LSU Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Tigers

By Ben Dickson | Nov 24, 2020

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Will Wade of the LSU Tigers celebrates after his team made a basket late in the second half their game against the Saint Mary's Gaels at T-Mobile Arena on December 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LSU defeated Saint Mary's 78-74. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LSU Basketball (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

LSU Basketball brings back an extremely talented roster blended with experience and new additions.

There is no doubt that LSU Basketball has a roster full of talent for this upcoming season. There is doubt, however, about things greater than the program.

This offseason for Louisiana State was one under heavy scrutiny due to potential NBA sanctions. HBO’s documentary The Scheme had evidence of head coach Will Wade preparing to give a “strong *ss offer” to a recruit. There is also an August report from ESPN noting how the head coach offered “impermissible payments” to at least eleven recruits.

Regardless of the potential darkness looming over the program, LSU will enter this season with championship hopes in sight. Positive news did come this offseason, as the Tigers had three different players in Javonte Smart, Trendon Watford and Darius Days all return to school after testing the NBA Draft waters. Despite losing stars Emmitt Williams and Skylar Mays to the pros, those three players all averaged at least 11 points per game last season.

Next. Preseason SEC power rankings for 2020-21. dark

The Tigers also bring in eight newcomers to match their returning talent. Coach Wade brought in the sixth-best recruiting class in the country (per 247Sports) headed by 5-star shooting guard Cameron Thomas. Georgetown transfer Josh LeBlanc, UCLA transfer Shareef O’Neal, and Washington transfer Bryan Penn-Johnson also add to what should be one of the best, if not the best, roster in the entire SEC.

Given the current state of its roster, LSU should have high aspirations for this upcoming season. Let’s take a look at their potential starting five.

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