The Play of Ralston Turner Speaks Volumes
They say that actions speak louder than words. No one understands this phrase better than LSU sophomore guard Ralston Turner.
Named to the 2011 All-SEC freshman team during his first season as an LSU Tiger, Turner’s finesse and mature presence on and off the court helped him lead the Tigers in points per game last season, averaging 12.3 per contest. In just his first game as a Tiger, Turner made it look easy, seamlessly weaving in and out of Northwestern State’s defense and racking up over 20 points for the team.
A natural-born leader, the 6-foot-6, Muscle Shoals, Ala., native looked to make an immediate impact, becoming the guy his fellow teammates looked up to as soon as his white and purple Nikes hit the sleek floor of the historic PMAC.
“I see myself as a leader, but I am not the loud type of ‘rah-rah’ leader,” Turner said. “I am quiet and I try to lead by my actions.”
Last season, Turner seemed to be the spark that the Tigers needed until he faced a devastating stress-related foot injury that sidelined him for LSU’s first five Southeastern Conference games.
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“I wanted to help out my team so badly, but obviously I had the injury and was very limited,” Turner said. “It was frustrating to sit back and watch, especially knowing that I could help.”
After meticulously working himself back into playing shape following the injury, the quiet leader demonstrated his ability once again through his actions by posting double figures in seven consecutive SEC games.
“Forget the talent level and the skill level,” LSU coach Trent Johnson said. “He’s a great kid and he’s very coachable. He just has a great demeanor about him. He doesn’t get frustrated, and he doesn’t show a lot of facial expression during the game.”
Looking to keep his positive momentum going into the 2011-12 campaign, Turner put away his beloved fishing pole and video game controller this summer and worked to improve the weaker parts of his game.
“Since last season, I have been trying to get more comfortable off the bounce and putting the ball on the floor more,” Turner said. “Everyone knows I can shoot, so if I can just improve this aspect of my game a little more, I think I will be in a good spot.”
As the season draws closer, Turner believes the experience of this team sets it apart from past LSU squads.
“As a team this year, I feel like we will be much improved,” Turner said. “I don’t want to speak too soon, but we are all on the same page and working hard. We have a positive attitude, and I really believe we have a chance. Winning takes care of everything.”
The LSU men’s basketball team tips off its season on Saturday, Nov. 12 against Nicholls State. Turner says that the team has a little “chip on its shoulder” after suffering a 62-53 loss to the Colonels last season and cannot wait to showcase its talents to the faithful Tiger fan base.
In the end, Turner might not be the loudest player on the court, but with each crisp swish of the net as the basketball falls through, or the squeak of his shoes on the floor as he spins away from a defender, the roar of the crowd speaks for him, reassuring the Tigers that the quiet leader is at it again.