The Death Of LSU’s Mediocrity & The Rebirth Of Their Program
There were a lot of different emotions watching the LSU Tigers in the 2015 NCAA tournament.
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On one hand it was a painful to see LSU in the tournament because of the way that they lost their opening game against NC State. LSU looked sharp for most of the game as they were handing NC State a battle they weren’t prepared for.
Then the epic collapse happened and that was the end of LSU’s season.
LSU couldn’t keep up their level of dominance as they missed 12 consecutive field goals, and missed six straight free throws. To make matters worse LSU’s star forward Jordan Mickey missed a point-blank layup attempt with 21.3 seconds left to go. If Mickey made the shot, LSU would have had a three-point lead and most likely would have won the game.
After the game in an interview with Ron Higgins of the Times-Picayune LSU shooting guard Keith Hornsby said this: “I feel like we kind of gave it to them.”
The loss to NC State this season wasn’t a huge surprise. This season LSU has had a number of inconsistencies, and disappointing losses. In fact, LSU limped their way into the NCAA Tournament after suffering a shocking and equally disappointing 73-70 overtime loss to Auburn in the SEC Tournament. That loss prompted me to say these words in a story about what we learned from the SEC tournament.
"How many people actually have faith that the LSU Tigers are going to make a long run in the NCAA tournament? Please raise your hands (my hand is raised too). After those hands are raised, please attempt to give yourself a hug because either you’re an LSU Tigers fan, or someone who’s about to get heartbroken."
Even though the loss was a tough one to face, LSU gained something that they didn’t have previously, experience. No one thought that the LSU Tigers would win the 2015 NCAA tournament but the experience that they gained this season will help them next year.
The Rebirth
Even when it’s dark out the sun is shining somewhere.
For as bad as the exit from the 2015 NCAA tournament was for LSU, their team should be as proud as a peacock.
This season not only did LSU once again manage to accomplish winning 20 games, they also improved from last season. LSU won two more games in conference against SEC opponents and because of it they made the NCAA tournament.
Matter of fact because LSU improved so much for the first time since 2009 the LSU Tigers found themselves playing in March on the grandest stage.
Next season LSU will most likely return to the NCAA tournament and it would be the first time since 2006 that they made back-to-back NCAA tournaments.
It all starts with Jarell Martin.
The 6’10” forward is LSU’s most dynamic player on offense and they will need his leadership next season if they want to succeed. Martin is projected as a late first-round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, but next season he’ll have the opportunity to drastically improve his draft stock.
In addition, if Martin’s teammate, Jordan Mickey, also decides to come back to school the Tigers might create one of the best starting lineups in college basketball.
But as we saw this season boasting two potential All-American candidates can only get a team so far. To have a truly great team there should be multiple weapons that can be utilized in a game. Next season the LSU Tigers are going to have an assortment of new weapons at their disposal because the new blood on their team will give them one of the best rosters in college basketball.
As of today the LSU Tigers have a top-15 recruiting class. The headliner of the class is none other than the 6’9″, 225-pound small forward from Melbourne, Australia, Ben Simmons. This season Simmons, the living left-handed Tracy McGrady clone, was named the Naismith Player of the Year and he’s also the No. 1 prospect in the 2015 high school class.
Additionally, LSU’s also got a commitment from the 6’4″, 170-pound shooting guard from Orlando, Fla., Antonio Blakeney, whose jump shot is as sweet as a sugar plum. Blakeney, like Simmons, will be playing in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American game.
One other person who LSU’s managed to get on their team next season who’s flying under the radar is the 6-foot-9 Arizona transfer, Craig Victor. Instantly Victor will come in and further bolster LSU’s stout front line.
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South Bound & Down
When they say rich get richer they weren’t lying because before the year is over, LSU could also land the 6’3 175 pound guard from Jackson, Mississippi, Malik Newman. Currently the scoring machine Newman is ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard, and the fourth best prospect in the 2015 high school class.
Next season will be LSU’s best time to strike because with all of the talent, and experience that will be on their roster they could supplant the Kentucky Wildcats as the favorite in the SEC.
LSU might have suffered a terrible loss to NC State but at the end of the day they will become much better, and wiser from their loss, so all is not lost. These tough losses, and times of inconsistent play this season will become a distant memory of the past next year as Mickey and Martin mature.
Ghandi once said, “Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.” LSU might be in the middle of a nightmare but next season they could be waking up to a wonderful dream.
Next: 10 SEC Players To Watch In The 2015 NCAA Tournament
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