LSU Basketball Preview 2021

Nov 4

Our LSU basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that the Tigers have made some major strides in the past few years. In two-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, they’ve been eliminated in the second round and made it to the Sweet 16. In regular-season play last year, the LSU Tigers (19-10 Overall, 11-6 SEC) finished third in the conference and almost took down the title in the SEC Tournament. Head coach Will Wade (86-42 LSU/4 years, 177-87 Overall/8 years) has done yeoman’s work in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, due to transfers and losses, this edition of the LSU Tigers does not look to be as strong or competitive as last years. Key newcomers, five freshmen and three transfers, have been added.

Tigers Frontcourt

Darius Days was going to enter the NBA Draft, but instead, the junior forward returned to play for the Tigers. Days, LSU’s top scorer (11.6) and rebounder (7.8), shot 51.9/40.0/70.3 last season. Along with being a dogged contributor, he’s also a fine leader. Our LSU basketball preview 2021 - 22 projects that Days will be joined by 6’11” freshman center Efton Reid and 6’5” freshman forward Alex Fudge. Reid is a five-star post prospect, while Fudge is a top-50 talent who can score. Sophomore Mwani Wilkinson and transfer Tari Eason (Cincinnati) add depth. Shareef O’Neal, son of LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal, is in his second season. Last year, he only appeared in 10 games due to a foot injury.

LSU Basketball Preview – Backcourt

The departures of guards Cameron Thomas and Javonte Smart leave a void that won’t be easy to fill. Two transfers may take on the task of ensuring the Tiger backcourt is playing at a high standard. Xavier Pinson (Missouri) and Adam Miller (Illinois) both started last season. Pinson averaged 13.6 PPG while Miller was good for 8.3 PPG. Sophomore guard Eric Gaines returns. Last season, he averaged 13.4 MPG, recording 2.5 PPG and 3.4 APG.