Things have fallen so far since the days of Dale Brown.
Gone is any semblance of the Deaf Dome. Today, it sounds like someone pressed the mute button. The entire fan network needs an IV injection of enthusiasm.
Gone are any expectations, aside from the occasional flashes and flares fired over the PMAC to remind campus the basketball program still exists.
Johnny Jones has the chance to bring the consistency LSU basketball lacks.
The newly minted LSU coach was around in the time of Brown as both a player and coach. He has the Louisiana roots and recruiting chops Trent Johnson lacked, and he’s a better coach than John Brady.
More importantly, he has a chance to make LSU men’s basketball relevant.
The latest semblances of the PMAC being anywhere close to “packed” were the past two times No. 1 Kentucky came to town. It’s akin to when LeBron James plays in Charlotte. The place was also full when No. 15 Xavier came to town in 2008.
Aside from that, no dice.
“Fire marshals bothering people for sitting in the aisles – that’s what I want,” Jones said Monday at his introductory presser.
The LSU student section is a sham compared to other top-tier programs, let alone others in the Southeastern Conference. That’s no indictment to the students – it’s hard to get jazzed about a cellar dweller.
Undoubtedly, Johnson is a fantastic basketball coach. From hearing him in news conferences to seeing his overall body of work, there’s no arguing he knows his X’s and O’s.
His personality and disposition were another story. Gruff with a dry wit, Johnson failed to establish solid connections in Louisiana.
In Jones’ time as an assistant, LSU notably made the tournament nine straight times from 1985 to 1993, including a Final Four and an Elite Eight. He earned a reputation as a recruiting wiz, luring stars Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Jackson and Randy Livingston to Baton Rouge.
Jones is also charismatic, as evidenced by Monday’s presser. A people person, plus extensive roots in the state, affords the basketball team the chance to reclaim some former glory and, along the way, more fans.
Here’s your chance, Johnny. Do what past LSU coaches haven’t been able to do.
Make LSU basketball matter.
 
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