There is a surprising name challenging at the top of the SEC standings ten games into conference play. Considering the Tennessee Volunteers were co-champions last season, its no surprise to see them at the top again. The Kentucky Wildcats are always at or near the top of the SEC, again no surprise. Not many people would have expected the LSU Tigers to be this good in Coach Will Wade‘s second season in charge. When looking at the success being had in Baton Rouge, everything starts with Tremont Waters. The sophomore point guard runs the show, and he has become quite the showman.
Tremont Waters Runs The Show for LSU
The Tigers have a deep balanced team. There are four players averaging double digits for LSU, and they are looked at as the most athletic team in the SEC. They are not a one man team to be sure, but Tremont Waters is the engine that makes this team go. Despite not getting the national recognition that he deserves, the sophomore could very well be the best point guard in the country. His leadership, composure, and vision make him the perfect fit to lead this team.
He knows who to get the ball to, and where they need the ball to be at their best. For the season, Waters is averaging 15.7 points, 6 assists, and three steals a night. He not only orchestrates the LSU offense, but he is a disruptive force on the defensive end as well. His on ball pressure and quick hands make him a problem for opposing guards. He has a deep range and can get his shot off the dribble, but can also blow by opposing guards if they try to pressure him.
Turning it On
As this team was still figuring things out in the non-conference, Tremont Waters got off to a relatively slow start to the season. He scored 15 or more points just four times before conference play began. He did have double-digit assists three times in the season’s first 13 contests. Since SEC play has started, the Connecticut native has raised his game to another level. The 5’11” guard is averaging 20 points and 6.8 assists in conference play. He also steps up in the biggest moments, often hitting big shots to spark a run, or stop an opponents momentum.
In last week’s victory at Mississippi State, Tremont Waters had 9 points and 3 assists in the final ten minutes of the second half and overtime. Twice he converted drives to the basket to give his team the lead in the final three minutes. He has five 20 point games in SEC play, including a season-high 36 in a win over Texas A&M. Waters can score inside and out, and if the defense crashes on him he always finds an open teammate. His turnover numbers are a bit high, but that could be expected with someone who handles the ball and creates as much as he does.
Numbers Aren’t Everything
Tremont Waters numbers have been impressive all season, but his impact goes beyond that. His ability to beat defenders off the dribble allows him to break down opposing defenses at will. It is almost impossible to contain him when he attacks the basket. Being equally adept at scoring and distributing makes him just as difficult to handle once he reaches the basket. He controls the action for LSU. His on-court IQ allows him to know when to push the ball and when to slow things done. With the athleticism surrounding him on the court, he always has options as to where to go with the ball. For the most part, he consistently makes the correct decision. The big men for LSU get uncontested lay-ups and dunks quite often because of how easily Waters can breakdown the defense.
After an 89-67 loss to the Tigers, Gamecocks’ coach Frank Martin said of Waters, “It all starts with Tremont, he offensively makes every right play, and defensively he guards the ball.”
Marching Forward
The second half of SEC play is upon us, and the grind towards March Madness is in full swing. The LSU Tigers sit a 19-4 overall and 9-1 in the league. They are currently tied with Kentucky for second in the conference and travel to face those Wildcats midweek. Will Wade’s team is ranked 19th in the country. They have started to gain more respect each time they take the court. Guard play is so important as tournament time approaches. In Tremont Waters, the Tigers have one of the best guards in the country running the show. That gives them the ability to be a big factor as the NCAA Tournament gets closer.
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