re: Who would you recommend to be the next LSU basketball coach if TJ is fired?

OH OH! This does not look well for the recruiting folks!

Riverside's Ricardo Gathers commits to Baylor
Lori Lyons, The Times-Picayune, February 07, 2012 5:46 p.m.

Riverside Academy boys basketball coach Timmy Byrd said he knew that star player Ricardo Gathers had made up his mind about which college he would play for and that he was ready to commit. But even Byrd was surprised when he did it.

Gathers, a 6-foot-6 power forward from LaPlace, who was heavily recruited by LSU, among others, committed Monday night to Baylor.

“I just felt like Baylor was the best choice for me,” said Gathers, who committed in August to St. John’s but de-committed in November. “The atmosphere, the students, the coaches, the players. It’s all I was looking for in a team.”

Gathers said he strongly considered LSU. In fact, he said, LSU was the main reason he de-committed from St. John’s.

“But I just felt like LSU didn’t put forth that much effort,” he said. “Coach (Trent) Johnson never came to see one game this season.”

Byrd said he knew Gathers was ready to announce his decision.

“He had talked about it last week, but I thought he was going to wait until around the 18th,” Byrd said. “But apparently, he and his brother decided and made the call (Monday) night. They called Baylor, then they called ESPN.”

“The whole coaching staff erupted,” Gathers said. “I feel great. I’m ready to get to Waco and get started.”