LSU

Rise and Fall: SEC Program Review

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:58:57 -0700

Like civilizations, all great basketball programs eventually fall.. replaced by an upstart newcomer. In this week's Rise & Fall series, we'll take a look at which BCS programs are rising, falling, or merely treading water. Up today, the:

SEC

ALABAMA - DECLINING (SLOWLY )

Since 2002, when Bama was a Top 10 team, the results have steadily been going in the wrong direction. Last season was the low of the low, a 5-11 SEC record and a sub-100 RPI. Despite the graduation of Riley and the departure of Hendrix to the NBA, everyone expects improved play in 08-09 due to the return of Ronald Steele, and some intriguing prospects such as future pro Jamychal Green. Still, I see this as a make or break year for Gottfried and the Tide. Another sub-.500 season in SEC play and the big recruiting hauls will be harder to come by.. and Gottfried won't have a job.

ARKANSAS - STATUS QUO

A year or two ago, I would have said that the Razorbacks were an improving program. But now that the extremely lean 03-04-05 teams are in the past, the program has settled into being a middle of the SEC squad. Too many seniors depart to list them all, so what you're left with is Patrick Beverley and a whole bunch of recruits. While only 5 or 6 SEC wins should be expected, a return to the NCAA Tournament should be expected in the following season. Anything less and the 'Backs will return to the declining bin.

AUBURN - STATUS QUO

While Tiger fans have hoped for a breakout in recent seasons, it's simply not happening. Last year's experienced roster struggled to a disappointing 4-12 league record.. and their overall 14 win total was boosted by some brutally easy non-conference games. Though some solid recruits join the program in '08 and Andre Malone could be a steal in '09, there's simply no reason to expect anything spectacular this season. Another sub-100 RPI ranking (the 6th in a row) should be a lock.

FLORIDA - STATUS QUO

Even though last year's group exceeded the expectations of many, the so-so results broke a streak of eight Top 25 teams in a row from 2000 to 2007 (and 9 Tourney bids in a row as well). Led by Nick Calathes, a return to the Big Dance is a lock, and the Top 25 is certainly within reach. This year's class is easily the cream of the SEC's crop, and Billy Donovan is already lining them up for 2009. So long as Billy maintains the recruiting magic, there's no reason not to expect another long streak of Top 25 teams to commence.

GEORGIA - DECLINING (SLOWLY)

Last year's freak Tourney bid aside, this is still a program lacking any semblance of direction. Sundiata Gaines graduates, Billy Humphrey was finally dismissed after managing to clog up the court system by himself, and Jeremy Jacob (one of last year's big recruits) transferred. While the recruiting class, led by the highly-athletic Howard Thompkins, provides hope, there's not enough returning talent to even think that an NIT bid is in reason. Compared to the all-time bad 2005 season, anything is an improvement, but this might be the Dogs worst season since then.

KENTUCKY - RISING (SLOWLY)

Going purely by results, Kentucky is in the midst of a downward spiral since peaking in '03 & '04. But it would be misleading to suggest the program is declining. In reality, and this is mainly due to the respect I give Billy Gillispie, the program is now back on the up and up. While last year's tourney bid was simply not deserved, it's still an impressive feather for Gillispie's cap. With the program fully in his hands, big time recruits like Liggins and Miller aboard, and Patrick Patterson returning to full health, the Top 25 should be attainable.

LOUISIANA STATE - DECLINING (SLOWLY)

Considering the Tigers RPI has dropped from 13th in 2006 to 174th last year, the program might appear to be in a freefall. But I see this dip more as a result of some bad luck (players leaving school too early or getting hurt), as opposed to the utter collapse of LSU basketball. Getting a healthy Tasmin Mitchell back will be a major help, as will the handful of underrated recruits joining the program. An NIT bid is certainly within reason, which would be a major improvement over last year, but still worthy of the "Declining Slowly" category considering the Final Four run in 2006.

MISSISSIPPI - RISING (SLOWLY)

After starting the season 13-0, last year's putrid finish was a major downer. But its not enough to complete quash the positive momentum that's been building in recent seasons. Don't forget that this was a simply horrendous program from 03 to 06. With players like Chris Warren aboard, and one of their best recruiting classes ever about to step onto campus, the Rebels best seasons in almost a decade are just around the corner.

MISSISSIPPI STATE - STATUS QUO

In ten years under Rick Stansbury, the Bulldogs have never advanced past the 2nd Round. With so many important players departing, due to graduation (Rhodes), poor NBA decisions (Gordon), or transfer (Hansbrough), that streak will definitely continue. But hope springs eternal due to to the recruitment of Osby and Bost. While this could be one of the worst Bulldog teams in awhile, the program should continue to flutter in the fringe-NCAA/NIT range for awhile.

