The LSU basketball team is preparing for its first season following the departure of Ben Simmons, Tim Quarterman and other seniors, and coach Johnny Jones sees no reason why this team shouldn’t improve.
“The chemistry and excitement from these guys gives us a reason to really be excited,” Jones said. “We’re looking forward to building off of the successes we made last year. We have a challenging schedule early on that will give us an opportunity to find out where we are.”
LSU begins the 2016-17 season with an exhibition match against Reinhardt University on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the PMAC.
The Tigers are returning eight members from last year’s roster, including sophomore Antonio Blakeney, who averaged 12.6 points and 3.4 rebounds during the 2015-16 season.
Junior-college transfer Duop Reath has made an early impression on Jones, he said, on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-10 forward transferred to LSU from Lee College beside Jenkins, who hopes to see minutes at the point guard position upon returning from a torn meniscus injury in a couple months.
“Duop’s the best post perimeter shooter that we’ve had,” Jones said. “I thought Johnny O’Bryant was capable of stretching the defense a little bit. He actually has better range than Johnny displayed when he was here. He can really run the floor.”
LSU missed out on a bid to the NCAA Tournament last season, finishing 19-14 last season with an 11-7 record in the Southeastern Conference. Jones is hoping that LSU will be able to change that outcome this season.
“Our goal is always to try to get to the tournament,” Jones said. “This year will be no exception. This group is looking forward to putting their best forward and that’s what they work towards daily.”
Multiple players could see time at the point guard position this season for LSU, the fifth-year coach said. Jones has seen different things he likes from Jenkins, freshman Skylar Mays and junior Jalyn Patterson.
“All of those guys bring something a little bit different to the team,” Jones said. “The most experienced guy because of the number of games he has played at this level is Jalyn Patterson. Skylar is a little bit more deceptive in terms of the way that he plays and the way that he moves on the floor. He’s worked really hard in the offseason to improve his shot.”
Baton Rouge native Skylar Mays played his senior year of high school basketball at Findlay Prep where he averaged 10.9 points and 5.3 assists per game. Mays already noticed differences on the next level.
“The pace is much different and everybody can play,” Mays said. “In high school, you can get a lot of win with two studs, but now you need everybody. I’m just excited to learn and keep growing. I don’t look at it as a guaranteed spot.”
Jones hopes fans will continue to make their way to the PMAC this season. LSU finished third in increased attendance among Division I schools for the 2015-16 season.
“I feel like if we’re doing things the right way with this basketball team, those folks will come out to support us and we’re excited about that,” Jones said.