SEC Basketball: In-depth conference preview

By Stuart Gill | Nov 3, 2016

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari shouts during the second half of the championship game against Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Antonio Blakeney (2) waves to fans as he leaves the floor after defeating the Tennessee Volunteers in game seven of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. LSU won 84-75. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

13. LSU Tigers

2015-16 record: 19-14 overall, 12-8 in SEC

Head coach: Johnny Jones

Notable departures: Ben Simmons, Keith Hornsby, Tim Quarterman Josh Gray

Notable returnees: Antonio Blakeney, Craig Victor II, Jalyn Patterson, Brandon Sampson, Aaron Epps, Elbert Robinson III

Notable newcomers: Four-star PG Skylar Mays, three-star F Wayde Sims, JUCO PF Duop Reath, JUCO SG Brandon Jenkins, Australian non-ranked SG Kieran Hayward

After the departure of Ben Simmons, the Tigers are in for another rough year in Baton Rouge. With head coach Johnny Jones on the hot seat, LSU probably needs to make the NCAA Tournament in 2016-17 to save his job.

LSU’s 2016 recruiting class is ranked 50th in the country and 9th in the SEC by 247 Sports, showing that Simmons’ presence failed to create any allure to other prospects. Look for the Tigers to finish low in conference play, and struggle to find opportunities to compete after the conference tournament.

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