With former LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson en route to TCU, transfer rumors swirled around Anthony Hickey and Johnny O’Bryant III, the unquestioned young leaders of Johnson’s final LSU squad.
One phone call later and the dreadlocked duo was headed back to Baton Rouge.
Now sans the trademark hairstyles in an effort to illustrate the new image of the program, the sophomores are on a mission to blaze their own paths under new coach Johnny Jones.
“We’re looking into the future, and we’re ready to get this roll going,” Hickey said. “We’re trying to start our own legacy.”
Running an offense suited for the Hopkinsville, Ky., native’s lifelong habits on the court, the new look of the LSU team will feature a high-octane offensive scheme centered on precise ball handling, fitting into Hickey’s repertoire.
Although limited by Johnson’s slower offensive tendencies last season, Hickey said the experience benefited him in the long run in wrangling in some plays he considered too fast or wild.
“I’ve played fast my whole life,” Hickey said. “The slow pace we played last year was a key help to me to being under control, and now I’m more controllable on what I do.”
Aside from his excitement surrounding the offense, Hickey said he has eagerly anticipated the leadership role he’s undertaken since he arrived on campus.
“Me and Coach Jones had our talks about taking up leadership and being more vocal,” Hickey said. “[Jones said to] ‘have the senior mindset to control the tempo and just run the team.’”
The transition may not be as seamless for 6-foot-9 O’Bryant, who had previously balked at the notion of taking over for Justin Hamilton at center.
Now with a more team-oriented focus radiating throughout his preparations, O’Bryant is keen on whatever his position he’s called on to play.
“It’s all a team game, I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do,” O’Bryant said. “If playing the five is what it takes, I’ll gladly accept that role.”
Aside from the strategy on the court, the classmates concurred that Jones’ renewed passion for the program has been infectious throughout both the program and its fanbase.
“He’s got a pride about the place, so he’s bringing that back to us,” O’Bryant said. “The guys can’t wait to play for him.”
Fresh off a season that saw a return to postseason action after back-to-back 20-loss campaigns, Hickey said expectations have been reset and are higher than before.
Brushing off the obvious lack of height on the Tiger roster, Hickey asserted the Tigers will simply move forward.
“[First it was the] NIT, next win the SEC Championship, then maybe even more,” Hickey said. “We don’t just need us in this thing, LSU is a family, and I know the PMAC is going to be a little louder this year.”
But as for those questions that surrounded the duo after Johnson’s resignation, O’Bryant said they are a thing of the past.
“Before I made the decision to leave, we all wanted to see who they decided to bring in and if I was comfortable with that,” O’Bryant said. “And I’m still here.”
