BATON ROUGE – LSU men’s basketball Coach Trent Johnson took part in the annual summer SEC teleconference for the 12 head coaches as media members around the league were able to get a head start on some of their pre-season reports on the league’s teams.
Here are some of Coach Johnson’s comments:
On team’s trip to Italy…
“We had a very productive trip to Italy, and it benefitted us very well. We played in 12 minute quarters with a 24 second shot clock. The shot clock put us in situations where we need to be more aggressive and learn how to play faster. We need to learn how to win close games. The three games on the front end weren’t very good in terms of competition. But the three games at the back end were very good. It put us in situations where we had a little confidence and won some games. Like I told my group, the bottom line is that we need to have a much better summer, and so far so good.”
On the incoming freshmen…
“As you well know we have limited access with the freshman, except for our strength coach who is with them about four times a week. The feedback I am getting has been very positive from all three young men. Johnny O’Bryant, John Isaac and Anthony Hickey are in school and doing well. They are giving us some athleticism and toughness that we needed.”
On changes to the staff…
“Ryan Filo is moving over from football and he is going to replace Juan Pablo (Reggiardo) at strength and conditioning. I just moved Nick Robinson to full time assistant (from director of ops replacing Lynn Nance, who retired). There will be no director of basketball ops this year.”
On SEC going to one division and increasing SEC games…
“I’m all for the one division. I think it is the only way to have a true champion. There needs to be a little more research in going to 18 or 22 game schedules, but I am in favor of it. In a perfect situation everybody will be playing each other twice. In my experiences with the Pac-10, you had every team play each other twice and there was a true champion. That is really tough with the economics going on and the different schools having different budgets. One through 12 is the way to go. I think the Big 12 model has been very effective. I think that is the direction we are headed now.”
On effects of SEC changes on national scheduling…
“Programs are different. It is a yes and a no. Right now there is so much demand for TV and the dollar figure there. I think you need to look at each program differently from a financial standpoint. I think you need to look at each program from a talent standpoint. All of that goes into the schedule. When we start talking about 18 games or 22 games schedules, everybody is different. Not everyone has the mega dollars.”
On what he thinks about Arkansas Head Coach Mike Anderson…
“I think it is good he is rejoining the league. I’ve known Mike over the years and he is an excellent basketball coach. He’s more than just a coach he’s an excellent role model and man. I think it does nothing but help our league. We have another great coach in our conference.”