2023 LSU Offseason Thread

[Coler]

View attachment 89017

This aint a good look. Just saying

 

[triaddukefan]

Hey man we can take as many cupcakes as we want…

Dont care about the cupcakes, just leave some recruits for other schools.

 

[Carnac]

Defending champion LSU to open season vs. Colorado in Las Vegas​

Defending women's basketball champion LSU will open the 2023-24 season against Colorado in the Hall of Fame series, scheduled for Nov. 6 in Las Vegas. The game will be part of a college basketball quadruple header at T-Mobile Arena that also features Ohio State-USC on the women's side. In the other games, USC's men's team will take on Kansas State, with Georgia set to face Oregon.

MSGRET........I'll see you there. This is a road trip I can't miss. I'll also get to see the number 1 ranked recruit in the 2023 class, Judiea "Juju" Watkins (USC). I've been looking for an excuse to go to Las Vegas.

Defending champion LSU to open season vs. Colorado in Las Vegas

Defending champion LSU will open the 2023-24 season against Colorado on Nov. 6 in Las Vegas as part of a college basketball quadruple-header.

www.espn.com

 

[Carnac]

How many can we take?

Where there's a will, there's a way!!! Kim may have to get out the "paring knife" to make room if she has to, but she WILL find a way.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Defending champion LSU to open season vs. Colorado in Las Vegas​

Defending women's basketball champion LSU will open the 2023-24 season against Colorado in the Hall of Fame series, scheduled for Nov. 6 in Las Vegas. The game will be part of a college basketball quadruple header at T-Mobile Arena that also features Ohio State-USC on the women's side. In the other games, USC's men's team will take on Kansas State, with Georgia set to face Oregon.

MSGRET........I'll see you there. This is a road trip I can't miss. I'll also get to see the number 1 ranked recruit in the 2023 class, Judiea "Juju" Watkins (USC). I've been looking for an excuse to go to Las Vegas.

Defending champion LSU to open season vs. Colorado in Las Vegas

Defending champion LSU will open the 2023-24 season against Colorado on Nov. 6 in Las Vegas as part of a college basketball quadruple-header.

www.espn.com

That will be a tough opener for LSU despite all their new talent additions. Colorado was a sweet sixteen team last year who returns the entire foundation of that same team. LSU may have talent but chemistry is my biggest fear early on about next years team. But I imagine Kim will have them ready and playing hard.

My guess is the starting lineup will be
G- Hailey Van Lith
G- Flaujae
G- M. Williams
P- Morrow
P- Reese

Sa'Myah Smith and Kateri Poole first off the bench.


But the OOC schedule will be light years better at least which I'm excited for. More opportunities for resume building wins and get a quicker glance of what your team needs to improve on

 

[SECbbfan24]

 

[Britt87]

Quite possibly the most interesting and entertaining team in the history of WBB.

 

[Bone Dog]

I just rewatched the final four game against VPI, and I have to say that may have been their best game of the year. Tougher D, and gritty offensive production. Angel and Alexis had excellent games on both ends. Very impressive.

 

[bballnut90]

Quite possibly the most interesting and entertaining team in the history of WBB.

One of the most intriguing for sure. Huge potential to be a championship team and also huge potential to flame out IMO. If anyone can manage the big personalities though it’s Kim.

 

[Darwin]

Kim is probably tied with Geno at this stage in the rankings for best “currently coaching“ coaches list. She is the total package, A+ in recruiting, training and game management. She does it differently to be sure, but just as effective in today’s game.

I purposely said training instead of development, because I know how well she trains players to her system and style. I never think about development for the next level, and so I have no knowledge about that stuff, but from my college only perspective, she is at the top with Geno today.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Kim is probably tied with Geno at this stage in the rankings for best “currently coaching“ coaches list. She is the total package, A+ in recruiting, training and game management. She does it differently to be sure, but just as effective in today’s game.

I purposely said training instead of development, because I know how well she trains players to her system and style. I never think about development for the next level, and so I have no knowledge about that stuff, but from my college only perspective, she is at the top with Geno today.

Tied with GENO? Ma’am, that man has 11 national championships. She is an alone at 2 though.

 

[bballnut90]

Kim is probably tied with Geno at this stage in the rankings for best “currently coaching“ coaches list. She is the total package, A+ in recruiting, training and game management. She does it differently to be sure, but just as effective in today’s game.

I purposely said training instead of development, because I know how well she trains players to her system and style. I never think about development for the next level, and so I have no knowledge about that stuff, but from my college only perspective, she is at the top with Geno today.

Dawn is there too. She's won 2 titles and played in 4 Final Fours in the last 6 NCAA tournaments (and was #1 entering the 2020 tournament). It wont be popular here, but at this point I'd put Dawn/Kim ahead of Geno when looking at coach ranking in today's day and age (not all time where Geno is clearly ahead of both). They've thrived utilizing the portal to their benefit, consistently have built really strong rosters and both have won multiple championships in the last 7 years. Both have unique challenges this upcoming year, with Dawn moving past the "freshies" era and Kim navigating a super team.

