There's always next year for the Tigers

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By Jonathan Bellah

Following Saturday's loss to Mississippi State, the LSU men's basketball team has dropped 10 of their last 11 games and boasts a dismal 0-7 record in conference play. Their problems are a result of poor offense that all too often looks completely out of sync. The Tigers have Tennessee and Kentucky on their schedule this week, so things don't appear to be looking up any time soon.

Tiger fans are already shifting their attention to next year, when the Tigers have an impressive class of incoming freshman expected to take the court. LSU is bringing in a lot of size that will continue to help their defense, but don't let their size fool you these guys score. Ralston Turner and Matt Derenbecker are great scorers with a lot of range on their shots. Jalen Courtney is good in the post and can get down the court in transition. Andre Stringer has a great three shot from the point guard position.

With only two seniors on their roster this season, Tasmin Mitchell and Alex Farrer, fans can consider this a rebuilding year.

Kentucky fell from the top spot this week after a stunning loss to South Carolina. The Wildcats rebounded by taking down Vanderbilt, who entered the game undefeated in the SEC. John Wall broke his own record for most assists in a game by a freshman. Wall is widely expected to enter the NBA Draft after this season and many believe he will have an immediate impact.

Despite their loss to Kentucky, Vanderbilt has continued to look like the best of the "other teams." They beat Tennessee last Wednesday, much on the shoulders of Jermaine Beal who posted 25 points. Beal followed that with a 19 point showing against Kentucky.

Vandy will host Mississippi State tonight for control of second place in the SEC. Ravern Johnson and Jarvis Varnado have been huge for the Bulldogs, leading them to a 16-5 record overall and a 4-2 record in conference place. The Bulldogs will need to slow down Vanderbilt's powerful offense if they hope to win.

There are now six teams in the SEC that have at least 15 wins to this point in the season, with all of which putting together nice resumes to get them a spot in the big dance come March.

It's still early in the season, but Kentucky continues to look like they're in a class of their own. They slipped up against South Carolina, but men's college basketball hasn't seen an undefeated team since 1976. If Kentucky can stay focused for the rest of this season they are a serious contender for the National Championship.

Originally Published: Issue 863 - February 3, 2010

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