It was a perfect storm for LSU basketball this season, something that is not likely to be repeated in 2009-2010. The Tigers had a ton of holdovers from last year's team, and got forward Tasmin Mitchell back from injury.
A good nucleus and the disciplined coaching of Johnson made for a good gumbo.
Guard Marcus Thornton is a senior. He averaged 21.1 points a game, the highest per game average in a season for LSU basketball in 13 years.
Guard Garrett Temple, the glue of the program, and its best defender, is a senior. Post players Chris Johnson and Quintin Thornton are seniors, too.
The key for next season is junior forward Tasmin Mitchell. If he returns, Mitchell gives LSU the go to scorer they desperately need. If not, the Tigers may have to depend on true freshman Aaron Dotson of Seattle for much of its scoring.
Guard Beau Spencer all returns.
Also on board next year: Country Day's Eddie Ludwig. Ludwig stands just under 6-8 and has the skills to play on the perimeter.
Next year, LSU is a reload mode. If the Tigers have a winning record in the SEC , and earn an NCAA tournament berth, the season will be a success.
Ed Daniels