LSU Basketball lands Missouri transfer guard Xavier Pinson
By Matt Melton
With three of their top four leading scorers already announcing decisions to leave for the NBA with the fourth not far behind, it was imperative for LSU Basketball to land experience and guaranteed production this offseason. As you can guess by now, that is exactly what the Tigers have done.
LSU Basketball is losing arguably the most off of any team in the SEC next season. The Tigers are losing at least three of their top four leading scorers in Trendon Watford, Ja’Vonte Smart, and Darius Days announcing they are leaving for the NBA, with star freshman Cameron Thomas most likely not far behind.
The Tigers had to have a good offseason because of the massive roster turnover. That started as LSU has landed a commitment from one of the top available guards on the market in Missouri transfer guard Xavier Pinson.
Pinson will bring to LSU exactly what the Tigers need going into next season, guaranteed offensive production and experience.
The junior guard has started in 49 games during his three seasons at Missouri where he is a career 10.4 PPG scorer. While Pinson struggles in particular with the 3-point shot, as he is only a career 33.8% 3-point shooter, he showcases an incredible ability to get to the free-throw line and knock them down as he is an 81.1% career free-throw shooter.
Pinson’s 2020-21 season included career-highs in PPG with 13.6, while also averaging 2.7 RPG and 2.9 APG. While he has struggled in some areas, Pinson is consistent for the most part and will look to continue to improve next season in Baton Rouge.
LSU will have talent next season but is mostly inexperienced. The Tigers have some nice pieces in guards Jalen Cook and Eric Gaines, as well as forwards Mwani Wilkinson and incoming Alex Fudge and Jerrell Colbert.
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While it is unknown just how good LSU will be next season, Xavier Pinson is a player that will be key for the Tigers next season. If he can continue the improved scoring that he has shown in recent years, Pinson will continue to be one of the better and more underrated guards in the SEC again next season.