LSU Tigers Forward Johnny O’Bryant III to Return for 2013-14 Season

Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers began the 2012-13 NCAA Basketball season with a six-game win streak. After that, their season took a more sporadic turn by losing 11 of the last 23 games. LSU should have arguably obtained a place in the NIT after a respectable season. The Tigers will get a major boost for next season as sophomore forward Johnny O’Bryant III announced he would remain with LSU for 2013-14.

O’Bryant got 15 double-doubles this season; all but three were against SEC opposition. Tennessee Volunteers’ Forward Jarnell Stokes was the only player in the SEC with more. O’Bryant averaged nearly nine rebounds and 14 points a game in an extremely defensive minded SEC.

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O’Bryant dominated in the SEC. There were games that he put on a one man show (like the Tigers win against Missouri) to lead LSU to victory.  The Tigers would not have beaten many of the teams they did without him. LSU needs to get him some help from range and teach him to have a stronger defensive presence if they want to have him at his full potential. Luckily for the Tigers, head coach Johnny Jones is an excellent recruiter and will be able to easily bring in a couple of key players to aid O’Bryant.

LSU will be extremely thankful to have as powerful an offensive player as O’Bryant to return after such a disappointing season. The Tigers become much more dangerous with O’Bryant’s return and should expect to have an outstanding year next season–perhaps with an NCAA tournament berth in their future.

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