For the hoops nuts out there, Dandy Don today reported that, "based on reports", after 4 practices so far the men's team looks good (for whatever you think that's worth). Also, he reports that SI will be at LSU this week to cover Glen Davis for its college basketball edition coming out soon and have the Tigers ranked sixth (can you say national press covering LSU in basketball? Does it remind you of the Shaq' days?:grin: ).

In any case, for discussion, there was a post on another thread about speculating about the '06-07 starting five for the first game, and Dandy Don reports today:

"After four practices, according to what Coach Brady told the host of a Monday night sports show in Baton Rouge, the starting five at this time are Garrett Temple (6'5", So., Guard), Dameon Mason (6'5", Jr., Guard), Tasmin Mitchell (6'7", So., Forward), Darnel Lazare (6'8", Jr., Forward) and Glen Davis (6'9", JR, Forward). Terry Martin, Tac Minor and Magnum Rolle will be key players off the bench."

Forget that Darnell is a Sr and not a Jr. It shows Brady's loyalty to the guys that got him there, inserting Temple at point and Lazare PF. Tack will have to earn his time, and it will be an interesting thing this season to watch how he handles his role and shows his humility. Hopefully, he's worked his tail off to get in a position to show the talent that he has. I wouldn't mind seeing Brady use liberal substitution at least early to see Tack and Rolle coming off the bench to inject some speed and athleticism. The starting team perhaps strikes me more as the controlled, half-court set, and the bench team may be the up-tempo spark team.

Thoughts?

:geauxtige :bball: :champs: LSU IS A BASKETBALL SCHOOL. PACK THE PMAC.

i've been to practice... dont be surprised if it's eventually

minor
mason
mitchell
rolle
davis

with temple, voogd, lazarre, martin off the bench...

I won't be surprised to see Rolle starting for Lazare by the time conference games roll around. Martin will likely start, or at the very least play more minutes, if Temple's offense doesn't improve.

I saw parts of the Brady interview last night and you can tell he's high on Rolle. Spoke of him like he's the next Tyrus Thomas. As for Minor, I got the impression Brady still doesn't know if he can count on him. Said it's all up to Minor to get his act together.

Finally some depth on this team. No need to play guys 35-40 minutes. Big guards, which I really like. Can play uptempo or half court. Should be a fun team to watch.

I suspect you are right. Remember last year we started the season with Thomas coming off the bench. Once SEC action starts the best five will be on the floor first.

it doesnt really matter who starts. i guess its most important to the players. perhaps those decisions are good for team chemistry. its great that fans arent sure because it means there's good depth. what matters is who gets pt and when. as long is brady is confident a player, i imagine pt is based on matchups---this team has a lot of variety. hopefully it wont come down to just who can score from the outside, but as it stands now, thats the big question. i hope that after things settle down, gd plays close to 40 min and the other guys split the rest.

Lazare is the key to the success of this team. He knows his role and produces whether starting or off the bench. Remember his 10 pts against Duke whenever Baby and T-Time were in foul trouble on the bench?

He saved that game for us.

I really cant wait to see mason play and get his first dunk.

Martin will be eligible immediately following the fall semester. Should be either the Oregon State or Washington game right before xmas, which will give him 6 or 7 games to get ready for the SEC.

The one concern right now is perimeter shooting. Dmitch was our only threat last year. I'm hoping Martin fills that void. Will Temple improve his outside game this year?

Haven't heard anything about Johnson. Not sure if he'll see much playing time outside of blowouts or foul trouble.