LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson dropped a bombshell just minutes into his Monday press conference. Johnson said junior guard Bo Spencer, LSU’s leading returning scorer for 2010-11 at 14.5 points per game, was suspended indefinitely because of his “lack of fulfillment to his responsibility to academics.”Spencer will not be able to participate in any team activities. Johnson did not give many details about Spencer’s situation. “We’re in a situation right now where outside of him and a few other guys, we do a good job in the classroom,” Johnson said. “He hasn’t met his academic responsibilities. It’s pretty short and simple.”JOHNSON REFLECTS ON LAST SEASONJohnson can finally file away the 2009-10 season. Gone is 11-20. Gone is 2-14 in Southeastern Conference play. Gone is the stigma of being one of the statistically worst teams in school history. Johnson is done looking back. “In terms of reflecting, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect,” Johnson said. “I’ve got a pretty good idea of what’s in front of us. The guys that are coming in are going to have to grow up fast. The guys that are returning are going to have to remember what just happened every day.”SCHEDULE “FULL OF  CHALLENGES” The schedule won’t be any easier in 2010-11 for LSU. Non-conference games against Houston, Memphis, North Texas and Wichita State and road games against Virginia and Rice will highlight the slate. “When you look at next year’s schedule, it’s going to be real challenging for us regardless of who we play and where we play,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be extremely challenging. The incoming class is going to have to grow up fast.”JOHNSON EXCITED FOR  INCOMING CLASS The incoming recruiting class may have to adapt quickly to the college game with the possible absence of Spencer.Johnson isn’t too concerned. Guard Ralston Turner, point guard Andre Stringer, guard/forward Jalen Courtney and forward Matt Derenbecker are a highly touted crew. Add in the verbal commitment of guard K.C. Ross-Miller, and the backcourt doesn’t have many holes. “On the perimeter, the guys coming in, forget the experience factor or lack thereof,” Johnson said. “They’re skilled, they can shoot it, they can pass and they can catch. I really look at this team next year, if everything goes well, that we have a chance to be a team that’s real balanced.”Johnson did pause his enthusiasm. He reiterated while he believes this class will succeed, nothing has happened yet. “I stick to my guns in that you judge a recruiting class at the end of its career and not at the beginning,” Johnson said.MITCHELL, LUDWIG, HARRIS  GARNER AWARDS Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff took one last peek at the 2009-10 season on Sunday night at the team’s annual postseason banquet. Graduating senior Tasmin Mitchell took home Most Inspirational Player and Most Valuable Player honors to lead the night. Freshman forward Eddie Ludwig also won two awards — Coaches’ Award and Most Improved Player. Freshman forward Dennis Harris nabbed Sixth Man of the Year honors, while sophomore forward Storm Warren was named Best Defensive Player. “I think guys were taken back a little bit in terms of attendance and how much support this program and this basketball team has gotten over the year,” Johnson said. “There were probably 250 to 300 people. That speaks volumes to the commitment and the passion from our fanbase in a lean year like this. For me, it was a time to honor the seniors — Alex Farrer and Tasmin Mitchell — on their way out.”–Contact Chris Branch at [email protected]