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LSU Basketball: Why are expectations so high for 2018-19?

By Lukas Harkins

BATON ROUGE, LA - JANUARY 28: Fans of the LSU Tigers celebrate following a victory over the Kentucky Wildcats at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 28, 2014 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game 87-82. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - JANUARY 28: Fans of the LSU Tigers celebrate following a victory over the Kentucky Wildcats at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 28, 2014 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game 87-82. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 28: LSU commit Reid (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 28: LSU commit Reid (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Impactful incoming talent

Some recruiting classes are easily overrated in the offseason due to the idea that not every freshman can immediately impact their respective program. Yet, with regards to LSU’s incoming 2018 class, it would be a mistake to disregard the unbelievable amount of talent joining the program. With four top-100 recruits committed and two of the better JUCO transfers in the country also now on the roster, the Tigers have no shortage of newcomers this year.

In total, this incoming class comes in ranked at No. 4 in the nation, trailing only those of Duke, Kentucky, and Oregon. That is…not bad company to be in for head coach Will Wade. At the forefront of this group is forward Nazeon Reid. An incredibly well-built 6-foot-9 stud, Reid is ranked as the No. 17 recruit in the 2018 class and should instantly be one of the go-to players in the frontcourt for the Tigers. Additionally, two other highly-rated recruits will join Reid in the frontcourt in 6-foot-7 Emmitt Williams (No. 26) and Darius Days (No. 62).

Related Story. Breaking down LSU's 2018 recruiting class. light

In terms of who is joining the program to help Waters in the backcourt, Coach Wade certainly shored up that issue. From the JUCO ranks, LSU is bringing in 6-foot-1 Danya Kingsby and 6-foot-6 Marlon Taylor to add experience and talent. Additionally, the future looks to be in great shape thanks to the addition of local product Ja’Vonte Smart (No. 35), a 6-foot-4 combo guard from Baton Rouge.

LSU basketball will obviously be inexperienced this season but the talent level is through the roof with this group of newcomers.

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