Basketball season so far

we miss waters big time

The past weekend Tn beat VCU by two points. We lost to VCU by two.
I believe we would handily beat VCU today,we are making progress as a team.

The failed endings are just what we remember most, but it was the inability to play consistent defense that got LSU beat in BOTH games. LSU went away from home and averaged 50% shooting in both games. That's not easy to do. It was the fact they allowed their opponent to shoot over 50% for a half (1st half vs. VCU; 2nd half vs. USU) that ruined great offensive performances.

Even though it hasn't been as "pretty" without Waters, the offense is scoring at the same rate they scored last season and is almost just as efficient. Except for last Friday, LSU has been just fine on the glass with their "undersized" front court.

There is no reason for significant concern right now (though you hate that the missed two great opportunity for big OOC wins that would definitely be a factor in March). The offense is executing at probably it's highest level all season and the turnover numbers have dropped significantly. Wade's teams at LSU have always been able to put points on the board. It's stopping the opponent from doing so that's been the weakness for 2.5 years. If the defense can become more consistent (they generally play one great half of defense), then there is no reason they can't compete for the SEC title (considering UK and UF might be a little bit weaker than what people thought going into the season). If the defense stays average to poor then I foresee many close games, with LSU being unable to get as many of those games to fall their way as they did last season.

The goal is to finish out the month without a loss. That would include a "neutral" site (more like a true road game) win at what looks to be a decent USC team. Get that, then they will be just fine going into SEC play

What you do in November prepares you for March! 2 games they didn’t play well for 40 minutes and still had a shot. One on the road in a hostile environment and one in fricking Jamaica. They are growing.
One thing Wade teams don’t quit. That he will have them ready for a run. Maybe they go farther or lose early but he’s building.
So go watch them! They are fun, tickets are cheap and it’s easy in and out.

We played poorly against VCU in a highly hostile environment with an extremely motivated team (Wade was a target of their hostility).

Tenn played VCU in a neutral enviroment in Niceville, Fl. without the motivation and hostility facing LSU.

I think that we would handle VCU now in a neutral environment, and we would have beaten them back then if the game were at the PMAC.

We may not see a PG as good as Tremont Waters for 20 years.

Losing him hurts big time. It will take awhile for this LSU team to adjust to life without Waters.

I still think this is the fourth-best team in the Conference.

I love Will Wade and I hope he stays a longtime at LSU but I am not excited about this season.

It is really early in the season to be too concerned and if Memory serves, I believe LSU started off slow last year. Do I think this year’s team is as good as last year, no, but I do think they can compete in the SEC and make it to the NCAA TOURNAMENT.