4 days Ago
LSU's Vyctorius Miller (0) slams the ball home for two in the first half of LSU men’s basketball game vs. Loyola-New Orleans Tuesday in LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU led 54-12 at the half.
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save “Obviously thrilled.” That is how LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon described how he feels after his team’s 76-65 road win over Kansas State on Thursday. LSU (3-0) was unselfish on offense, sharp on defense, aggressive on the glass and resembled an NCAA Tournament-caliber team.
However, it is still November. There are numerous challenges ahead and games LSU cannot overlook such as its next contest against Charleston Southern (1-4), which it plays at 7 p.m.
Tuesday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Tigers' success in Manhattan, Kansas, suggests they can compete with most power programs. To do that, it’ll need starting guard Cam Carter , who is averaging 20.
7 points per game, to continue performing like an All-SEC-type of player. If LSU wants to win on the margins, it must find consistent scoring juice from members of its bench. Arguably the leading candidate for that spot is true freshman Vyctorius Miller, who delivered his first strong game of his collegiate career against the Wildcats.
He finished with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, three rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes. In his first two games, Miller played 21 total minutes and had three points and shot 1 of 7. McMahon spoke highly of his backup guard at Monday’s media availability.
“I thought he played outstanding, both ends of the floor," the third-year coach said. “The points will show up in the box score, but I thought he made a concerted effort to make the improvement necessary on the defensive end. I thought he really competed on that end.
When Dji wasn’t on (Brendan) Hausen, he took the assignment and did a nice job there. "I thought his shot selection was good. When he got in the paint and he didn’t have an opportunity to score, he had a nice kick out to Cam Carter for a big 3.
I just thought he played really efficient basketball on both ends of the court.” The talent of Miller is clear. The four-star recruit was ranked No.
84, according to 247Sports . He has a feathery-looking jump shot and is a spry 6-foot-5 athlete who over time should add weight to his 185-pound frame. Miller was the seventh man in the rotation and the first guard off the bench at the 14:50 mark of the first half against Kansas State.
Multiple times, Miller fueled the transition offense as he ran faster than everyone. The Los Angeles native shot the ball confidently in catch-and-shoot situations, making 2 of 4 from beyond the arc. Miller’s shot earned him respect from defenders who closed out with intention.
Once that happened, he displayed signs of his scoring upside. On one possession, Miller faked a 3-pointer that made a Kansas State player fly by and drove to the hoop for a soft floater over a center. Miller’s defense, while promising, still has room to improve as he adjusts to the speed and size of the college game.
The intrigue of Miller is obvious. The more his confidence grows, the more opportunity he’ll have to gain McMahon’s trust and be rewarded with time on the court as the rotation begins taking a concrete shape. “(We’ll) settle in on a rotation as the season goes along,” McMahon said.
“Our starting lineup (now) isn’t necessarily our starting lineup for the rest of the season. I think roles are always evolving, always changing. But I did like the rotation on Thursday in Manhattan.
I think the guys had a really good rhythm on both ends of the court.” Assuming LSU outplays Charleston Southern as expected, Miller likely will get more minutes to continue proving himself..
