The rapid emergence of senior forward Duop Reath’s post game has been the Tigers’ brightest spot on offense this season.
The 6-foot-11 senior from Perth, Australia, has dominated defenders down low all season with an array of post moves. Reath has come a long way since last year, raising nearly all of his offensive statistics.
“[LSU coach Will Wade] has been preaching for me to stay simple in the post,” Reath said. “When you catch the ball, just make a quick move and just try and be efficient with quick moves.”
Reath has elevated his game tremendously this season, averaging 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The senior has been able to not only dominate the paint but has also raised his three point percentage drastically.
Reath has connected on 47 percent of his shots from deep, an improvement from last year by over 15 percent.
The development of a three ball has kept Reath’s opponents honest from deep, allowing him to use his big, 244-pound frame to dominate down low.
“I’ve been making shots lately, they’ve been falling,” Reath said. “Previously, I was shooting them and they weren’t really falling, but they are falling right now.”
Reath has been spectacular in his last three games, averaging 23 points per game and logging a career high 31 points against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The recent success by Reath has been huge for the Tigers and Reath said finishing with confidence has been the biggest aspect of his game that’s improved.
“Finishing through contact and finishing through length,” Reath said. “Just being confident with my shot.”
Reath has been able to take advantage of his last three opponents down low, leading the Tigers in scoring in three out of the last four games.
Despite LSU’s up and down season as a team, Reath has been consistent throughout Southeastern Conference play. Reath is averaging 17 points per game in SEC play and has scored in double figures in all but one game.
The Tigers currently sit with a record of 12-8, 3-5 SEC and are tied for second to last in the conference.
The team has continued to struggle this season, but Reath believes Wade is the perfect coach for them.
“Coach knows what he’s doing, what he is telling us is the truth,” Reath said. “Even the way he says it, you just gotta listen to the meaning of it. I feel like he’s giving us the right message every time.”
This season has seen LSU struggle recently after putting together impressive games in a loss against then-ranked No. 17 Kentucky and an upset win against then-ranked No. 11 Texas A&M.
Reath has been, by far, LSU’s most consistent player and he has used his second season in Baton Rouge to drastically improve every aspect of his game.
With 10 games remaining on the schedule, the Tigers need to make a statement and consistently put together wins. If anyone can help LSU climb up the SEC rankings, it will be Reath, who needs to continue to dominate with his crafty footwork and improved outside shot.

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Dianna Roxas

LSU senior forward Duop Reath (1) waits for the play to start during the Tigers’ 77-63 win against Texas A&M on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in the PMAC.