LSU Basketball: Darius Days announces return for 2021-22 season
By Matt Melton
As the 2020-21 season came to an end with a loss to Michigan in the Round of 32, a cloud of uncertainty fell over the LSU Basketball program.
There was obviously disappointment from suffering a season-ending loss in the NCAA Tournament, but uncertainty surrounding what LSU Basketball would look like going forward. After appearing set to lose all five of their starters from a year ago, the Tigers received some phenomenal news on Tuesday announcing the return of one of those five.
When the offseason began for the Tigers, it was almost 100% given that LSU would lose star freshman Cameron Thomas, Trendon Watford, and Ja’Vonte Smart to the NBA. While the Tigers also lost a few prominent players over the offseason to the NCAA Transfer Portal, there was still a decision looming for one Tiger in particular, junior forward Darius Days.
As mentioned previously, that decision indeed did come on Tuesday as Days announced his intentions to withdraw from the 2021 NBA Draft, and return to Baton Rouge for his senior season.
Days, despite playing primarily as a role player as a freshman, has been one of the most important players for head coach Will Wade over the past two seasons. A career 9.1 PPG scorer, Days has also averaged 6.1 RPG throughout his LSU career, while also starting in 61 of his 94 career games.
When looking back at last season, however, Days’ impact on the Tigers was evident. The junior started in all 28 games for LSU and was fourth on the Tigers’ in scoring averaging 11.6 PPG, while also leading the team in rebounds averaging 7.8 per game. Days also showed continuous improvement with his jump shot, shooting a career-high 40% from 3-point range.
When looking ahead to the 2021-22 season, Days will 100% be the focal point and leader of this Tigers’ team. The 6’7 245lb. senior should not only provide the leadership and vital experience needed for a young LSU team but should also be a popular choice to lead the Tigers in both scoring and rebounding as one of the best big men in the SEC.
WTE SEC Award Predictions for 2021-22 Season. dark. Next
When you truly look at this move, the return of Days to LSU for the 2021-22 season is a massive one for the Tigers. In what will be an extremely talented and deep SEC this upcoming season, LSU has all the pieces needed to compete around the top of the conference once again.