Well I was thinking the only way State would be facing the Tigers again was if both teams won, but college basketball has proved to as unpredictable as ever to start the season. Last night we highlighted some of the problems the Pack had and how they must adjust quickly as they are only hours away from taking the floor again. Tonight at 5:30 State will square off against a talented LSU team.

Let’s delve into the two things LSU does that causes teams all sorts of headaches and how State can mitigate their effectiveness.

1. Ben Simmons: 

LSU has done an amazing job of utilizing the #1 prospect in last years class and most likely the #1 overall pick in the NBA this coming draft. Last night he had an incredible game in which he recorded 21 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists. Oh and he stands 6-10 and weights 240 pounds making him a difficult cover for any forward in the country. The best thing about Simmons is his ability to create and understand his limitations, on the season he has yet to shoot a three pointer. His outside shot is his weakness but he has not settled for trying to shoot it.

Instead LSU has catered to his strengths which are play making and attacking the paint. Simmons often finds himself initiating the offense like a point guard, he is the true definition of a point-forward. It helps that he has a number of options on his team in the form of shooters who space the floor beautifully which allows him a number options to distribute the rock to.

Another way that Simmons has made the Tigers better is in the way he creates space and mismatches by pulling traditional power forwards out of the paint and making them guard on the perimeter. This has yielded easy driving lanes and alley oops for LSU thus far. Teams are trying to bait him into shooting jump shots but he has remained disciplined and continues to play to his strengths.

I think NC State should try matching a Twin on Simmons and give up a little size to keep both Abu and Anya down low for added rim protection, plus neither of them have a chance at staying in from of him. State’s only hope is to pressure Simmons and use both Abu and Anya for help side defense to shade his way, but this will also force State to be clean in their help side rotations. In the long run tonight’s game should benefit the Pack as it is always good to face an opponent of Simmons caliber. The good news for State is that I do not see many other players that have his combination of size and skill in the NCAA landscape.

2. LSU pushes tempo and spreads it out:

By having the luxuries of a power forward like Simmons LSU uses it to their advantage to jump start the fast break. Last game Simmons had 20 rebounds and immediately pushed the ball up the court which allows the guards to race up ahead to fill lanes. This yielded a few easy lay-ups. Not only do they push the ball but in the half court the Tigers prefer to space the floor with a 5 out offense.

One reason why this is so successful for them is because they have guards who can stretch a defense from beyond the arc. Antonio Blankeney a fellow McDonalds’s All-American has stretched defenses with his range as have junior Tim Quarterman who is shooting a sizzling 47% on the season. These weapons allows LSU to create mismatches and tons of space for attacking the paint which forces a defense to pick their poison so to speak.

The Wolfpack will probably try and counter with playing zone and not allowing penetration for easy kick out threes. It may be difficult for State to match up man to man with the Tigers but they must find someone to block out in the zone. If State keeps getting beat on the glass they will continue to lose games.

Summary:

LSU is the team I wanted the Pack to face as it will force State to play against one of the best players in college, I am a true believer that by playing the best teams and players a team can progress much more quickly and State needs this. The ACC will be as strong as ever and if State can gain some experience in playing a star player then it will be useful come ACC play. Coach Gottfried knows that scheduling plays an important role in making the dance and a win tonight against LSU will be a quality win come March.

In order for State to accomplish this task they must stay disciplined in their defensive rotations and rebound. I can almost guarantee you that State will not win many games if any if they lose the rebounding war. Look for a more concerted effort from the Pack to block out in the 2-3 zone tonight. A win tonight could do wonders for this team going forward, let’s hope they can get it done.