SOUTH CAROLINA - STATUS QUO

Darrin Horn did a great job at WKU, but he's got his hands full with a sputtering Gamecocks program. Perhaps its the curse of Coppin State, but South Carolina hasn't had a legitimately good team since 1997 when they lost in the opening round as a 2 seed. If Dave Odom was still around, SC would definitely be in the "Declining" category, but I'll give Darrin Horn the benefit of the doubt and assume he'll stop the bleeding.

TENNESSEE - RISING (SLOWLY)

The only reason Tennessee isn't rising quickly is because of the huge strides that have already been made. While a deep talent base and big-time recruiting prestige (see Scotty Hopson as an example) are now solidified, the next major step is busting through the Sweet Sixteen barrier. Despite a couple of senior departures, this could be Bruce Pearl's first Final Four team.

VANDERBILT - RISING (SLOWLY)

The Shan Foster era, which culminated in back to back 10-SEC win seasons, is over.. but the future is as bright as ever in Nashville. The impressive Aussie Ogilvy returns, and he'll be joined by what is probably Kevin Stallings' best ever recruiting class. For whatever reason, big-time prospects are taking Vandy more seriously now, which will lead to impressive results in the near future.

- Up Next: Rise & Fall: BCS -

Additional Resources:

Rise & Fall: ACC

Rise & Fall: Big East

Rise & Fall: Big Ten

Anthony Randolph: NBA Draft Profile

Jeff Fox — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:46:55 -0700

Anthony Randolph

College: LSU

Class: Freshman

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 205lbs

Accolades: Honorable Mention All-Freshman Team – CHN (08), All-SEC Honorable Mention – AP (08), SEC All-Freshman Team (08), Fourth Team Parade All-American – high school (07).

Scouting Report: A long, lean highly skilled forward

Strengths: Wingspan – uses long limbs to his benefit on offense and defense. Great at blocking and altering shots. Very quick/athletic for his height. Competitive spirit. Quick face up post moves. Good leaping ability. Good shooting touch for a player his size. Fast feet on defense. Good ballhandler for an almost 7-footer. Capable of playing out on the wing or in the post. Lots of potential. Good rebounder – had nine double-digit rebounding games his freshman year. Good at slashing and getting to the hoop. Gets to the free throw line a decent amount of times.

Weaknesses: Very thin – will get abused in the post in the NBA. Very inexperienced. Turnover prone – averaged three turnovers a game. Can he guard NBA post players? Will need to improve his three-point touch if he is to play the wing in the NBA. Played mostly power forward in college.

Projected 2008 Draft Range: Top 10 to Lottery Pick

Consensus: Anthony Randolph is the ultimate “potential” pick – he’s not ready for the NBA yet, but his package of skills and length make him real attractive to potential suitors. He could end up being a star, but on the flip side, his game and body needs enough work that he also could turn out to be a bust.

CHN's Six-Star Ranking System

= Superstar/All-NBA Potential

= Potential NBA All-Star

= Consistent NBA Starter

= 6th Man/Fringe Starter

= Career Reserve

= Fringe NBA Player/12th Man

0 stars = Life in the Minor Leagues

More 2008 NBA Draft Profiles

Current NBA Mock Draft Position

Complete NBA Draft coverage

Coaching News: Brady in at Arkansas State & More

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:31:22 -0700

Multiple sources are reporting that Arkansas State has hired former LSU coach John Brady. Brady replaces Dickey Nutt, who resigned after 13 years leading the Indians. Brady was fired by LSU in the middle of the season, with the Tigers struggling to an 8-13 start. Known more for his recruiting prowess than in-game coaching skills, Brady did lead LSU to the Final Four just two years ago. There was some recent rumblings that Nolan Richardson, the long time Arkansas coach, would get the job.. but talks fell through. Out west, Idaho has fired George Pfeifer after two seasons and a 12-48 record. Those numbers might seem horrible, but the Vandals went 10-46 in the two prior seasons as well. This is not a job that many will be clamoring to fill.. Lastly, the Macon Telegraph reported today that former Missouri State head coach Barry Hinson was seen at Mercer, perhaps in-line for the vacant job.

SEC: All-January

Jeff Fox — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:53:40 -0800

The SEC Freshman of the Year race looks like it will be a three player battle. Two of the three (A.J. Ogilvy didn’t make the cut) make a return appearance on the monthly All-SEC list.

