LSU MBB Practice Notes: Jalen Cook, Newcomers Steal The Show On Day 1

Tigers bring out new roster for Day 1 of practice, transfer portal class making immediate impact.

Matt McMahon and the LSU Tigers hit the court of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday as Day 1 of practice got underway.

It’ll be a different look in Year 2 of the “McMahon Era” with a handful of transfers making their way to Baton Rouge with limited production from a season ago returning.

For this program, it’s about trending in the right direction and the roster construction McMahon has accomplished will allow the Tigers to do so.

The Takeaways From Day 1:

Guard Play… LSU is loaded with guards to handle duties in the backcourt. Led by Jalen Cook, Carlos Stewart, Jordan Wright and Trae Hannibal, among others, the Tigers will have no shortage of guards this season to handle the rock. From a size perspective, the height of LSU’s guards don’t stand out, but this group is strong and stocky. Wright, Stewart and Hannibal look like they’ve lived in the weight room with Cook putting on noticeable size from last season at Tulane.

Variation of Skill Sets… The backcourt features players that complement each other well and it was on full display on Tuesday. Wright is passive and it gives Cook the chance to score the basketball, but make no mistake about it, Cook can facilitate the rock. He took on a major scoring load with the Green Wave last season (20 points a night) but will have a better chance to pass it around this season and share the wealth. Hannibal, Wright and Cook looked the part with Stewart also making his presence felt. Inside, it was Daimion Collins and Will Baker who took major reps. The pair of transfers are, again, different from a skill perspective. Collins can jump out of the gym while Baker is more fundamental in his approach.

The Frontcourt… LSU will use Derek Fountain, Will Baker, Jalen Reed and Daimion Collins at the four this season (for the most part) with flashes of Corey Chest and others. It’s a guard-heavy team but holds versatility in a few areas. It’s clear just how important remaining healthy will be this season in the frontcourt.

Instant Reactions: Player-by-Player Analysis (Transfers)

Jalen Cook

The Tulane transfer awaits a decision from the NCAA regarding his waiver for this season. A second-time transfer, Cook needs a waiver in order to be eligible for the 2023-24 season. Despite this, he’s been with the team and practicing with a pending decision. All in all, Cook looked as good as advertised on Tuesday. He’s a tenacious bucket-getter who can score from all three levels while getting others involved. Small sample size, but Cook looked the part.

Jordan Wright

The Vanderbilt transfer plays just as McMahon described him. He’s selfless who hustles on each drill, possession or play and it showed during light scrimmage work with his intensity on the glass. Wright fires up his teammates with his play doing the talking. Tremendous motor. Solid day for the Louisiana native.

Carlos Stewart

A Santa Clara transfer, Stewart made his way back to his home state to suit up for the purple and gold with a chance to take on an expanded role in 2023-24. He showcased his ability to score from all three levels and certainly looked strong enough to withstand SEC competition. Stewart is quick and twitchy with the ball in his hands.

Will Baker

Baker is a long, balanced big man who uses his size and physicality well. He can jump the passing lanes on defense while utilizing footwork in the post tremendously. Tuesday gave the chance to see what made him such a coveted recruit out of high school.

Daimion Collins

Collins will be a fun player to watch this season. He got buried on the Kentucky depth chart last season and now has an opportunity to take on an expanded role. The kid can jump out of the gym and uses his length to his advantage. Look for Collins to continue putting it all together before the season starts. Freakish athlete.

The Freshmen: Corey Chest and Mike Williams

Corey Chest is the real deal. He’s a player McMahon has praised and looked the part on Tuesday during practice on both sides of the floor. Chest can use his length well to play the passing lane and utilize his advanced physical tools offensively. LSU is using his size given the lack of depth in the front court.

For Williams, he’s talented but will take time to develop this season given the guard talent LSU is working with. He was seen chopping it up with Wright and Cook at times, giving him two savvy veterans to work under during his first season in Baton Rouge. Continuing to work defensively will be important. 

Other Notes:

• Trae Hannibal and Mwani Wilkinson return. Hannibal has put on size and looks poised to take a step this year. Wilkinson is healthy and will serve as a 3&D role.
• Tyrell Ward will be an interesting player to monitor this season. He has an opportunity to take that next step as a player and McMahon believes he can do so. On Tuesday, he looked the part but work remains before he hits that next gear. Three-level scorer who can must be efficient this year. Nonetheless, good day for the second-year Tiger.
• Jalen Reed was sidelined for practice as he continues nursing a minor injury. McMahon hopes to have his sophomore forward back soon.
• Derek Fountain burst on the scene last season and looks to have that breakout season many anticipate. He looks more comfortable on the floor and fluid with the ball in his hands.