LSU Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Tigers

2021-22 season outlook

LSU basketball won’t have the toughest task on their hands until SEC basketball play arrives at the end of January. They’ve got a few Power 5 squads on the non-conference slate in Penn State and Georgia Tech, but there aren’t any Top 25 matchups awaiting them. Lipscomb and Belmont are two intriguing meetings to watch, though.

The light non-conference schedule could bode well for Coach Wade and company considering their completely new roster that could be stronger in the frontcourt than the backcourt. It isn’t a terrible formula for them, either, considering Kentucky, Auburn, Arkansas, and Alabama will be more competitive than ever with a stout frontline.

Darius Days is an inside-out threat that’s shown flashes of his ability to take over the game. Without Cam Thomas and Javonte Smart dominating the ball, he should have plenty of opportunities to show what he can do for the Tigers. Newcomer Efton Reid, when healthy, is a physical threat to marvel at with an even greater ability to shoot on the perimeter.

If the chemistry can improve over time, this is a squad that could find itself in the Top 8 or even better in the SEC basketball standings. It’s not a bad status considering their history under Wade so far, either.

LSU basketball has finished under .500 just once in conference action under Wade in his four-year tenure. Entering Year 5, they’ll be competitive but teeter on the .500 record plateau.