the whole ethos of this team, not just Smart.

If only we played Tennessee every game

(no message)

quote:

---

In terms of the freshman coming in and without knowing who the new transfers will be I expect Fudge and Bradley Ezewiro to start.

---

Fudge probably. I don't see Ezewiro starting. Big strong kid to mold, but he's still a project. Colbert is someone who is a little more in the Watford mold. He's 6'9" but not uncomfortable playing outside the post. I'd see him starting over Ezwiro...who will likely be more of an Emmitt Williams type of player. He will rebound and bring some toughness...though his offensive game is probably somewhat limited to buckets around the basket.

quote:

---

Cam johnson is seriously going pro? He won’t be a first round pick with his shot selection and being undersized. He’s only 6’1, not 6’4 like he’s listed. He could easily use another year and will get dominated in the pros with taller defenders.

---

Your post might have more credibility if you actually got the player's name right