Geno is the best of the 3 at developing kids for the WNBA. The motion offense is heavily utilized in the pros and is a big reason why UCONN players who weren't stars in college or projected to be strong pros have been able to stick in the WNBA (ex. ONO, Juhasz, Dangerfield, Stokes etc). Aside from a few examples, most high draft picks have lived up to their billing too.

 

[bballnut90]

Tied with GENO? Ma’am, that man has 11 national championships. She is an alone at 2 though.

Current isn't the same as all time. In the era of the transfer portal and NIL, I'd argue no one has done a better job of adjusting to both than Kim has and her results speak for themselves.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Current isn't the same as all time. In the era of the transfer portal and NIL, I'd argue no one has done a better job of adjusting to both than Kim has and her results speak for themselves.

I mean if your definition of best current coach is coach of reigning national championship coach, fine. That would put Geno as a top 16 coach but not top 8 current coach, but fine.

If you mean best coach of the last 5 years, also fine. Kim would probably be tied with with Dawn then with Tara as 3. Maybe Geno makes top 5 in that one but maybe not.

Now if you meant best coach currently coaching, I don’t see how in Geno would be in anyway tied with Kim. More national championships, more current and former players in the WNBA, more #1 recruits, more final fours, one paper a better roster AND players with comparative NIL deals.

There’s just no logical argument that has Geno and Kim tied for anything.

 

[SECbbfan24]

I knew the LSU WBB thread couldn't stay clean of drama

 

[Big12wbbFan]

Kim is probably tied with Geno at this stage in the rankings for best “currently coaching“ coaches list. She is the total package, A+ in recruiting, training and game management. She does it differently to be sure, but just as effective in today’s game.

I purposely said training instead of development, because I know how well she trains players to her system and style. I never think about development for the next level, and so I have no knowledge about that stuff, but from my college only perspective, she is at the top with Geno today.

Kim is a great coach but no way she is close to being tied with Geno. Geno is unquestionably # 1 by a lot.

 

[bballnut90]

I mean if your definition of best current coach is coach of reigning national championship coach, fine. That would put Geno as a top 16 coach but not top 8 current coach, but fine.

If you mean best coach of the last 5 years, also fine. Kim would probably be tied with with Dawn then with Tara as 3. Maybe Geno makes top 5 in that one but maybe not.

Now if you meant best coach currently coaching, I don’t see how in Geno would be in anyway tied with Kim. More national championships, more current and former players in the WNBA, more #1 recruits, more final fours, one paper a better roster AND players with comparative NIL deals.

There’s just no logical argument that has Geno and Kim tied for anything.

Geno clearly has the best legacy of the 3 but when looking at performance and results in the modern era, there's an argument that Kim/Dawn are performing better than Geno. The game changes and evolves over time, and we've seen quite a bit of change the past decade particularly with NIL and transfers. Geno is obviously doing better than Popovich is right now, but it's like how Greg Popovich wouldn't be considered the best NBA coach right now, but he ranks higher than any active coach on the all time list.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Kim is a great coach but no way she is close to being tied with Geno. Geno is unquestionably # 1 by a lot.

It’s Geno/Pat then big gap

But Kim/Dawn are having a heck of a run right now. Tara has Stanford consistently excellent. No need for anyone to be putting any coach down

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Geno clearly has the best legacy of the 3 but when looking at performance and results in the modern era, there's an argument that Kim/Dawn are performing better than Geno. The game changes and evolves over time, and we've seen quite a bit of change the past decade particularly with NIL and transfers. Geno is obviously doing better than Popovich is right now, but it's like how Greg Popovich wouldn't be considered the best NBA coach right now, but he ranks higher than any active coach on the all time list.

That’s quite literally what I said above. But if that’s the argument, Kim would be tied with Dawn for one. Tara would be third and maybe you put Jeff or Vic above him at 4/5 if we are being real.

But Geno/Kim aren’t equals either way you cut it, imo. Either Kim is significantly higher or Geno is. Now this is an LSU off season thread and Im not sure how I ended up here so I won’t over take it.

 

[bballnut90]

That’s quite literally what I said above. But if that’s the argument, Kim would be tied with Dawn for one. Tara would be third and maybe you put Jeff or Vic above him at 4/5 if we are being real.

But Geno/Kim aren’t equals either way you cut it, imo. Either Kim is significantly higher or Geno is. Now this is an LSU off season thread and Im not sure how I ended up here so I won’t over take it.

I disagree—I don’t see a huge gap or as black and white as you do. Both are great and among the best in the country. If you told me to pick a coach to recruit, build a roster, manage Xs and Os, and win a championship next year, those 2 and Dawn would be my top 3 picks. I think each has a compelling case for why they should be the top pick, and I wouldn’t be surprised by any of the 3 pulling through with the win.

If you don’t see it that way and see Geno as a clear cut superior coach, that’s fine, and we can agree to disagree.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I disagree—I don’t see a huge gap or as black and white as you do. Both are great and among the best in the country. If you told me to pick a coach to recruit, build a roster, manage Xs and Os, and win a championship next year, those 2 and Dawn would be my top 3 picks. I think each has a compelling case for why they should be the top pick, and I wouldn’t be surprised by any of the 3 pulling through with the win.

