LSU fans got their first glimpse at this year’s men’s basketball team, led by second-year head coach Matt McMahon, when it hosted Louisiana Christian for an exhibition match in the Pete Maravich Center Monday night.
With a handful of players unavailable, LSU rolled out a starting lineup of Mike Williams III, Carlos Stewart, Jordan Wright, Jalen Reed and Will Baker.
LSU had good ball movement and quickly established an emphasis on attacking from the post. With a room of athletic big men in Baker, Reed, Daimion Collins and Corey Chest, that seems like a strategy the team will go to often.
PHOTOS: LSU men’s basketball defeats Louisiana Christian 132-44 in exhibition game
From the perimeter, LSU notched 19 threes, led by Tyrell Ward and Mwani Wilkinson. Ward’s shot has significantly improved since his freshman season, as he looked unconscious while going five for seven from three.
Most of the on-court developments were expected, with all of LSU’s best players and touted transfers looking the part against a lesser team. However, here are three noteworthy takeaways from the 132-44 win.
Jordan Wright is even better than advertised
Wright transferred in from Vanderbilt this offseason after four seasons with the team. He was always going to be a reliable starter given his SEC experience and reputation as a tough, smart glue-guy.
Wright rebounds well for his size, takes on tough matchups defensively on the perimeter and assumes responsibility as a team leader.
Though he’s talented offensively, he wasn’t supposed to be one of the top players on that end for LSU. He’s averaged 9.5 points per game in his college career, primarily as a role player and third option.
However, in the exhibition game, Wright looked like a player capable of taking on a bigger role as an offensive star. He led all scorers with 22 points. His strength makes him capable of driving in the paint and finishing with force, and his shot from the perimeter was excellent in the game.
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Wright made 4 of 7 three-pointers and lifted without hesitation. In his college career, he’s shot 31.5% from distance, and an improvement there would be a big development for LSU.
“He’s just relentless in his approach to improving his consistency from behind the arc,” McMahon said.
Wright already contributes up and down the stat sheet and will likely be LSU’s defensive ace in the starting lineup. If you add the offensive skill level that he displayed against Louisiana Christian, he’s an All-SEC type player.
Freshmen could have a sizable role on this team
With Jalen Cook still ineligible to play and Trae Hannibal out with an illness, freshman Williams started at point guard. Williams finished with seven assists and zero turnovers.
Williams plays with great speed and doesn’t look overwhelmed. He made quick decisions and primarily looked to set up others, especially with post entry passes, which he anticipated well.
“He provides stability,” McMahon said. “He’s just solid as a rock. He’s just a great communicator, even as a freshman.”
Power forward Corey Chest also got extended run off the bench, and his athleticism popped. He finished with nine points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. On offense, Chest did a good job of making himself available in the dunker’s spot and finishing off plays.
Chest also benefited from increased opportunity, with Derek Fountain dealing with a stomach issue. It remains to be seen how much playing time LSU’s two freshmen will receive this season once everyone is healthy, but their talent stood out against Louisiana Christian.
The defensive scheme will be much more aggressive
LSU came out against Louisiana Christian playing a switch-heavy defensive scheme and pressing the Wildcats before they crossed half court, which caused several turnovers. LSU did a good job of rotating back to its half-court defense after the initial press without getting exposed.
In the half court, the Tigers switched almost every action that didn’t involve a center, something that McMahon said they’d be more comfortable doing this season given the size and athleticism they’ve acquired.
McMahon confirmed that the scheme changes weren’t something LSU was just trying out on Louisiana Christian; they’ll be a part of the Tigers’ defensive identity. If that’s true, LSU could run into some issues.
LSU had an almost flawless night defensively, but on some actions, Tiger defenders were slow to communicate and switch, which allowed a window of opportunity that teams better than Louisiana Christian may be able to exploit.
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Still, McMahon is confident that LSU has the skill to execute an aggressive defensive gameplan and not get burned.
“I think the way the defensive system is structured this year fits our personnel really well,” McMahon said.
“Not only do we have size and athleticism in the front court, when you look at the back court, Tyrell Ward, six-seven, really long athlete, Jordan Wright, six-six, 220, can guard multiple positions on the floor. And Mwani’s played in a switching defense here in the past where he was very successful,” McMahon said.
