Jordan Mickey has never been one to hog the spotlight 
The Dallas native arrived at LSU as part Johnny Jones’ highly-touted freshmen trio, but heading into the season, his presence was overshadowed by fellow forward Jarell Martin — a consensus top-10 recruit in the nation — and Tim Quarterman, who was named the Tigers’ starting point guard. 
Even as Mickey put together one of the best freshman campaigns in LSU history, he tried his hardest to not make it about himself. Media members practically begged him to boast as honors and awards poured in, but the level-headed Mickey instead chose to deflect credit to his teammates. 
It took a barrage of blocks against Arkansas to get so much as a fist pump out of Mickey. The always-calm Mickey broke character that brief instant, and that’s as much of a “look-at-me” moment as he’s ever had.  
It’s not a lack of confidence, he just doesn’t like to be the center of attention. But on Wednesday afternoon, he didn’t have a choice. As Mickey sat at the podium alongside his coach, set to announce whether he’d return for his sophomore season or declare for the NBA Draft, all eyes were fixed on him. 
With media and teammates alike hanging on his every word, Mickey thanked a host of people for their support and encouragement and sat back in his chair — then he paused.  
It was like Mickey had gotten lost in the spotlight and almost forgot what he was there to do. He didn’t look scared or nervous, but nonetheless he couldn’t just look out at the packed room and say what he was there to say. 
After a series of chuckles and confused glances, Mickey remembered — he’ll be returning to LSU for his sophomore season, both to get “bigger, faster, stronger” in his own game and to help his team win more of theirs. 
His teammates applauded, his coach exhaled and after a couple of questions, a very awkward press conference ended. 
“It was a big relief to let everyone know what I’m going to do, just getting it out there so I can get back out there and improve my game even more,” Mickey said after the press conference ended. 
Mickey is happy to put the attention of his decision-making process behind him, but if he thinks this will end his time in the spotlight, he’s in for a rude awakening. 
Whether he realizes it or not, there will be far more attention on him as the presumed star at LSU than if he bolted to be an oft-used reserve on a NBA team’s bench. 
As a freshman, Mickey was able to quietly go about his business because junior forward Johnny O’Bryant III was the team’s focal point, both as a leader and an offensive player. But that ceased to be an option once O’Bryant declared for the draft earlier this month. 
Now the responsibility to lead the team falls to Mickey and Martin, both of whom are a bit shy. Neither need to transform into a screaming type-A personality, but if they aren’t ready to step up and perform with all eyes on them, LSU won’t get to where it wants to go next season. 
Mickey needs to improve his game to prepare himself for the jump to the next level. But more than anything, he needs to become more assertive and to get comfortable with being counted on as “the man” at the college level. 
He’s got the physical talent to do it, now it’s just a matter of stepping into the spotlight and delivering.  
 
James Moran is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Beacon, N.Y.