One of three returning starters for the 2000-01 season, was a big factor in LSU’s successful return to SEC prominence with his ability to get open for the jump shot and his quick hands on defense.
JUNIOR SEASON (1999-2000): Played in all 34 LSU contests a season ago, starting 31. . . .Averaged 30.1 minutes of playing time, averaging 10.9 points per game and 4.6 rebounds. . . .One of three players to play over 1,000 minutes last season. . . .Averaged 11.6 points in the 16 regular season conference games. . . .Had 17 games in double figures, including three over 20 points: Grambling State 20 (Nov. 20), Oklahoma State 22 (Dec. 30) and, at Arkansas 23 (Feb. 19). . . .In the win over Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl Classic, Roland hit 8-of-11 from the field, including 5-of-7 from three-point range. . . .Named Louisiana Sports Writers Association La. College Player of the Week for his effort against Oklahoma State. . . .Had six assists in SEC opening night win over Alabama (Jan. 5). . . .Also had six assists against Sam Houston State (Dec. 18), Arizona (Jan. 29), Arkansas (Feb. 19) and, Vanderbilt (March 10). . . .Hit 34-of-111 three-point attempts (30.6 percent). . . .Had one double-double in the SEC Tournament against Vanderbilt getting 12 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. . . .In LSU’s first four league road wins, Roland was 21-of-39 from the field (53.8 percent) with five treys, 16-of-21 at the free throw line (76.2 percent), while averaging 16.2 points and 5.7 rebounds. . . .Those road wins were at Alabama, Ole Miss, Arkansas and South Carolina. . . .10th in the league in steals at 1.65 steals per game. . . .8th in the league in league game only steals at 1.62 per game.
PRE-LSU: Fourth in the voting for the prestigious Indiana “Mr. Basketball” award at New Albany High School, earning all-state honors while averaging 21.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. . . .Signed national letter-of-intent to attend Ball State in spring of 1996. . . .Played in 19 games with seven starts in 1997-98, including the Cardinals’ National Invitation Tournament game at Memphis. . . .Led or tied for team-high honors two times and led the team in rebounding in two games. . . .Averaged 12.1 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game. . . .Scored in double figures 11 times, including 28 against Ohio and 20 against Marshall. . . .Named the Newcomer of the Year in the Mid-American Conference. . . .At Barton County, Roland led the Cougars to a 35-3 record and to the championship game of the National Junior College Athletic Association championship tournament. . . .Averaged 24/2 points per game and 7.3 rebounds a game with 76 assists and 118 steals. . . .Shot 42.9 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three-point range, while earning first-team All-American honors. . . .Was named the NJCAA Coaches Association Division I Player of the Year for his efforts.
PERSONAL: Full name is Lamont Lee Roland. . . .Parents are Carlos Taylor and Angelia Roland. . . .Biggest influence on Roland athletically was his uncle, “who was a great athlete.” . . Major at LSU was Political Science. . . . .Born on April 12, 1978 in Brooklyn, N.Y.. . . .Enjoys playing video games and enjoys rap music. . . .Favorite athlete is Dallas Cowboys veteran running back Emmitt Smith. . . .One younger brother and one younger sister: Sha Dae and Tenale.