Jalen Cook had long been expected to be the star of the LSU season. Even with the delay of his season debut due to NCAA transfer eligibility rules, there were big expectations when he checked in against No. 19 Texas on Saturday.
It took him seven minutes, but his first make was a deep 3-pointer off the dribble, the type of difficult shot few others on the LSU team can make.
Cook played all 20 minutes of the second half, helping spark a near comeback that pulled LSU within seven after an earlier 22-point deficit. He finished with 13 points and six assists.
With all eyes on Cook and his impact on the Tiger offense, it was the defensive end that ultimately sank any chances of winning. Texas’ offense slowed down during LSU’s comeback attempt, but it caught second wind to close out the 96-85 win.
LSU was on its heels throughout the game, clearly overpowered by Texas’ offensive firepower. The Longhorns have a diverse collection of talent that allowed them to attack LSU in a variety of ways.
With a collection of athletic and lengthy players, Texas could wreak havoc on the interior and post up for easy shots. Texas big men Dylan Disu and Dillon Mitchell put up 17 and 12 points, respectively, with all of those points coming at the rim.
Texas also had the option to operate on the perimeter, with shot-making guards Max Abmas, the NCAA’s active leader in career points, and Tyrese Hunter capable of teeing off from 3-point range.
LSU had trouble sticking with shooters, and any daylight that the Longhorn shooters saw was taken advantage of. Texas finished having made 10 3-pointers on 20 attempts.
That kind of offensive diversity was impossible for LSU to defend. The Tigers failed to take away any of Texas’ options or render the Longhorns one-dimensional in any capacity; they got whatever they wanted.
Offensive performances like Texas’ on Saturday are the type the Tigers hope Cook will unlock for them. Inserting a player like Cook into the mix could enhance the versatile skillsets on the roster and make for an offense that is as diverse as the Longhorns’ attack.
LSU saw flashes of that Saturday. From the moment Cook first checked in, he operated the pick-and-roll with calm but quick decision-making that generated good looks offensively.
Cook’s ability to zip passes in tight windows will elevate the Tigers’ already-potent paint attack, with LSU having capable post scorers in Will Baker, Jalen Reed, Hunter Dean and Derek Fountain.
When that isn’t available, Cook can call his own number. The difficult shots he took on occasion on plays where no one else touches the ball should be limited, as it’s important for him to play within the system and find quality shots first and foremost.
He made just five of his 15 shots on Saturday, in part because of that inefficient shot selection.
However, his ability to tap into that occasionally and make tough shots when needed adds a different dimension to the Tiger offense.
When that all comes together, there’s a blueprint for a potent offense with a lot of options. LSU’s 85 points scored and 11 made 3-pointers against Texas were both its most in a game since the season opener against Mississippi Valley State.
The challenge for LSU will be marrying Cook’s impact with consistency from the rest of the team. Not only was the defensive effort missing against Texas, but LSU’s usual leaders struggled.
The starting lineup came out flat, and head coach Matt McMahon sat them on the bench in favor of bench players who had the hot hand. That decision ended up paying off, as those reserves sparked the comeback.
Starters Will Baker, Jalen Reed, Mike Williams III and Mwani Wilkinson made one shot from the floor between them. As a result of their ineffectiveness, they each played 12 minutes or fewer in the game.
Veteran starter Jordan Wright was equally unproductive with two points in the first half, but he turned it on in the second frame, finishing with a career high 33 points.
LSU’s depth carried it in the game, with Dean and Fountain both showing off great defensive activity and making the simple plays on offense.
As has been the case all year, LSU has talent across the board, but the team has yet to put together a full 40-minute effort.
Cook is an important piece of the puzzle, but, in order for the Tigers to realize their full potential, they need to find consistency from their other stars or identify different players they can trust.
