Hoops Post-Mortem (Part 2 of 2): What’s coming and What to hope for.

Valid concerns, for sure. And, thanks MrGreen for posting the exhibition press conference. It's a very nice tidbit to listen to for hoops fans, and I would encourage it for folks wanting to know what the offseason program is bringing, how the players are looking, etc. As you say, LSUdolemite though, what are the signs of improvement, evidence of coaching? I'd say part of the press conference is.

I think sometimes team chemistry and a team's ability to gel is a difficult thing to put your finger on. We forget that last year's team essentially had less time to play together, with some freshmen, transfers and older players who had not gotten a lot of playing time coming together for the first time.

And, hence, Trent is astute to use this Italy tour to solidify that, adding in Hamilton into the mix. As for evidence of improvement in games, there were certainly blow out games, and those can happen when you're off. Towards the end I did feel that overall LSU was more competitive despite feeling like they were "out of it." I think finding solutions in addition to beefing up personnel are those subtle adjustments that this offseason can bring. When you listen to Trent, it's clear to me that he understands the game, and is a good coach. He focuses on increased athleticism and lateral speed, more motion, different defensive tactics, that the team is working on. The losing is not acceptable to him, and well, we'll see how this offseason and some new players translates.

I'm getting somewhat jazzed and will be anxious to see how the Tigers do against traditionally decent European teams. Gathers should be paying attention... :thumb:

 

Most of the blowouts were at the end of games. They stayed close, within 6-10 points if I remember correctly. A lot of immaturity to blame for that I think.

 

I probably do too, but they aren't in school yet, and thus ineligible. Nevertheless, I think we underestimate the importance of getting Hamilton into the mix and our current guys getting more practice. I still remain hopefully optimistic that we'll see some additional fire coming with the addition of Hamilton, a true center, and the ability to play White/Warren at more traditional spots for them. Also want to see what Stringer, Turner and Derenbecker can do with one full year under their belt. The new kids will adapt and join eager, you'd like to see some good group for them to supplement.

This trip is also interesting in many respects. I was fascinated to hear that taking this trip essentially gets you around certain NCAA summer practice rules, it's "privately funded" and it serves the added benefit of being a great team building experience AND a scouting trip. Not sure why more teams don't do it. The last time LSU went to do this, it was the year Brady went to the Sweet 16. The last time Trent went to Europe it was the year Stanford went to the Sweet 16.

And, as the NBA lottery draft was last night, it's jumpstarted all of the mock drafts. Potentially 7 out of SI's mock first round draftees will be from Europe, in an overall weaker draft. So, again, nice timing on the trip, Trent.

2011 NBA Mock Draft 1.0, led by Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams - Sam Amick - SI.com

 

CTJ's tweet

LSUCoachJohnson Trent Johnson



LSU 106 Virtus Frusino 70 energy and intensity good, shot the basketball very well. Quick turnaround game tomorrow 6pm. Storm took 3 charges

5 minutes ago

 

I was about to post this. I am getting pumped for this season.

 

More on the Italy tour...

Basketball Takes Game 1 on Italy Tour, 107-60 - LSUsports.net - The Official Web Site of LSU Tigers Athletics

 

looks like that motion offense is hitting the spot...look at the assist totals!

 

LSU is going to Rutgers for the SEC/Big East series.

As of right now, I would pick the SEC to go 4-0 on day 1, 0-4 on day 2, and split day 3.

Big East-SEC series has some sizzle - CBSSports.com

 

CTJ's tweet
LSUCoachJohnson Trent Johnson



LSU 99 Anagni 77, shot the basketball again extremely well. Have work to do defensively. Post game meal at La Galleria Di Sopra excellent!!!

 

Tigers 3-0

Tigers improve to 3 and 0 with another win in Italy, a 88-59 victory over a local team in Rome, Selezione Basket Roma.

Basketball Improves to 3-0 in Italy - LSUsports.net - The Official Web Site of LSU Tigers Athletics

Interestingly, Trent must really be experimenting with line ups b/c there have been different top scorers and rebounders in each game. A constant seems to be though Hamilton is getting his touches and boards. In a more defensive minded game where the perimeter scorers were not as prominent, the bigs were showcased, with Garrett Green also getting into the mix. Also, I'll say that Ludwig on the wing might work well for him. In a line up that forces Ludwig more to the wing, his activity level has gone up both in terms of scoring and rebounding. In the last couple of games, Ludwig has gotten more points and boards than Matt.