By Ryan Rogers
LSU Sports Information
It’s a new year in Tiger basketball, and there are plenty familiar faces returning to the LSU squad in 2000-01. The problem is that people only seem to want to talk about the players who haven’t returned.
The truth is, LSU has more experience this year than it has ever had under Coach John Brady. This experience paid off on the road when LSU edged Houston 61-59 to improve to 3-0. That Houston game would have undoubtedly been a loss had LSU’s experience not factored in and pushed the Tigers over the top, as they picked up their first non-conference road win since 1989.
This year one returning Tiger faces a whole new challenge that even he never expected to face. Sophomore forward Ronald Dupree has an entirely new role in 2000-01. With the departures of Jabari Smith and Stromile Swift, and the misfortunate season ending knee injury to starting center Brad Bridgewater, Dupree finds himself in a unique situation. He now has to become LSU main catalyst in the frontcourt. Although unexpected, it’s a role that Dupree plans to fulfill.
“Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be the go-to guy inside,” says Dupree. “In high school I was forced to play a little center, but I never thought at a SEC school I would find myself in this situation.”
As a true freshman, Dupree came off the bench and provided solid minutes for LSU coach John Brady‘s team a year ago. His steady improvement throughout the year was evident by his increase in playing time as the season went on. Dupree averaged 4.9 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game in 1999-00.
“Last year was the first time ever in my life that I had to come off the bench and have such a small role on the team,” says Dupree. “I’m very happy that I’m in the position now to be a major contributor.”
Now those numbers will have to increase significantly in order for the Tigers to excel in 2000-01. And excel, the Tigers certainly have so far behind their leading scorer and rebounder. Dupree has stepped up his game and is averaging 18 points and 12.3 rebounds per contest.
“I just try to work hard in practice everyday and hopefully it will carry over into the games, so far it has,” says Dupree. “Last year I practiced everyday against Stromile and Jabari. I learned so much by guarding them last year. It added a lot of confidence to my game.”
So how has Dupree overcome his lack of size? He squared off against 6-8 George Williams, 6-9 Kenny Younger, 6-9 Alton Ford and 6-9 Patrick Okafor against Houston, and Dupree still managed to score 18 points and grab 13 rebounds. UL-Monroe 7-0 Center Wojciech Myrda was held to a dismal two points and two rebounds in the Tigers’ opener. Although defense has been an all-around great team effort thus for, Dupree’s canny ability to score is a gift that sometimes just can’t be taught.
Dupree is an extremely athletic basketball player. He has incredible vertical leaping ability, and he uses it for flashy dunks, which dazzle spectators. Players with that big-play ability have the potential to swing momentum of games very quickly. His power slams against Houston earned him air-time on ESPN Sportscenter’s Top Ten plays.
Dupree uses his talents to help him battle inside for rebounds. However, he makes it clear he can’t depend on talent alone, he must have am extraordinary desire to succeed.
“My best attribute is my athletic ability. My jumping ability helps, but the problem with that is the pounding you take. No matter how high you can get up, when somebody puts a body on you, that vertical will decrease. It’s all about being hungry. I just have to fight harder inside.”
Last year, Tiger fans marveled at Dupree’s versatility. He had potential to play either shooting guard, small forward or power forward. That may come into play again down the road, but for now playing power forward is all Dupree will be called on for.
One aspect of Dupree’s game that he would like to improve on is his shooting. Despite the fact he is averaging 18 points a game, he knows he could be scoring even more if his shooting percentage were better. Currently, Dupree is shooting 50 percent from the floor. Not bad at all, but he has missed his share of shots near the goal.
LSU’s goal this year is to build on what was accomplished last year and not let the success dwindle. In order to do that, the Tigers will have to limit turnovers and breakdowns.
“Our margin of error is a lot lower this year than it was last year,” adds Dupree. “We can’t make a lot of mistakes. Everyone on the team has been stressing that all year.
“This year we are more of an underdog type team, yet we still have the confidence that we are going to win games. We take a lot of pride in what we accomplished last year and we just want to carry that over into this year.”
LSU has gotten off to a quick start and is looking to build more confidence as the season goes on.
“We are coming along O.K. The road win (Houston) was a big step in the right direction,” says Dupree. “The more we play, the more we win, and the more confidence we will have.”