Hours before LSU took on Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt on Dec. 29, sophomore forward Craig Victor II was dismissed, leaving a void in the Tigers’ starting lineup.
Enter freshman Wayde Sims and junior Aaron Epps.
“It’s always tough any time you lose a body like that,” coach Johnny Jones said. “Any time you have a change like that, it’s subtle, and guys have to get used to their minutes played. It’s different for our team, and it’s going to have to be a process for us.”
Following the dismissal of Victor, LSU expanded the minutes on the floor for Sims, a 6-foot-6 forward, and Epps, a 6-foot-10 forward. Sims has averaged 23.3 minutes per game since Victor’s dismissal, and Epps has averaged 19.6 minutes per game.
“I feel like I had to step up, and it’s not just me; it’s everybody else on the team,” Sims said. “We all have to step up and fill the role that Craig gave us.”
Fans of LSU might remember Sims for his accolades prior to committing to the Tigers. Sims played high school basketball at University High School in Baton Rouge. Because of his height, Sims said he played in the post for most of his high school career.
In high school, Sims was the 2014-15 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year and a First Team All-State selection. He won three state titles and averaged 21.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game during his senior year.
“I knew from recruiting that I was going to have to play in the post and at the three and the four,” Sims said. “I feel confident that I can do that for this team.”
Sims has averaged 9.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in the three games since Victor’s dismissal. He shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc in LSU’s 96-89 loss at home to Vanderbilt.
“I just have to continue to play strong defensively and get stops,” Sims said. “When I come off the bench, I like to see where the gaps and open spots are, so I can flash to them and get easy buckets.”
Jones sees potential in the freshman’s future.
“He’s [Sims] been a good threat for us all year long, and we know he’s only going to grow and continue to get better,” Jones said. “Wayde played center in high school, and that helps because he can go inside and post up against smaller players and also play effectively against bigger opponents.”
Epps has started in each game since Victor’s dismissal. He has averaged 5.3 points and four rebounds per game in the three games following the dismissal and finished with 11 points while shooting 5-of-8 from the field in LSU’s 88-77 win against Missouri.
Epps has spent more minutes at center rather than power forward — something he said he can’t remember doing since last season.
“I couldn’t even tell you the last time I played at the five,” Epps said. “Probably last season. When I catch the ball on the block, I just need to be patient and not force anything; just let it come to me.”
Epps and Sims have spent a significant amount of time on the floor together.
“I feel like it helps with moving the ball, spreading the floor out,” Epps said. “I feel like we’re both patient when we’re out there. We don’t force anything, and we like to share the ball too.”

Gallery • 1 Photos

Ryan McCarble

LSU junior forward Aaron Epps (21) shoots a layup during the Tigers' 95-78 loss to Mississippi State on Saturday, Jan. 07, 2017 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.