Versatility present on LSU basketball roster

Speaking at his press conference earlier this week, LSU coach Will Wade mentioned in passing all but three of the scholarship players on the roster.

The Tigers have five returnees – Tremont Waters, Skylar Mays, Daryl Edwards, Wayde Sims and Kavell Bigby-Williams, who sat out last season after transferring from Oregon.

Then, Wade has five newcomers who are expected to contribute this season – Ja’vonte Smart, Marlon Taylor, Darius Days, Emmitt Williams and Naz Reid.

Here is one characteristic of this group of players – versatility.

Waters is a point guard, Taylor is a small forward and Bigby-Williams is a center. Those other seven players can play multiple positions. As a result, Wade will be able to use a variety of lineups in the upcoming season.

“That’s what we want – guys who can play multiple spots,” Wade said. “We will play three point guards at times (Waters, Mays and Smart). If you have three guys who can handle the ball on the court, you are not going to turn the ball over too much.”

During September workouts, Waters and Smart were matched up against each other at the point guard position. Last season, Waters and Mays ended up being in the starting lineup. Now, there is a third combo guard in the mix with Smart.

“We are trying to mesh the guys together,” said Wade, referring to his three former high school point guards. “Tre and Ja’vonte have been going against each other. Iron sharpens iron. Some days, Tre’s team wins and some days, Ja’vonte’s team wins. I love Ja’vonte’s toughness. He brings an edge to us.”

Wade acknowledged that he enjoys having Mays on the floor. He brings to the team numerous qualities which can result in a victory.

“Skylar has improved as anybody on our team,” Wade said. “His shooting is much better. I have an unbelievably high level of trust in him. Skylar is always in good position defensively. He has good instincts.”

Waters was the best player on the Tigers’ team a season ago. Wade has stressed to Waters that he expects more from him in the upcoming campaign.

“Tre has an understanding of what we want to do,” Wade said. “He played at a high level last year. Tre is at so much of a higher level now than last season. He has improved a lot defensively. Now, Tre must bring those other guys with him. Eventually, he is going to need those guys. He can’t do it by himself.”

Wade identified three players who have made drastic improvements since the start of the summer – Sims, Bigby-Williams and Reid.

“Wayde has improved tremendously his body and his shot,” Wade said. “Kavell has really hit the weight room. Naz will be a first-round NBA pick. He has lost 20 pounds and is down under 250 pounds. He is getting into the best shape of his life. Naz has a great basketball IQ. He is a Tremont at power forward.”

Wade admitted that there has been a huge talent upgrade on the roster. However, he needs the Tigers to be far better on the defensive end of the floor.

“We have a lot to do with our defense,” Wade said. “We must find guys who will guard. Last year, it was a like a conga line to the rim when they got past (perimeter players). We have to have somebody be an intimidator in there this year.”

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