LSU coach Will Wade addressed the Yahoo! Sports report that was released Sunday night and reiterated that he nor a member of his staff has been contacted in the inquiries mentioned in the report.
Wade said he was contacted 90 minutes before the story was published, but didn’t comment on the exchange.
“We’re very proud to represent LSU and will continue to work very hard to bring a top-tier basketball program to our school,” Wade said.
Wade said thick skin is needed to hold a head coaching position at a D1 program like LSU.
“You’re disappointed, but that’s the way of the world these days,” Wade said. “You have to focus on your program and I try to focus my attention on things that need it.”
LSU athletics released a statement Monday saying that there is no active investigation involving the men’s basketball team.
Three seniors will play in final home game Saturday
The Tigers final home game of the 2018 season is Saturday which means the LSU basketball family will be saying goodbye to seniors Duop Reath, Aaron Epps and Randy Onwuasor.
Wade spoke very highly of his three seniors in anticipation of Saturday’s final home game. Wade said he was proud of Onwuasor to stick it out the whole season even if minutes were varied throughout the season.
“The fifth year thing can go bad if you don’t play as many minutes as you were expecting,” Wade said. “He has been an unbelievable teammate and has continued to work hard all throughout the season. Just really proud of him that he stuck with it.”
Wade said there was a time where Epps had pondered over the summer if he was going to return for his senior season.  After the win at Arkansas earlier this season, Epps looked at Wade and told him it was all worth it.
“Duop and Epps are two of our hardest workers,” Wade said. “To see him jump all in and believe in what we’re doing and see it pay off is tremendous. That makes you feel good as a coach when you impact your players.”
Wade said Reath was one of the leaders on the team for a reason and that it’s the effort and drive to be great that makes him a special talent.
“He’s somebody that brings it everyday,” Wade said. “He wants to be so good and is a phenomenal person off the court. Very caring person and I’m proud to coach him.”
Wade mentioned that walk-on Reid Vial will also be a part of the senior ceremonies and will return to the team next season as a graduate assistant.
Epps and Reath are both looking forward to Saturday night and will have family members in attendance for the final night at the PMAC.
Epps said that 15-20 family members will be at the game against Mississippi State and is itching to play in front of the fans one last time.
“I’m going to play my hardest,” Epps said. “I’m ready to leave it all out there. I feel like everything that’s happened while I’ve been here has helped our program.”
Reath is taking things simply and expects his brother and former junior college coach to be at the game.
“It’s been a blessing,” Reath said. “I knew it was going to come to an end. It’s been fun here and have been grateful for the opportunity.”