Whether you like it or not, LSU has a specific reputation in the state and even throughout the country.
When people hear these three letters associated with the flagship university of Louisiana, they immediately think of sports.
Discussions about LSU are not related to academics, research or scholarship. They’re about balls, bats and final scores.
Athletic teams are what make the university notable, and no team is more notable than the football team.
For years, LSU football was the state’s best sports team, and the people of Louisiana rallied around their beloved Tigers. These fans passed their love for LSU football to their children, culminating in the football-driven culture which is now prevalent throughout the state.
Despite the state’s football-first attitude, new basketball coach Will Wade has the opportunity to change the sports atmosphere at LSU.
It won’t be easy, though, especially after LSU basketball’s anemic 2016-17 season.
The Tigers finished the year a dismal 10-21 (2-16 Southeastern Conference) and missed postseason play for the second consecutive season. Like salt in a wound, this historically bad year was coupled with less audience participation from the student body that simply stopped going to basketball games.
If Wade wants to truly change the sports culture of the school and state, he’s not only tasked with putting a more competitive product on the hardwood, but also with energizing a student body that has never really seen a great LSU basketball team.
The 2005-06 season was the last time the Tigers made an appearance in the Final Four, a time when students at LSU were throwing rocks at their grade school crushes on the playground and eating paste in class.
However, after Wade was introduced to the student body in the LSU Student Union on March 22, I am confident that the basketball program can bring itself back to the top.
Since Wade’s introduction had more student attendance than many basketball games this year, I’d say many of my peers share my optimism.
Wade is well-known for his great work ethic and high-energy coaching techniques. His teams apply heavy defensive pressure and are known to “get in the face” of the opponent.
The energy his teams play with has often translated to wins, and Wade’s teams are no stranger to the postseason. He previously led VCU to a back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2016 and 2017, a feat that LSU basketball hasn’t been able to accomplish since 2006.
Recruiting is yet another encouraging aspect that Wade brings to the LSU table. In fact, Wade has recruited prospects from Louisiana before, most notably VCU point guard Malik Crowfield.
Wade will have to continue to garner commitments from the bevy of in-state basketball players in order to put LSU basketball back on the map.
Although it’s still too early to tell, I think Wade’s youthful energy, coaching savvy and recruiting skills will positively affect not only LSU’s basketball program, but also a student body that had painfully watched a fair share of terrible basketball.