Freshman forward Jarell Martin’s coming-out party didn’t exactly go as planned.
A mere 33 seconds into the LSU men’s basketball team’s season-opening loss at Massachusetts, Martin went down with an ankle sprain and has missed both games since. But LSU coach Johnny Jones said he is hopeful that Martin will return when the Tigers (2-1) host Southeastern Louisiana University (2-1) 7 p.m. tonight in the PMAC.
“Jarell [Martin] is such a multidimensional player, I would say he’s capable of creating opportunities for other people,” Jones said. “He’s a really good passer and rebounder. He’s very capable of slashing to the basket and scoring because he’s used to playing inside.”
Martin said he’s about 85 percent healthy, and Jones plans to play the freshman in short spurts. Martin’s time spent watching from the sideline has allowed him to better understand LSU’s playing style.
“I see that we want to get up the floor,” Martin said. “I think it can help my team a lot with me attacking the basket when I come back. Getting to the rim and getting to the free throw line is something we’re not doing that much.”
The Tigers have dominated the glass this season, averaging 15 more rebounds than their opponents in their first three games. The Lions grab nearly 19 rebounds per game less than LSU, and freshman forward Jordan Mickey said LSU will be an even better rebounding team should Martin return.
Mickey has made a name for himself early in the season, reaching a double-double in his first three games while totaling 13 points and 11 rebounds per contest.
The Tigers struggled to find their groove in the first half of Tuesday night’s 81-54 victory against the University of New Orleans, as they led by only four points at halftime. Players denied looking ahead to the next week’s Old Spice Classic, which will be one of LSU’s few chances to play against nationally-ranked teams until the start of Southeastern Conference play.
“We were just sluggish and playing lazy defense,” said junior forward Johnny O’Bryant III. “We were taking a lot of things for granted, not coming up with a lot of 50-50 balls. It’s something you can’t do against any team, and that was the case.”
Martin’s return could provide the spark the Tigers need to put an opponent away early. But even if the freshman phenom returns, LSU is focused on establishing its identity against Southeastern.
“We have to play our game each and every game out,” said senior guard Andre Stringer. “We can’t worry about who we’re playing against. It’s all about LSU and how we play.”
Who: LSU (2-1)vs. Southeastern (2-1)
When: Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
Where: PMAC
Watch/Listen at: 98.1 FM