The LSU men’s basketball team kicked off its fall practice slate Monday afternoon, leading into its exhibition game against Southwest Baptist University a month from today. But the Tigers were forced to start without the player many have their eyes on.
Freshman forward Ben Simmons did not participate due to an ankle injury, but the ailment isn’t considered serious. As of now, the 6-foot-10 Australian is believed to be day-to-day. Simmons led all players with 20 points and nine rebounds in the Tigers’ five-game tour in Australia this past August.
Junior forward Brian Bridgewater also was unable to practice due to a lingering lower leg injury. Bridgewater missed parts of summer workouts, which included the Tigers’ trip overseas, and his status is also day-to-day.
LSU did welcome back redshirt sophomore forward Craig Victor and senior guard Josh Gray to the practice court. Victor, who transferred from the University of Arizona at the end of the 2014 fall semester, could not play in Australia due to NCAA rules but will continue to practice with the team until he regains his eligibility at the end of the 2015 fall semester.
Gray was suspended over the summer for participating in an unsanctioned game prior to the exhibition trip. While LSU coach Johnny Jones said he would face in-house discipline, Gray is only subject to a one-game suspension by the NCAA, Jones said this summer.