The LSU basketball postseason outlook is bleak, to say the least. Currently 16-13 (7-10 SEC), the Tigers are searching to find their true identity. First-year head coach Will Wade has built a new foundation in Baton Rouge. Although the Tigers’ season has not gone the way they hoped, the team has a lot to be proud of. Freshman Tremont Waters is playing at a very high level. One of the top recruits for Wade in his first season, Waters has come in and taken on a leadership role for the team. LSU desperately needs to win its final regular season game to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Analysis: LSU Basketball Postseason Outlook
Seeking an NCAA Tournament Berth
The Tigers aren’t a lock for the Big Dance. With only 16 wins, it’s hard to imagine that they will even get in. Should they win their final game, the Tigers would still need a miracle in the SEC Tournament. However, the SEC Tournament still lingers in a week and the Tigers need to win at least three games to solidify their chances of making the NCAA tournament. Even with over 20 wins, the NIT is still in consideration. The Bayou Bengals have quality wins over Texas A&M, Memphis, and Houston, among other teams. The one thing that will hurt their chances is their losses. The Tigers have suffered gut-wrenching losses to quality teams that will certainly make the Big Dance. As the season comes to a close, LSU has to execute in its final regular season game, which is Saturday at home against Mississippi State.
Tremont Waters Leading The Way
Waters has been LSU’s driving force all season long. The Tigers’ fan base has noticed what the coveted freshman can bring to the table. He is a better overall player than current NBA player Ben Simmons was when he played at LSU in 2015. Simmons was a highly sought-after recruit, but never lived up to expectations in Baton Rouge. As for Waters, he is certainly living up to the hype. Only a first-year player, the ceiling is incredibly high for Waters as he continues to take LSU in the right direction. His elite play has brought the Tigers new hope as a program. Should the team make any postseason tournament, expect Waters to be a big factor.
Will Wade’s First Season
Considering that it is just his first season, Wade has done a tremendous job with the players he has. The Tigers don’t have a lot of “elite” players, but they have players who can score when called upon. The 2017-18 season has been a success for LSU, despite only 16 wins to 13 losses. Even if the Tigers end up not making the postseason, Wade has a lot to be proud of with the way his team played this season. As for 2018-19, the bar will be set high in Baton Rouge. The LSU basketball postseason berth will be determined based on whether the team is really deserving of any spot in any tournament. The 2018-19 freshman class will provide more opportunities for Wade and his staff to grow and improve.
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