Could the SEC have 6 NCAA tournament Teams?
By Alex Miller
LSU Tigers
In recent days the Tigers made a big splash in the recruiting world when 5 star prospect Antonio Blakeney committed to LSU. That came on the heels of top 2015 prospect Ben Simmons’ commitment to the Tigers back in 2013. The future is bright in Baton Rouge, but the current team isn’t too shabby, either.
LSU is off to an 11-2 start this season with a 74-73 victory on the road over West Virginia, currently ranked 14th in both the AP and Coaches polls.
The Tigers are led by their frontcourt of Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey both of whom are putting up impressive numbers thus far. Martin is averaging 18.2 ppg, and 8.0 rpg, while Mickey averages 16.3 ppg and 10.3 rpg. Four of LSU’s starters score in double figures with Josh Gray just under at 9.8 ppg. This is a balanced team, but one that lacks quality depth. Can the starters hold up over the course of the season?
I’d also like to see LSU make a few more shots from beyond the arc where they are currently shooting at a 33.2% clip. That would go a long ways to draw the defense out and allow for the front court to have more freedom in the paint.
Regardless, this is an LSU team that still plays pretty good defense and might make it back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2009.
Next: Georgia Bulldogs