Guard – Devan Downey – South Carolina – SO
19.4ppg, 5.3apg, 3.3spg
Best game – Jan 2nd – Radford – 23 points, seven steals, five assists, three rebounds

The little man certainly has a nose for the ball – he averaged four steals a game for January. Add to that his 22 points and five assists a game and you have one of the best Januarys by a player in the SEC.

Guard – Marcus Thornton – LSU – JR
19.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.4spg
Best game – Jan 30th – Auburn – 38 points, seven boards, 8-15 3pts

Unfortunately Marcus Thornton’s play wasn’t good enough to save Coach John Brady his job, but it was good enough for the All-January SEC list. Thornton finished the month off with five-straight games with 20 or more points.

Guard/Forward – Nick Calathes – Florida – FR
15.4ppg, 6.2apg, 5.0rpg
Best game – Jan 19th – Kentucky – 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists

The rookie Calathes seems to be getting better as the season goes on. In January he averaged 18 points, five boards, seven assists and only two turnovers per game. He has to be considered the front runner for SEC Freshman of the Year.

Forward – Patrick Patterson – Kentucky – FR
16.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4bpg
Best game – Jan 12th – Vanderbilt – 23 points, 12 boards, two blocks

Another impressive freshman is the Wildcats’ Patterson. He put up 16 points, eight boards and two blocks per game in January as Kentucky makes a late push for the NCAA tournament.

Forward – Richard Hendrix - Alabama – JR
19.0ppg, 10.3rpg, 2.2bpg
Best game – Jan 8th – Florida – 24 points, 16 boards, four assists, three blocks, two steals

This has been a disastrous season for the Crimson Tide, yet very successful for Richard Hendrix on a personal note. He notched five more double-doubles in January, including the monstrous game versus Florida listed above.

Picture of the Day: John Brady

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:44:16 -0800

Picture of the Day

Thanks to our friends over at Icon Sports Media, we now have access to thousands of great college basketball photos to use on the site. Each day, CHN will feature a Picture of the Day, which might include a newsworthy, funny, or simply interesting subject. At the bottom will be a caption or headline that might be informative or amusing. The possibilities are endless!

John Brady

For a guy that took his team to four NCAA Tournaments, the Sweet Sixteen, and the Final Four just two seasons ago.. John Brady never got much respect. The former LSU coach was always known as a good recruiter, but not an in-game coach. After starting his 11th season with an 8-13 record, he was finally let go this morning. If Tasmin Mitchell hadn't gotten hurt during the third game of the year, maybe things would have been different. At the very least, he'll still have memories like the one above of cutting down the net after beating Texas to go to the Final Four.

- Check out recent Pictures of the Day!

Poll: Was it Smart for LSU to Fire John Brady?

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:32:37 -0800

Early conference action...and Villanova steals one (or has one handed to them)

