By Ryan Rogers
LSU Sports Information
The Tigers head into the 1999-2000 season with a very impressive frontcourt. While the Tigers’ front trio hasn’t been a topic of discussion in very many preseason publications, come season’s end, it may very well be ranked up there with the best in the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers are strong, athletic, and experienced.
One of head coach John Brady‘s top priorities heading into this season was improved strength and conditioning and the Tigers’ have made significant strides in this area. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the Tigers’ frontcourt. Many players benefited from a rigorous off-season workout program, notably center Jabari Smith (6’11” 255lbs.) Smith, the senior captain of the Tiger basketball team, will look to lead the Tigers to success this season.
Smith lost 20 pounds while increasing his bench press to 300 pounds. The drop in weight will help him run the court better, and the gain in strength will allow him to fight harder in the paint. Smith averaged 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season. Look for him to improve on those numbers this year.
“The fact that we are underrated doesn’t bother me”, said Smith. “I know the capability of this team. I don’t pay attention to newspapers and magazines. They can’t predict the future. Only time will tell the future”, said Smith.
The Tigers have an experienced veteran in forward Brian Beshara (6-8, 220) who stepped in last season and showed the promise that will carry over into his junior season.
He averaged 11 points per game a year ago, while shooting 43 percent from three-point range making him an outside threat. Beshara brings a solid presence to the court. His awareness of the game and ability to handle pressure will help settle down his teammates when rattled.
“I really think that we can match up against anybody”, said Beshara. “With some of the younger guys stepping up we will have depth underneath.”
The Tigers frontcourt may be pressured to perform well every game with the presence of a talented, yet inexperienced backcourt.
“I really don’t think there is as much pressure on us as everybody thinks,” said Beshara. “Our backcourt is young, but very talented. We all have confidence in them.”
The Tigers get a wealth of athletic ability from two young forwards, Stromile Swift and Ronald Dupree.
Swift (6-9, 225) demonstrated the potential that made him one of the nation’s top recruits while at Fair Park High School in Shreveport, joining the Tigers in early January and filling a solid role at the four spot for the second half of the season.
An explosive scorer underneath, Swift also gives the Tigers their best shot blocker since Shaquille O’Neal. He had 11 blocks last year against SEC rival Alabama.
“I have good jumping ability and I seem to time shots correctly”, said Swift.
Ronald Dupree (6-6 205) is another excellent athlete on the Tigers roster. He can cause momentum swings very quickly in a game with his timely playmaking ability. The true freshman from Biloxi, Miss. has stepped up to help the Tigers in their search for depth. Dupree is very versatile. He could play either small forward, power forward, or even step back and play shooting guard if necessary. With the scholarship limitations currently in place for the Tigers, Dupree’s versatility will come in quite handy for Coach Brady on many occasions this year.
Jermaine Williams (6-6 180) is one of the most disciplined and consistent Tigers. A member of the Parkview Baptist state championship team in 1998, Jermaine knows what it takes to be a winner.
Williams will be the sixth man on the team this year under ordinary circumstances. Coach Brady has eluded, however, that depending on the situation, he may start some games in an effort to create mismatches depending on the opponent.
Williams is a natural small forward, but injuries and a lack of depth will force him out to the shooting guard spot in some situations, possibly Saturday night in place of shooting guard Lamont Roland who continues to nurse a sprained ankle. He is very comfortable with this transition and has solid range with the ability to stick the three if left open.
Brad Bridgewater (6-8 260) is a large physical force for the Tigers and will play a big role spelling Smith and Swift at the four and five spots. He sports a very muscular physique that gives him a large advantage over smaller players. His playing days in football, track and field, along with basketball at Point Coupee Central High School (New Roads, La.) give him a very athletic background. The football experience gives him a hard-nosed mentality. The track background shows in his ability to run the floor very well. He will come off the bench and give Coach Brady quality minutes inside.
Indeed, the Tigers are very talented in the frontcourt. They can go big or they can match up with smaller teams as well. While the Tigers’ backcourt is unquestionably very talented, it will still take time to develop. The Tigers will be grateful for the first month of the season that they have such a deep and experienced frontcourt.