LSU junior guard Brandon Sampson has seen his role change many times this season.
Sampson came into the season as the leading scorer from last season, and many expected him to have a breakout junior year for the Tigers.
Averaging 13 points per game in the first three games, Sampson went down with a sprained ankle against Notre Dame in Maui. A six game absence gave transfer Daryl Edwards time to learn his role within the starting unit, and the Tigers were winning games.
Before the Alabama game, LSU coach Will Wade said the team needed to find a way to get Sampson rolling offensively. 
“He’s been a great teammate,” Wade said. “He just wants to win, and has made some good plays for us. We’re very confident in him and we think his play will turn around soon.”
Sampson scored in double figures in each of the Tigers’ first three games, something he has only done once since. The bench role has taken time to adjust to as Sampson has not connected on a three pointer in conference play and is averaging 5.5 points per game.
“I just need to be aggressive,” Sampson said. “Taking the right shots. I don’t have to score 20 points for us to win, but I do have to be a good defensive player if we want to win.”
Sampson said his ankle injury hasn’t flared up and believes his ankle is back to where it was before the injury.
“I still feel a little bruising,” Sampson said. “It’s gradually getting better, but I barely feel anything. My trainer has been on me about my treatments but I feel really good.”
The focus since coming back from the ankle injury has been the effort on the defensive side of the ball. Sampson has brought a burst of energy off the bench for the Tigers even though the statline has been underwhelming.
“I’m just trying to be that guy to bring a spark to the team,” Sampson said. “Talking on defense, not letting my guy score.”
Freshman guard Tremont Waters calls Sampson “Big Head Sampson,” while also admiring the work Sampson has done on the defensive end of the floor.
“He’s been giving us that spark on defense,” Waters said. “He comes in and takes charges, is always in help position and always talking on defense. For me as a freshman player, he’s doing a great job of helping me to move and talk at the same time.”
Waters said after taking a charge against Arkansas, Sampson ran over to him and gave him some much needed advice on those types of plays.
“He said that’s big time,” Waters said. “I know you’ve been watching me in practice. I just try to learn as much as I can from him.”

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Whitney Williston

LSU junior guard Brandon Sampson (0) dribbles during the Tigers' 60-61 loss to Georgia on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, in the PMAC.