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:35:48 -0800

In the era of the "superconference", more leagues are tipping off conference games in the month of December. Tonight, the MAAC, NEC, Ohio Valley and Horizon all had at least one conference game on tap. And with this being a blog on the northeast, I'll focus on the MAAC and NEC openers. Niagara 89, Rider 77 Even with the losses of key players such as Clif Brown, Lorenzo Miles and J.R. Duffey, Coach Mihalich's Purple Eagles can still put some points on the board. To be frank, I'm not sure if anyone could have stopped Charron Fisher tonight. The senior forward, who to be honest may be closer to 6-2 than his listed 6-4, dropped 36 on the Broncs up in Niagara Falls. Two other telling stats from this one: Niagara shot 22-24 from the foul line, and of Rider's 30 rebounds the Thompson brothers had 22. Both put up double-doubles (Jason: 25 and 10; Ryan: 12 and 12), and Ryan should be right up there when you talk about some of the more versatile players in the northeast. But if they don't get more help on the glass (no other Bronc had more than two boards), they're going to have a tough time separating themselves in the middle of a practically wide-open MAAC. Mount St. Mary's 73, Long Island 55 Two questions concerning the Blackbirds in this one: how on Earth does Jaytornah Wisseh only take four shots; and do really expect to win a game when you shoot 13-29 from the charity stripe? Kellen Allen went a putrid 3-11, and Ronald Manigault wasn't much better with his 3-8. On all fronts, this was just a horrible shooting night at the Mount for LIU. 35% from the field and 4-18 from distance. With James Williams graduating, struggles on offense aren't a big surprise, but they've got to shoot better than this once NEC play hits full-tilt in January. Sacred Heart 68, CCSU 52 Just when I was ready to mail it in on the Crusaders, they soundly defeat the defending NEC champs up in New Britain. Of course, similar to the outfit at Florida it's unfair to compare CCSU this season to last year, but this is a good win for a team that lost one of its best players for the season in Joey Henley. Drew Shubik and Brice Brooks combined for 39 points in the win, an effort that the two may have to repeat quite often to offset the loss of Henley. Central will have to lean heavily on Tristan Blackwood for offense, but he was 2-10 from the field in this one. The Blue Devils will be able to defend, but where will the offense come from this year? Quinnipiac 90, St. Francis (NY) 79 Lots of scoring, lots of turnovers as well. The two teams combined for forty-three turnovers, but it was SFNY's poor shooting (37% from the field) combined with allowing Quinnipiac to shoot 55% that decided this one. No Terrier who took more than five shots shot the ball well. Jamaal Womack: 6-19, Robert Hines: 4-17 and Ricky Cadell: 4-12. But to focus on their shortcomings in this one would mean ignoring the solid all-around perfomance from Marcus Williams (10 pts, 7 rebounds, 7 assists). The Bobcats got 25 from DeMario Anderson, and three others reached double figures. I don't think it's a stretch to say at this point in the season that Anderson is the NEC's best perimeter scorer. So, what can we learn from these early conference games? To be honest, not sure if you learn too much more than you would with a non-conference game at this stage. Of course, there are some things that you can pinpoint, but with almost a month between the next conference game (some leagues will in fact have each member play two league games this month) the teams you see now may not look the same in a month. Lastly, still trying to make sense of the two Big East/SEC Invitational games in Philly tonight. Which Providence team will show up on a nightly basis is anyone's guess. Yeah, they had a shot to get the game to overtime, but they didn't play well at all against South Carolina. The Friars made a run in the second half thanks to ten minutes without a turnover combined with USC going 6 minutes without a field goal, but why can't they play with that kind of intensity for all forty minutes? It was an issue against BC as well as URI this past week, and if they want to think NCAA in March this has to be rectified. And I don't think it's as simple an answer as getting Sharaud Curry back when he returns. As for Villanova's comeback, they showed a good deal of mental toughness in coming back from 21 down. But let's be honest here: if LSU's guards show any kind of poise late, the SEC leaves Philly with a sweep. Anthony Randolph fouling out certainly didn't help the Tigers, but he and Chris Johnson can't be counted on to break the pressure as well as block shots. And I'm hoping that Antonio Pena sees a little more playing time as the season wears on. That's all I've got for now, good night.

Tasmin Mitchell Likely Out For the Season

Jeff Borzello — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:52:42 -0800

As reported by numerous media outlets Monday, LSU junior forward Tasmin Mitchell is likely out for the season after it was decided he would need to undergo surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left ankle that has kept him out for the majority of this season. “It’s the best decision to go ahead with the surgery and there is a good chance I will probably not be back this season,” Mitchell said. “As of right now, I haven’t really made the decision yet. What I think I’m going to do is redshirt.” Recovery will take at least six-to-eight weeks. Junior Garrett Temple said the loss of Mitchell affects the team more than the numbers indicate. “He’s really the heart of our team in a lot of ways,” Temple told The (Baton Rouge) Advocate. “It changes us a whole lot to not have him out there with us.”

Poll: Who Will Win the Maui Invitational?

