Breaking News: LSU now release transfer update

A.: There are two reasons the spring is important: While recruiting receives a lot of attention, player development is something I really believe in. In the world of college basketball today, player development is the key to player retention, which is why we spent a lot of time this spring working with our returning players. It’s been fantastic; our guys have put in a ton of effort to advance and get better by utilizing the offseason player development program.

Q.: The staff has been on the road for the past month. Is it going to settle down a little since the transfer portal closed May 1?

A.: It was nonstop until the gateway closed after the final buzzer rang off, signaling the end of the season. Thus, we’ve been working with our returning players and recruiting nonstop. After we finish our final exams next week, perhaps, we’ll have a day or two to decompress and begin thinking about summer plans.

Q.: You have 12 scholarship players now, one less than the NCAA-allowed 13 because of the penalties from the previous coaching staff. Could there be another move?

A.: You’re never truly done, in my opinion. We’re going to continue refining this roster since we’re constantly trying to get better and strengthen our group. However, as stated in the NCAA’s decision from last summer, this is the last penalty.

Q.: Turning to the players you got out of the portal — Cam Carter, Jordan Sears and Dji Bailey — how did you identify them and go about signing them?

A.: It seems like you’re never done. Because we’re constantly trying to grow better and strengthen our squad, we’re going to keep working on our roster. Indeed, this is the last penalty resulting from the NCAA’s decision from last summer.

Q.: (Forward) Dailion Collins played in just six games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. How is he coming along?

A.: Daimion will be a redshirt junior with two years left on his eligibility after the NCAA granted him a medical redshirt.

Q.: The schedule is taking shape (home games with UL-Monroe and UNO, a game at Kansas State, and an opponent TBA for a home game in the ACC/SEC Challenge) with the most recent addition being the inaugural Greenbrier Tip-Off. How do you feel about it so far?

A.: The Greenbrier is going to be exciting, but we’ll have some more contracts coming in shortly. With three Power 6 schools (Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, and Central Florida) on the excellent field, we can be sure to face two Power 6 teams there. Winning games and getting ready for league play are always the main objectives, but you also want to provide your players amazing and memorable experiences. It’s the renowned Greenbrier Resort in the world. Although I haven’t been there, my goal was to return to a location that would allow Tyrell Ward (Washington, D.C.) and Mike Williams (Baltimore) to perform for their loved ones. It fulfilled several of our desired occurrences; those are the ones that we want to play.