Following a season that ended in a trip to the Final Four, LSU men’s basketball walk-on David Fleshman decided against playing his junior season because of academics and re-occurring injuries. As a senior running back at The Dunham School in 2003, Fleshman suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which caused him to have surgery, limiting his senior basketball season. After arriving at LSU in the fall of 2004, Fleshman had to undergo two more surgeries his freshman season because of continued knee problems. “I had three surgeries basically within nine months,” Fleshman said. After recovering from the surgeries, Fleshman said he played through pain his sophomore season. “I’d have to get in the hot tub and ice my knees after every practice,” he said. “They’ve given me a lot of trouble, and that played a large role in my decision.” During his two years on the team, Fleshman played in 10 games, averaging only a little over one minute of playing time per game. Despite not having scored a point in his career, Fleshman was a fan favorite among the LSU student section, who chanted his name at the end of blow-out games. Fleshman said this support helped get him through his difficult sophomore season. “Obviously I’m not a big-time player,” he said. “When the fans yell for you and all that, it is very appreciative.” Replacing Fleshman is his good friend, freshman Greg Terrebonne. Terrebonne comes to LSU after having averaged 15 points per game in three seasons at South Lafourche High School in Galliano. Fleshman said he played an active role in trying to convince Terrebonne to join the team this summer. “I talked to him and was at a meeting with him with coach [John] Brady this summer,” he said. “I just told him that you have to earn everything you’re going to get.” Fleshman said his friend will do fine as long as he is willing to work hard. “Working his butt off will get him to where he wants to go,” Fleshman said. “There are some tough times – no doubt. But you just keep fighting day in and day out, and you’re going to be fine.” Brady said he is impressed with Terrebonne’s work ethic so far. “I’ve been very pleased with his attitude, his approach and the respect that he’s earned from our players,” Brady said. Although his playing days at LSU are over, Fleshman said last season was something he will remember the rest of his life. “The whole journey to the Final Four was just a blast,” he said. “I roomed with Tyrus Thomas, and when you have one of the best players on the team rooming with a walk on, it says a lot for team camaraderie. There just was none of that ego with our guys.”
—–Contact Casey Gisclair at [email protected]