In four seasons as a guard, Pokey Chatman accumulated 1,826 points and earned All-SEC selections in three seasons.
Having stepped in as LSU women’s basketball coach two years ago, Chatman coached former LSU point guard Temeka Johnson to two consecutive Finals Fours, as well as guiding Johnson to break Chatman’s career assist record last year.
Now Chatman has a new point guard, sophomore guard RaShonta LeBlanc, to coach.
According to Chatman, having played the point guard position in her time at LSU can lend to typically emphasizing the leader of the offense.
“Coaches are always hard on that position,” Chatman said. “But it’s tremendously important to have patience with [LeBlanc], coming in with our high expectations and tough early-season schedule.”
LeBlanc, who has entered her second season at LSU, averaged just 1.5 points and one assist in 6.5 minutes of play her freshman season. But through four games this season, LeBlanc is averaging nearly 30 minutes of play while holding a 20-4 margin in turnovers to assists.
Known to her teammates as “Tae-Tae,” LeBlanc credits her sudden improvement to a strong work-habit.
“I just concentrate on what I need to do,” LeBlanc said. “It could involve something like coming into practice early or staying late.
LeBlanc also took part in numerous basketball camps last summer, including the Dina Evans Point Guard College.
“That’s something she’s had to do on her own,” Chatman said. “It’s a commitment during a time when most people have jobs. She understood the gap that she needed to fill to help this team.”
Filling that gap includes stepping in for Johnson, who finished the 2004 season averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 assists.
But according to LeBlanc, stepping in for Johnson has nothing to do with carrying on her success.
“There are no shoes to fill,” LeBlanc said. “[Johnson] filled her shoes, and now I have my own shoes to fill. I just want to play my own game.”
Having already guided No. 3 ranked LSU to a 4-0 start, including playing 40 minutes in LSU’s 76-68 over then No. 13 Texas Tech, some players believe her play has reminded them of the Johnson era.
“It’s getting to how it was with me and Temeka,” senior Seimone Augustus said. “I always know where she’s at, and she always understands what I’m trying to do.”
LeBlanc said, Augustus works to help benefit her as a player.
“Seimone gives me encouragement,” LeBlanc said. “It’s good because she’s the best player in the country. If she’s satisfied with me, then I know I’m doing something right.”
With a chance to lead LSU to its third-straight Final Four appearance, Chatman said LeBlanc is just where she needs to be, for now.
“She has the right mindset and attitude,” Chatman said. “She takes us to that next level to be successful. And in turn, she too will soon be successful.”
 
Notes:
According to a news release, junior Hanna Bierknacka has chosen to transfer to another school.
“Hanna is one of those individuals that has impacted our program in a way that is immeasurable,” Chatman said. “We’re going to do our best to help her make a decision that is best for her.”
Chatman said Bierknacka has yet to decide on where to transfer.
Senior Seimone Augustus has been listed as one of 25 candidates for the NCAA’s Division 1-25th Anniversary team, which honors five players and one coach from the past 25 years.
[The consideration] is a representation of our team,” Augustus said. “All of these accolades would not be possible without them.