@shannonlarkintv
Last Sunday, the LSU Men’s Basketball team beat the University of Central Florida 75-68 in their exhibition game.
This was LSU’s star forward Jalen Reed’s first game back in 11 months since his ACL injury last season. He played a total of 11 minutes, where he scored 6 points and 4 rebounds.
“Taking it day-by-day, getting better every time I get out on the floor,” Reed stated.
Jalen is one of only two returners for the Tigers this season, so his role is very important for the newer players to get situated with the team.
Guard Dedan Thomas Jr. transferred from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he led the team, scoring 464 points and 174 assists. Against UCF, Thomas Jr. scored 16 points, and he led the team to their close win.
Coming into a new city, school, and team can’t be easy, but luckily for Thomas Jr., he wasn’t the only one. With most of the team being new freshmen or transfer students, Thomas Jr. described what it was like to get acclimated to being around so many new teammates.
“Just getting here on campus and being around these guys from day one, we just clicked. I think the first day I got here, Reed took me to lunch and just talked. Ever since then, it’s been easy,” Thomas Jr. expressed.
Thomas Jr. describes his game as being a “leader on the court”. Reed even mentioned how confident he is in Thomas Jr. and how he could have a big effect on the season.
“I really haven’t played with a point guard like DJ; he’s an elite floor general, getting guys the ball in their spots, operating the team. As you can see, he can score for himself and be lethal in the pick-and-roll. I got extreme confidence in my guy right here,” Reed mentioned.
If LSU continues to dominate with its backcourt, then it can have a great season to tune into.
Next week, the Tigers are set to play against Tarleton State on Wednesday, November 5, in the PMAC for their official season opener.
