As November arrives, so too will the LSU men’s basketball season as the Tigers prepare to open Nov. 12 against Nicholls State.
Coach Trent Johnson said there hasn’t been a standout player or unit through almost three weeks of practice, but said there are tough battles for playing time across the roster.
Despite losing three upperclassmen from the program, the additions of transfer center Justin Hamilton and a trio of hyped freshmen leave the team as deep as any in Johnson’s tenure at LSU.
 
GUARDS
All indications from fall practice point to freshman Anthony Hickey — Mr. Basketball for the state of Kentucky last spring — assuming the starting point-guard spot from the opening tip.
Hickey led the Purple team to a win in last week’s intrasquad scrimmage, scoring 13 points to pace all scorers in 20 minutes of action.
Hickey’s 5-foot-11 frame belies his defensive prowess, as observers have noted his quick hands.
“I have to be the energy guy out there,” Hickey said.
Senior Chris Bass is also expected to see action at guard, creating a duo of speedy ball handlers.
Sophomore Andre Stringer returns to a more natural role after handling some of the point guard duties last season, but he will have to hold off freshman Leesville native John Isaac at the shooting-guard spot.
Stringer, known for his shooting range, took some questionable shots from long range last year. Johnson said he hopes to curb some of that by moving Stringer to the two guard.
“He won’t be shooting NBA 3s consistently,” Johnson said. “His shot selection has improved.”
Isaac will contend for substantial action, and Johnson has already praised the youngster’s intensity.
“He’s not intimidated and doesn’t shy away from contact,” Johnson said. “You look at every loose ball and rebound, he’s around it.”
 
FORWARDS
Sophomore Ralston Turner, a standout scorer last year, will move to small forward position after averaging a team-best 12.3 points per game as a freshman shooting guard.
Johnson said Turner is “extremely talented” but might need to sharpen his game with the switch.
“Ralston has to create his own shot off the dribble,” Johnson said. “He is working hard at getting that done.”
Forward Eddie Ludwig will also see time on the wing after battling inside in recent seasons.
Seniors Storm Warren and Malcolm White are duelling for the power forward spot, while McDonald’s All-American freshman Johnny O’Bryant III is likely to rotate in.
The depth at the position has created some competitive practices down low, Warren acknowledged.
“We bruise each other up in the post, but that’s why I’ll be comfortable with them when we hit the games,” Warren said.
 
CENTER
Iowa State transfer Justin Hamilton is the first scholarship 7-footer at LSU since the mid-1990s, and he will likely split time with O’Bryant.
The junior plays a more traditional style at center, though his passing prowess will complement O’Bryant’s high-flying athleticism if they see the floor together.
 
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