Slimmed-downed 'Big Baby' serious about conditioning By RANDY ROSETTA [email protected] Advocate sportswriter There's been no mad rush yet to extract the first word from Glen Davis' already familiar and apropos nickname. Slowly but surely, though, LSU's gregarious freshman forward -- dubbed "Big Baby" by his family and friends -- is shedding a good chunk of the weight that he showed up with when he officially arrived on campus in August. "Once I graduated from high school, it kicked in that I'm in college now and I've got some work to do," said the 6-foot-9 Davis, who has dropped his weight from a rumored high-water mark of 360 pounds to about 320. "When summer got here, I started working on getting down to where I need to be, and I've been making a lot of progress." Davis hasn't resorted to any crash diets, nor does he plan on hawking any miracle workout apparatus any time soon. Instead, his plan has centered on a restructured approach to what he eats, and more specifically, how much he eats. The former University High star said he's also increased his water intake and gotten out of the habit of raiding the refrigerator late at night. "It's basically been about learning what the better things are to eat and limiting my portions," Davis said. "I've had to watch things a little closer and condition myself to break some bad habits." Contrary to what most college freshmen might experience, Davis' sleeker look might also have something to do with moving away from home for the first time. "It's a big difference when your mom is cooking for you and when you're on your own," Davis said with a grin. "At home, she cooked me whatever I wanted and let me eat as much as I wanted. Now, I'm eating stuff like broccoli and chicken and all the other stuff that's good for you. I still sneak in some red beans and rice every once in a while, but mostly I'm eating the stuff I'm supposed to." Davis is also learning how his physique and conditioning will play a bigger role with LSU than during his days as a dominant prep player at the Class 2A level. Tigers coach John Brady has implemented a faster-paced offensive philosophy this season, and Davis seems to be adjusting as well as the rest of his teammates to the new system. "I'm an athlete," Davis said. "I think I can play any system because that's what athletes are supposed to do. The run-and-gun system is no problem for me, even though I need to get down a little bit more. I always wanted to lose weight because anyway, because I feel like I have so much more potential and don't want anything holding me back. This just helps me do that and still gives me a chance to help the team." Out of the shadows Although Davis and sophomore Brandon Bass -- the SEC's Freshman of the Year in 2004 -- gobble up most of the media spotlight focused on LSU's frontcourt, sophomore Ross Neltner has quietly emerged as an effective complement up front. Neltner has operated on a regular basis with a quintet that includes Bass, Antonio Hudson, Darrel Mitchell and either Tack Minor or Xavier Whipple at point guard -- a unit that could be LSU's starting crew when the season begins. Bass said at Southeastern Conference Media Days last week that Neltner has been one of the biggest surprises in preseason work. Brady has said several times that Neltner could play a key role for the Tigers. "We've got a really strong frontcourt this season with a lot of guys who can play," said Neltner, who won the prestigious Mr. Kentucky honor in 2003 as a senior at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Ky. "I'm just trying to get in there whenever I get the opportunity and see what I can do to help." Neltner could help by providing a more finesse-based game to Bass's powerful, in-the-paint approach. At 6-9 and 235 pounds, Neltner isn't averse to banging bodies in the lane. But Neltner is a more fluid shooter away from the basket than Bass and is more adept at drawing defenders away from the congestion of the lane. "I can be a playmaker at the top of the key with ball reversal and the ability to hit the little 15-foot jump shot," Neltner said. "I can help keep the defense honest by seeing the floor well and making good passes from the top." Neltner wasn't much of a factor for LSU as a freshman, although his playing time increased late in the season. After playing more than 13 minutes only once in the Tigers' first 24 games, Neltner averaged 20.2 minutes over the final five contests. Busy Brady Brady spent a busy day off the court Wednesday. The LSU coach was the guest speaker at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club's weekly meeting, and then addressed the basketball program's Sixth Man Club following the practice. During his speech to the Rotarians, Brady said the final eight games of the 2003-04 season -- when the Tigers went 1-7 after starting 17-4 -- were the "toughest 2 1/2 weeks (he's) ever experienced as a basketball coach." But Brady said this year's team, which includes five sophomores who lived through last season's meltdown, have come out of the experience tougher and as a more cohesive group. "This is the closest team we've had at this particular time of the season since I've been here," Brady said.
PF bass, SG mitchell, PG tack, SF hudson, C davis. I think Whipple was projected starter but I see no reason why so I won't do it. davis may have to play spot duty til in shape, especially given they are planning to run. whipple/tack will be interchanged.. koundja will replace who needs rest.
Neltner will likely see a lot more playing time off the bench this year. That kid impressed me a lot on the defensive end of the floor. He is a very hard-nosed player and if his offense comes around he will be hard to keep off the floor. He could potentially work his way into the starting lineup at some point, but as for now he is better off coming in off the bench.
Neltner needs to become more of a factor on the offensive end to become a starter. A good defensive good who is a hustler, and a very good passer, seems like a good bench guy to me. Bench should be pretty strong this year with Neltner, Whipple, Koundija, and don't forget Lazare who should be improved this year.
C-Davis PF-Bass SF-Koundija SG-Hudson PG-Minor I see this as our starting five to start and finish the year, barring injury of course.
Been a while since we've had a really big Center at LSU ... Brady finally has the beef in the middle ... We'll see if this kid can run the floor all night and help LSU get 20+ wins ... should be a fun season to watch
Ummmmm, yes? We agreed about Neltner's abilites, you just said he has the potential to start. I don't see how he could be an offensive factor at all when he has zero low post moves and doesn't really use his body at all on the offensive boards. I see him as a 4 year bench player.
I had said that if his offense comes around he could start. Then you said he needs to become more of an offensive factor to start. Was just wondering why you were repeating what I had said. What you just said though... THAT sets what you are saying apart from my comments. You don't believe he has the potential to become a productive offensive player and then start - I do.
