The LSU Basketball season preview for 2019-20 is here. Coming off an impressive run to the Sweet 16, LSU returns four stars from last season. Skylar Mays, Emmitt Williams, Ja’vonte Smart, and Marlon Taylor all elected to come back. Heading into year three under Will Wade, this team is primed to make another epic run.
LSU Tigers Basketball Preview
The Tigers won 16 conference games last season with only two losses. An impressive run in the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament was guided by Tremont Waters and Skylar Mays. Though Waters left for the NBA, this team returns a lot of gifted talent. Mays averaged 13.4 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. The senior played in all 35 of the Tigers’ contests last year. Going into his senior season, he is destined to be the true leader of the program. Freshman Trendon Watford is likely to have a strong career in the Purple and Gold. The star from Birmingham, Alabama was a highly sought after recruit and committed to the Tigers. With such an elite level of talent, this LSU basketball team knows they can go far yet again.
Though the SEC is one of the best basketball conferences, the Tigers know their quest. Defeat Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina, along with the other remaining opponents. LSU is coming off of a tremendous season in which they won a total of 25 games. Making the Sweet 16 was certainly a big accomplishment. However, this team wants more. And in the SEC, it just means more.
One big factor coming into the season will be to limit the turnovers and make every play count. Tremont Waters carried this team on his shoulders at times last season. With him gone, someone else has to step up. Ja’vonte Smart could take that role. But, many think it will be Skylar Mays. In his final season, he wants to take charge of this team.
Freshman Fever
Freshman Trenton Watford is projected to be a star at LSU. His pivotal shooting range is what sets him apart. He was talented in high school and hopes to carry that over to his collegiate career. After losing Tremont Waters to the NBA, the Tigers are searching for another leader on the team. Skylar Mays will likely take the reigns. However, Watford will be a great addition to an already loaded roster. This LSU Basketball team has high potential for this season. After a strong outing last year, they hope to repeat that. Getting to the NCAA Tournament would be a solid accomplishment. But, Will Wade and his team want more. A National Championship is waiting for LSU. For a team that has been to the Final Four before, earning their first title this year would be stellar.
With a crucial non-conference slate, the beginning of the season isn’t easy. Games against USC, Rhode Island, and VCU will present tough challenges. Will Wade gets the chance to coach against his former team. The Tigers do have a tough schedule this season, though. LSU opens the season at Louisiana Tech on Saturday, November 2nd.
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