Even though many LSU fans may not have been so informed, Skylar Mays knew about Wayde Sims. Before others, Mays expected the early-season surge Sims has given LSU’s men’s basketball team.
“That’s my guy,” Mays said.
And Sims expresses the same for Mays — LSU’s shifty, hands-on point guard with a pass-first approach to each game.
“I’ve been playing with him for so long, I know what he likes to do and what he doesn’t like to do,” Sims said.
The pair have played together since they were seven years old, Mays remembers, so clearly he was aware of how Sims — an undersized, 6-foot-6 reserve forward — could excel in LSU’s opening three games.
Hence, why the duo kept in touch and spoke at least three days a week when Mays left University High School on LSU’s campus for Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior season of basketball.
Both are Baton Rouge native freshman for LSU in the 2016-17 season They played together since their youth days at Sports Academy in downtown Baton Rouge.
Joining forces again at LSU hasn’t been any different. Sometimes, the pair will use their chemistry on the floor to exploit defenders in practice.
“I’ve been knowing him for so long,” Mays said. “It’s like second nature being on the court with him as soon as I got back.”
Mays returned to Baton Rouge to play for the Tigers, beginning this season, and is now LSU’s front-running starting point guard in an ongoing competition between him and junior guard Jalyn Patterson for the role.
Even with increased minutes because of the multi-game suspension for forward Craig Victor, Mays notes the same comfort level is in Sims’ play. Sims, a freshman forward, posted back-to-back double digit scoring games of 13 and 10 points in LSU’s first two games.
“He looks good,” Mays said. “I’m not sure how many people expected him to be the playing the way he’s playing. But, I saw that in him. I know what he’s capable of. I’m not sure the fan base knew too much about how well, how smart he is and how versatile he is.”
As a shorter forward, Sims, who plays bigger than his height, is still finding his stride on LSU’s team.
Is he a small forward or a power forward or what?
A versatile forward, Sims responds.
“My game is pretty versatile. I can post, or I can also step out and shoot the three.”
“I see Wayde as a bucket getter,” Mays said. “He really knows how to score at various levels. His IQ is so high [it] makes up for his lack of height or what people see as a lack of skill set.”
Mays, too, has transitioned easily into his new role as LSU’s lead ball-handler In three games, Mays has totaled 15 points, 15 assists and six turnovers.