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:37:00 -0800

2008 SEC Stats Preview

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:53:47 -0700

Finally on to the last BCS statistical preview, the SEC. Each team writeup includes projected starting lineups, projected stats for each player, and a short comment. (Stats are listed in order of points, rebounds, then assists). Alabama G Brandon Hollinger - 6, 2, 3 G Mykal Riley - 13, 4, 3 F Alonzo Gee - 15, 6, 2 F Demetrius Jemison - 8, 6, 1 C Richard Hendrix - 15, 10, 2 6 Mikhail Torrance - 6, 2, 3 With Steele out of the picture, point guard duties go to Hollinger and Torrance.. then again Justin Tubbs and recruits Rico Pickett and Senario Hillman will fight for those minutes as well. Arkansas G Gary Ervin - 11, 3, 5 G Patrick Beverley - 15, 5, 5 F Sonny Weems - 16, 6, 2 F Charles Thomas - 13, 6, 1 C Steven Hill - 9, 6, 1 6 Darian Townes - 9, 6, 1 I don't see how Weems only averaged 11.8 ppg last year, that needs to improve. Townes would start on a handful of SEC teams. Auburn G Quantez Robertson - 11, 3, 6 G Frank Tolbert - 10, 4, 3 F Quan Prowell - 13, 6, 1 F Josh Dollard - 12, 7, 2 F Korvotney Barber - 14, 8, 1 6 Rasheem Barrett - 10, 3, 3 Auburn has one of the most experienced teams in the conference, but still lacks a true post presence or a dynamic scorer. Barrett might end up being the only 6th man in the SEC who scores in double-digits. Florida G Jai Lucas - 9, 3, 5 G Walter Hodge - 13, 2, 3 F Nick Calathes - 12, 4, 4 F Alex Tyus - 7, 5, 1 C Mareese Speights - 13, 8, 0 6 Dan Werner - 7, 4, 1 I have Tyus in the starting lineup, but that spot could also go to one of sophomore Jonathan Mitchell, or freshmen Adam Allen and Chandler Parsons. Or its also highly possible that Hodge and Calathes start in the backcourt with another forward. Georgia G Sundiata Gaines - 10, 5, 6 G Mike Mercer - 16, 4, 4 F Terrance Woodbury - 10, 4, 1 F Takais Brown - 13, 7, 1 C Rashaad Singleton - 6, 5, 1 6 Billy Humphrey - 7, 3, 2 Without Levi Stukes, Mercer should have a chance to put up even better numbers. Outside of Jamont Gordon, Gaines is one of the SEC's only players who should put up big rebound and assist numbers. Kentucky G Ramel Bradley - 13, 4, 5 G Joe Crawford - 16, 4, 3 G Jodie Meeks - 13, 4, 3 F Perry Stevenson - 7, 6, 1 F Patrick Patterson - 11, 7, 1 6 Derrick Jasper - 8, 4, 4 Kentucky will rely heavily, perhaps too much, on their senior backcourt. Meeks should step up this year on the scoring end, while Patterson could surpass those projections depending on how much time he gets. LSU G Garrett Temple - 8, 4, 4 G Terry Martin - 12, 4, 2 F Tasmin Mitchell - 18, 7, 3 F Chris Johnson - 8, 4, 1 F Anthony Randolph - 13, 7, 1 6 Dameon Mason - 9, 4, 1 Now that Davis is gone, Mitchell becomes the main focal point. Randolph has a good chance to the be the SEC's top freshman. Mississippi State G Ben Hansbrough - 11, 3, 4 G Barry Stewart - 12, 3, 2 G Jamont Gordon - 18, 8, 5 F Jarvis Varnado - 9, 7, 1 F Charles Rhodes - 15, 7, 1 6 Brian Johnson - 6, 6, 1 Outside of Providence's Geoff McDermott, there's no one who can fill up a stat sheet better than Gordon. Besides Johnson, the Bulldogs will also get frontcourt help from talented recruit Kodi Augustus. Ole Miss G Brian Smith - 5, 2, 3 G David Huertas - 9, 3, 2 F Malcolm White - 11, 5, 2 F Kenny Williams - 12, 7, 1 C Dwayne Curtis - 14, 9, 1 6 Jermey Parnell - 7, 5, 1 Not much to like here. Smith is by no means a lock to start at point, and will be battled by freshmen Chris Warren and Trevor Gaskins. White, a Louisiana recruit, should be a solid contributor. South Carolina G Devan Downey - 13, 3, 5 G Zam Fredrick - 14, 3, 3 F Dwayne Day - 7, 3, 1 F Dominique Archie - 12, 6, 1 F Michael Holmes - 5, 4, 1 6 Branis Raley-Ross - 7, 3, 1 South Carolina is hoping for big things from Downey and Fredrick, but they can only do so much. Holmes will fight with fellow freshman Sam Muldrow for a starting spot. Tennessee G Ramar Smith - 12, 3, 4 G Chris Lofton - 20, 3, 3 G JaJuan Smith - 13, 4, 2 F Tyler Smith - 14, 4, 3 F Wayne Chism - 11, 6, 1 6 Duke Crews - 8, 6, 1 This team can beat you in about a dozen different ways. Besides the big six above, you also have Ryan Childress, Jordan Howell, and Josh Tabb.. all guys who played 15+ mpg last year. Vanderbilt G Alex Gordon - 10, 4, 4 G Jermaine Beal - 8, 3, 2 F Shan Foster - 17, 6, 3 F Ross Neltner - 12, 7, 2 C AJ Ogilvy - 9, 4, 1 6 JeJuan Brown - 8, 4, 2 Foster is now the focal point of the offense. Ogilvy is the X-factor, the Australian freshmen could end up finishing second on the team in scoring or being a bust. Top PPG 1) Chris Lofton (20) 2) Tasmin Mitchell (18) 3) Jamont Gordon (18) Top RPG 1) Richard Hendrix (10) 2) Dwayne Curtis (9) Top APG 1) Sundiata Gaines (6) 2) Quantez Robertson (6)