If you don’t see it that way and see Geno as a clear cut superior coach, that’s fine, and we can agree to disagree.

It just seems arbitrary to include Geno to be in your top 3 compared to coaches like Tara, Jeff Walz, Vic Schaffer, Kevin McGuff, or Jan Jensen who have all been more successful in the NIL era (two years). If were throwing out the history book, I would choose Neile Ivy if I were choosing a modern day coach to build a team and coach them up but that’s just me.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Speaking of all these health issues of these coaches lately. Mulkey is very lucky

Going in for carpal tunnel, coming out with 2 stents... Seeing this happen a lot more to people I know since getting older. Lots of folks with major or complete blockages running around asymptomatic until its not...

 

[Alydar]

Geno clearly has the best legacy of the 3 but when looking at performance and results in the modern era, there's an argument that Kim/Dawn are performing better than Geno. The game changes and evolves over time, and we've seen quite a bit of change the past decade particularly with NIL and transfers. Geno is obviously doing better than Popovich is right now, but it's like how Greg Popovich wouldn't be considered the best NBA coach right now, but he ranks higher than any active coach on the all time list.

How has Kim done in the last few years against Geno and Dawn? When did she last beat UConn?

 

[Darwin]

Speaking of all these health issues of these coaches lately. Mulkey is very lucky

Going in for carpal tunnel, coming out with 2 stents... Seeing this happen a lot more to people I know since getting older. Lots of folks with major or complete blockages running around asymptomatic until its not...

yep, cannot comment here…..have to be discreet

 

[sivad40]

How has Kim done in the last few years against Geno and Dawn? When did she last beat UConn?

Kim is 3-5 against Geno and 2-3 against Dawn. The last time Kim beat UConn was the season that the NCAA tournament was canceled because of Covid.

 

[visitingcock]

What’s the recruiting scoop on My’Arah O’Neal these days? I know Kim offered in the Spring but haven’t heard anything lately. Mildly surprising when a legacy doesn’t commit early. Haven’t seen her mention any of the big contender programs offering - but she may just have gone quiet after the LSU offer.

Updates?

 

[SECbbfan24]

What’s the recruiting scoop on My’Arah O’Neal these days? I know Kim offered in the Spring but haven’t heard anything lately. Mildly surprising when a legacy doesn’t commit early. Haven’t seen her mention any of the big contender programs offering - but she may just have gone quiet after the LSU offer.

Updates?

She is taking all official visits before announcing though some suspect she is a LSU lean for a bit. She is a nice prospect, little raw offensively but athleticism is through the roof and a great rebounder. 35-50 ranking is appropriate of her skillset. Should do well at the next level if she continues to grow. Her offer list has expanded significantly over the last couple months

LSU is hosting Sarah Strong and Koval in September, Joyce Edwards (who is likely SC bound) is coming at some point in October. Cambridge in early November

I haven’t heard anything about O’Neal or Carlton visit dates or if anything is tentatively scheduled

 

[Britt87]

Is this team ever going to start training together? It does seem strange that a team that will have so many new pieces has yet to start training. Wtf is Kim doing over there?

 

[SECbbfan24]

Is this team ever going to start training together? It does seem strange that a team that will have so many new pieces has yet to start training. Wtf is Kim doing over there?

I feel many are overthinking this and feel like no videos/pictures means the team isn't training. But this is what I know:

Mulkey was not with the team this summer as she had heart surgery and recovered to finish recruiting in late July/early August. The assistant coaches, strength and conditioning coach managed the rest but Mulkey never usually works with the team much anyways during the summer (she didn't last summer).

-Freshmen moved in late June and started training until this past week with the rest of the team.

Hailey Van Lith has been doing 3 on 3 all summer but moved in early August after her last 3 on 3 stuff. At least she has consistently been participating in basketball and training. Pretty sure with the exception of Reese, the rest of the team has been working with each other all summer doing strength conditioning, scrimmages and individual workouts since early July. Morrow showed up little bit later than the freshmen due to family problem but participated in individual workouts with trainers all summer in Chicago and got multiple weeks working with the team. The team is on a small break now before official team meeting next week but Morrow/Williams went to the Nike camp in Oregon together days ago.

As far as Reese goes... Not a good look though for Reese to not even participate with the team the entire summer outside of 2 practices (the last week before the break before fall starts). No way has been stayed up on basketball/conditioning doing this much traveling. In the end she only hurts herself, so when she doesn't stay on a WNBA roster, she can look back at all the time she used to run around and party versus working on your game. And if you look at Flaujae, there is a kid who exemplifies you can do your hobbies off the court while still engaging in every team practice and workouts. Its not that difficult, Reese clearly has other priorities though...

 

[cancontent]

Is this team ever going to start training together? It does seem strange that a team that will have so many new pieces has yet to start training. Wtf is Kim doing over there?

What gives you the impression that the team hasn't been training?