LSU coach Johnny Jones hasn’t put together his starting five quite yet — the point guard position is still in contention.
Freshman Skylar Mays and junior Jalyn Patterson are competing for the role this preseason and have both shown signs of improvement, Jones said. The fifth-year head coach noted he hasn’t put much thought into who will be the front-running starter.
And when both men are playing, their positions on the floor may vary, the coach said.
“Right now, it’s just the play of those guys and how they’re able to execute with whichever group that they’re with,” Jones said. “They’ve both done a great job at whichever position they’ve been put in.”
Mays, a Baton Rouge native from University High who transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, averaged 10.9 points per game his senior season, 5.3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2.7 steals.
He knows the game will have a new look at the NCAA’s Division I level.
“The pace is much different — everybody can play,” Mays said. “In high school, you can get a lot of wins with two studs, but in college, you need everybody. It’s exciting to learn and keep growing.”
As a freshman, Mays has treated the competition with Patterson as a learning process.
“I don’t look at it as a guaranteed spot,” Mays said. “Jalyn’s a really good defender and a really smart player. He can stretch the floor, and he’s really vocal. I’m trying to take tidbits from him every day.”
For Patterson, the point guard position might come as unfamiliar territory. He spent much of last season on the wing beside former LSU ball handlers Tim Quarterman and Ben Simmons.
Patterson averaged 4.7 points per game and 1.6 assists through 28 games last season.
“The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is talking more and guiding the right plays,” Patterson said. “We both compete, try to get better and try to win. When we’re both on the floor, we look to get our teammates involved.”
While Patterson adjusts to the new role, Mays says his own game needs work, including improvements to his jumper.
“I’ve definitely worked on my jump shot,” Mays said. “For the most part, becoming a two-way player. I’m also learning the system and playing at a faster pace. We want to play at a fast pace this year.”
Junior Branden Jenkins, currently rehabbing a torn meniscus in his left knee, could also see time at the point guard position when he returns to the team in a few months. Jenkins transferred to LSU from Lee College beside fellow LSU forward Duop Reath.
“I’m going to bring that defense — that push,” Jenkins said. “Skylar’s more of a skill guard, more offensive minded than I am, maybe. Jalyn brings a lot of things — the experience. He’s been here a while, so he knows what Johnny wants.”