As the roar of the crowd reverberates through the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, it’s clear something special is brewing in Baton Rouge. The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team, long a proud program in the college basketball landscape, has been steadily climbing back into national relevance. With a mix of promising young talent, a revitalized coaching philosophy, and a fan base hungry for postseason success, LSU enters the 2025 season with both expectations and momentum. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this year will mark a turning point—a return to dominance not seen since the team’s Final Four run nearly two decades ago.
LSU basketball is no stranger to greatness. From Pete Maravich’s legendary performances to the exploits of Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Jackson, the Tigers have produced some of the most electric players in the history of the sport. However, the past decade has been a rollercoaster. The team has cycled through coaching changes, recruitment challenges, and brief flashes of brilliance that faded too quickly. But now, with Matt McMahon entering his third full season at the helm, there’s a sense of stability and clarity in direction that has been missing in recent years. McMahon, known for his player development and fast-paced offensive sets, is molding the team into a modern, flexible unit that can adjust to the evolving dynamics of college hoops.
The 2024-25 LSU roster features a carefully balanced blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers. A major reason for optimism lies in the return of key players who have grown within the system. Junior guard Tyrell Ward, whose breakout sophomore campaign saw him average 17 points and 6 rebounds per game, is expected to be the centerpiece of the offense. Ward’s ability to create his own shot, knock down threes, and defend on the perimeter gives LSU a reliable two-way leader. His decision to stay another year, despite flirtations with the NBA Draft, speaks volumes about his commitment to the program and belief in its upward trajectory.
Alongside Ward is sophomore point guard Mike Williams III, a floor general whose court vision and speed are vital to LSU’s transition game. Williams is known for his poise under pressure and his knack for making the right play at the right moment. If LSU is to succeed this season, it will hinge in large part on Williams’ continued development into a leader who can dictate tempo and minimize turnovers.
The Tigers also welcome one of their most promising recruiting classes in recent memory. Headlining that group is five-star forward Cameron Whitmore, a high-flying athlete with elite defensive instincts and a developing offensive game. At 6-foot-7 with a wingspan that seems to stretch across the court, Whitmore is the type of versatile player who can guard multiple positions and ignite fast breaks with his shot-blocking and rebounding. LSU fans have not seen this level of freshman impact potential since the days of Ben Simmons, and expectations are high that Whitmore will be a game-changer from day one.
Complementing Whitmore is four-star recruit Dante Ellis, a sharpshooting guard with unlimited range and surprising toughness for his size. Ellis provides McMahon with a weapon off the bench who can stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for Ward and Williams. If Ellis can adjust to the physicality of SEC play, his contributions could be the difference in tight conference matchups.
In the frontcourt, LSU brings back senior big man Will Baker, whose presence in the paint offers both rim protection and a scoring touch around the basket. Baker’s improved conditioning and mobility give the Tigers a reliable anchor on defense, and his ability to hit mid-range jumpers adds an element of pick-and-pop offense that complements the team’s perimeter threats. Backing him up is sophomore center Sean Phillips Jr., whose 7-foot frame and developing footwork make him a valuable defensive specialist. Though raw, Phillips showed flashes of brilliance in limited minutes last season and could take a significant leap if he becomes more consistent.
As the season approaches, one of LSU’s greatest strengths lies in its depth. Unlike previous seasons where the bench offered minimal support, McMahon now has the luxury of rolling out a second unit capable of maintaining intensity and defensive pressure. Players like Jordan Wright, a graduate transfer with experience in high-level SEC competition, provide leadership and versatility. Wright’s presence in the locker room and on the court adds a calming influence during tough stretches and tight finishes.
Defensively, LSU is aiming to be one of the most improved units in the conference. Under McMahon’s system, emphasis on switching, communication, and aggressive close-outs will be key. Last season, the Tigers struggled at times to maintain consistency on the defensive end, often giving up second-chance points and open perimeter looks. This year, the addition of more athletic and disciplined defenders should reduce those lapses. If the team can consistently execute its schemes and limit fouls, LSU will be tough to score against, especially at home.
Offensively, expect LSU to continue pushing the pace and prioritizing ball movement. One of McMahon’s signatures is a free-flowing offense that empowers players to make decisions within a structured framework. This approach relies heavily on spacing and quick reads, making chemistry a vital component. The benefit of returning core players means the Tigers should have a stronger sense of timing and trust, which could translate into fewer stalled possessions and higher shooting percentages.
Looking ahead to the SEC schedule, LSU faces a gauntlet of tough matchups. Traditional powerhouses like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas remain formidable, and emerging programs like Auburn and Alabama show no signs of slowing down. LSU’s ability to survive and thrive in one of the deepest conferences in college basketball will be the ultimate test of their growth. Fortunately for the Tigers, their schedule also includes several key home games where the atmosphere at the PMAC can turn into a genuine advantage.
Non-conference play will serve as a crucial warm-up for the battles ahead. Early season games against nationally ranked opponents like Gonzaga and Houston will provide a litmus test for where the team stands. Wins in those games would not only boost LSU’s confidence but also significantly improve their NCAA tournament résumé. Even competitive showings in losses could be valuable if they reveal areas of improvement before SEC play begins in earnest.
As for predictions, there is cautious optimism among analysts and fans alike. Most projections place LSU within the top five of the SEC standings, with the potential to climb higher depending on how quickly the freshmen adapt and how consistent the veterans perform. A 23–9 regular-season finish seems within reach if the team avoids injuries and executes on both ends of the court. In SEC tournament play, LSU has the firepower to make a deep run, potentially reaching the finals if they hit their stride in March.
In terms of national standing, a return to the NCAA tournament feels all but guaranteed if the Tigers meet expectations. A projected seed between 5 and 7 would be a fair reflection of their strength and allow them to avoid the early landmines of facing a top seed too soon. Once in the tournament, LSU has the potential to make noise. With a balanced roster, multiple scoring options, and a coach who knows how to manage games in high-pressure situations, the Tigers could very well make a Sweet 16 run. From there, it becomes a matter of matchups, momentum, and belief.
What makes this LSU team so compelling is not just its talent, but its hunger. After years of being on the fringe—good but not great, competitive but not complete—the Tigers finally appear to have the pieces in place to break through. The culture is changing. Players are buying in. The program is investing in the future without sacrificing the present.
In the eyes of the LSU faithful, this could be the season that reignites a basketball tradition as proud as any in the South. The football program may garner the headlines, but basketball is building a legacy of its own, one win at a time. Baton Rouge is ready. The fans are ready. And if the Tigers live up to their promise, they won’t just be a tournament team—they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
As March draws near, and the pressure mounts, the nation may soon find itself looking south and realizing that the road to glory just might run through Louisiana. The LSU Tigers are no longer waiting for their moment. They’re taking it.
