2006 LSU Tigers Basketball Preview

2006 LSU Tigers Basketball Predictions

LSU (27- 9 overall and 14- 2 SEC) finished first in their conference and made the Final Four where they lost to UCLA 59- 45. The Tigers are back for another run at the championship. A slew of talented and skilled sophomores and juniors fill their roster.

Last season, point guard suffered from inconsistency due to the absence of Tack Minor (10.8 PPG, 4.6 APG in 2004), who was sidelined with injuries and academic problems. Tack is back and hopefully he’ll stabilize that position. Garret Temple (5.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 33.5 FG%, 67.6 FT%), a sophomore, is the clubs’ best backcourt defender. Transfer swingman Dameon Mason (Marquette) can slash with athletic verve and transfer guard Terry Martin Jr. (Texas Tech) can play either guard spot.

Frontcourt—Glen Davis (18.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 49.5 FG%, 67.6 FT%). Need we say anything more? The junior, who elected to forego the NBA draft, led the SEC in scoring last season. He’s dropped quite a bit of weight from his 6’ 9” frame, giving him more speed and lessening the wear and tear on his body. Tyrus Thomas and his great play did leave early for the pros; LSU will look to Darnell Lazare (6.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 48.9 FG%, 67.9 FT%), who was impressive in the post-season, and Tasmin Mitchell (11.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 44.4 FG%, 74.1 FT%), who looks ready to breakout, to fill the void. Magnum Rolle (2.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.2 APG, 46.2 FG%, 45.8 FT%), a good shot blocker, could start as the third man upfront.

Coach John Brady (167- 111 in 9 years at LSU) has put together a team that can beat the best of them. His team must keep turnovers down and shoot with more accuracy from the perimeter.

LSU has depth, talent and Davis—who could ask for anything more? But do they have enough to get to the finals? It’s a long tricky season and the same can be said about the tournament. And this elite team possesses the important elements that can lead to the ultimate prize.

If you want more info on the 2006 LSU Tigers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Alabama Crimson Tide and Mississippi State Bulldogs.