Texas ranked #2 (AP) ... LSU? They're 31st ... There's ya' 5 point difference? Bradyball 2006 ... Oh, boy! My annual LSU BB prediction ... 20 wins as usual ... Postseason = slam dunk runoff/out of the 64 after a game or two ... as usual. Les Miles is another John Brady in the making ... CHAW ON THAT ONE A WHILE!
Yes, Tyrus is impressing in games. He grew a couple of inches since hschool, and is athletic as heck. Remember, though, he's an insider slasher, dunker, and shot blocker... sort played the same role as Brandon Bass. Ross was more of a finesse big man. Might have helped the team with his outside shot, but would have been hard pressed to keep Tyrus on the bench. Overall, redshirting Tyrus was a good idea (he was injured too). I've been impressed with the team, especially because they are deep and athletic. The offense is a little off at times, but the sheer athleticism on the boards and defense are going to be hard for 70% of the teams we play to contend with. Early on, I'd say Tyrus is a big surprise (with how well he's doing). Tasmin is maybe even a tad better than advertised (so he's meeting to exceeding expectations). Magnum Rolle has shown some good low post play, and Garrett Temple actually doesn't look too bad at times at SG. Voogd seems to be heady and makes some nifty passes, but he's not quite as quick as I expected and needs to be a little better protecting the ball.
not worried about voogd as a player in the future, but he'll contribute little this year. its toughest for point guards as true freshmen. i think its gonna be tough to beat a decent team with a sg that cant shoot---maybe he'll find his stroke soon. overall, obviously this team is more athletic than lsu has had in a while, but i dont see them playing well enough as a team this season to hit 20 wins. too many inexperienced guys will be depended on. but jb is such an amazing coach maybe he'll put together the best lsu team ever.
LOL. :hihi: I'm taking it that this is sarcasm to be found often on this board when it comes to love for Brady. Seriously, though, I predicted all along that this team was going to frustrate and surprise... much like a Brady classic team. The thing you have to respect is that over the years, Brady has recruited well to bring his team finally to a point where he's got decent depth, and also he's playing folks. He didn't shy away from competition when he signed up to play UConn, West Virginia, Cincinnati, others. As a result, the Tigers will struggle early, but they'll get more respect for it down the line and improve for the post-season. College basketball is somewhat different than football, b/c you almost map out the entire season and count on certain losses and what you want your players to learn from those losses. I hope the fans won't get down on the Tigers when they've absorbed their early season losses, b/c they're just preparing for trying to win the SEC West. I think, from what I've seen so far, the Tigers have some pretty good potential. Why? B/c you don't teach talent and height. Tasmin is a legit All-SEC guy as a freshman. Glen Davis is a unique force. I like Darrell Mitchell's new attitude towards leadership this season. You add to that 3 guys that can come off the bench and really dominate the other team's players athletically, and you've got a different recipe than past Tigers' teams. Brady will experiment early to find the right mix. It kills me a little that with Tack coming back, they'll go through another unnecessary transition of adjustment in late December. But, overall, they've got a strong squad. They could win a few more games than last season, IMO, going something like 22-10, with a number #4-5 seed in the NCAA tourney. 'Bama hasn't impressed, and the closest thing to additional SEC competition in the West is Arkansas. BTW, West Virginia is the first big test coming up this Saturday. Check out the Mountaineers tonight at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2 vs. Texas. I think Pittsnogle will be hard to stop by Brady--it may be an early defensive test for the likes of Lazarre, Rolle or C.Johnson. But on the other hand, I think Tasmin vs. Mike Gansey is going to be a great match up, with Tasmin more than holding his own. Still think WV will win given that it's at home, but we might be pleasantly surprised. :geauxtige
this team is deeper athletically than in the past, but i'll be surprised if thomas, rolle and johnson can "dominate" other SEC and good OOC teams' players. i hope the tougher OOC scheduling keeps up. always results in a better team at the end of the year when it counts.
