Earning a spot on an NBA roster is like winning a reality show. Both, however “fun,” come down to a theory straight out of a biology textbook — survival of the fittest. Seven former LSU players were on training camp rosters. Some, like perennial All-Star center Shaquille O’Neal, never lost sleep over job security. Others, like undrafted rookie guard Garrett Temple, weren’t as comfortable. The Houston Rockets nixed LSU’s bid for a clean slate of roster health when they axed Temple, the former defensive standout at LSU. The remaining six of seven made their respective rosters. O’Neal is LSU’s main NBA attraction. After playing for former Tiger coach Dale Brown from 1989-1992, Shaq bolted from Baton Rouge to become the No. 1 pick overall in the 1992 NBA Draft and a member of the Orlando Magic. O’Neal is by far the most successful former Tiger. The backboard-shattering machine has made five trips to the NBA Finals, earning four rings – three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.O’Neal now earns his pay playing sidekick to reigning NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James as member of the  Cleveland Cavaliers. O’Neal is looking for a fifth ring — James, his first. The rest of the Tiger lineup is devoid of grizzled veterans like O’Neal. Marcus Thornton is the sole training camp survivor from the 2008-09 LSU squad. The Heat drafted Thornton, last season’s Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, 43rd overall in the 2009 draft, then traded his rights to the New Orleans Hornets. Thornton shined in the Hornets’ preseason contests and averaged 12.6 points per game. “He can score in bunches,” said Hoopsworld.com analyst Mike Moreau. “The Hornets desperately need points off the bench, and Thornton is certainly capable of providing that. He could even see some starts if [James] Posey, Devin Brown and Peja [Stojakovic] aren’t scoring.”LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson mentioned at LSU’s media day Thornton “could start” for Byron Scott’s squad. Johnson backed off the claim. But he did say he’s hearing good things about Thornton’s performance so far as a pro. “I don’t want to say that was me speaking out of character. That was just based off of knowing Marcus,” Johnson said. “They didn’t bring him in there not to have an impact. If he can stay healthy and obviously if he can continue to get better, he has a good chance at being a good player.”Tyrus Thomas and Glen Davis, both members of LSU’s 2006 Final Four team, are staying put for the 2009-2010 campaign. Thomas is entering his fourth season with the Chicago Bulls, where he averaged 10 points and six rebounds per game last season for the Bulls en route to a trip to the playoffs. The Bulls lost in seven games to Davis’ Celtics in the first round. Moreau said Thomas has been effective in the past, but needs to improve in certain areas to find more playing time. “He’s used his explosive athleticism to become a real force on defense, but must find consistency on the offensive end,” Moreau said. “Chicago loaded up at forward in the draft, so he could be a guy who gets dealt.”Davis, meanwhile, is the sole Tiger currently in the NBA beside Shaq  able to boast an NBA title. Davis was a key contributor in Boston’s 2008 championship season, playing 13 minutes a game. “Unfortunately, he won’t play the role he played in the playoffs, but he should get regular, significant minutes and proved he can hold things down if injuries bite the Celts up front,” Moreau said.Anthony Randolph, who left LSU after his freshman season in 2008, is showing signs of promise at Golden State. The Warriors drafted Randolph 14th overall in the 2008 draft, but Randolph played sparingly in his rookie season. Randolph garnered some publicity this summer by averaging more than 20 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game. In a game against the Bulls in July, Randolph tied a summer league record after putting up 42 points. “Randolph has unlimited potential, with that combination of grace and athleticism that the truly greats have,” Moreau said. “He should start, play a ton and score a lot in Golden State’s offense. If he were in a better organization, he could be an all-star in the near future. Might become one anyway. Has a chance to be that good.”Brandon Bass will join the Orlando Magic, his third team in a five-year career. Bass only spent two seasons in Baton Rouge. The 6-foot-8 forward roped in the 2005 SEC Player of the Year honor – after leading LSU to an NCAA tournament berth. A glance at the above players reveals an impressive review of the LSU program. The league now has former Tigers representing the last five years of the program, 2004-2009. Fellow former Tigers and NBA hopefuls were denied roster spots, including Stromile Swift, Chris Johnson and Terry Martin.   “I don’t want to use the word respected, but LSU can match up to any place, anywhere,” Johnson said. “If you look at it over the years, going back to Bob Pettit and Pete Maravich until when coach Brown got here, I mean, my goodness. There have been some very, very talented and very, very good basketball players that have come through here.”
 
 
 
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