LSU just started their college hoops season with a 100-57 absolute laugher over LSU-New Orleans, and while racking up a century mark is cool, it’s what junior wing Saliou Niang did that really has everyone buzzing. The 6-foot-8 phenom, already drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025 NBA Draft, dropped an insane 14 points, snatched 14 rebounds, dished out five assists, and grabbed six steals. What else could you even ask for in a debut?
Niang Is The Real Deal, And LSU Is Loaded
That stat line for Saliou Niang? Yeah, it screams elite. The dude just missed the cut for CBS Sports’ All-Defense team for a reason. Will Wade has a true shutdown defender on his hands, someone who can be thrown into any situation and excel. Niang’s motor is revving constantly, he’s super long, and his defensive instincts are off the charts. He was picking up full-court and turning into a deflection machine. Even if his half-court offense might be a bit muted, this guy is one of the highest-paid players in the SEC, and you can see why. He’s incredibly valuable. The source article mentioned Wade’s offseason was “annoying,” but if this is what a “fully whole LSU roster” looks like, putting them in the top 30 teams in the sport, then that annoyance is long gone. They absolutely destroyed an LSU-New Orleans team that’s probably one of the worst in the Southland, never getting pushed.
LSU’s Frontcourt: A Brick Wall Built For The SEC
It is not just Niang though. LSU rolled out a frontcourt that looks like a real-deal SEC problem for opponents. They’re going to have zero issues matching up with the best big men in the country. First up, you got 23-year-old French 7-footer Brice Dessert, who’s all of 255 pounds and knows exactly how to use that frame. He put up 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. The guy plays like he’s 23, and that’s exactly what you want. Then there’s Croatian 7-footer Michael Ruzic, who just turned 20 last month but has a seriously bright future. Ruzic chipped in 17 points, six boards, and a couple of dimes. He’s got great touch inside, and he’s even got a chance to stretch the floor eventually. Mo Dioubate also joins Dessert and Ruzic as guys who are more than fine with the physicality. This LSU team looks like they’re built to bash their way through conference play.
Not Everyone Had An Easy Night One
While LSU was cruising, opening night wasn’t so kind to some other teams. Oklahoma got absolutely stunned, losing 68-64 to East Texas A&M. That’s a 58-to-1 shocker right there. Then Kansas State got bit at home, falling 68-66 to South Dakota State. That’s a scary thought for what’s coming in Big 12 play. K-State’s roster looked solid on paper, but they didn’t look all that more talented than the Jackrabbits. South Dakota State played well, and their freshman Davis Kern went off for five 3-pointers and 24 points. It goes to show that if a close game emerges, things can get wild, but LSU avoided all that drama.
LSU’s opener showed us a team that is deep, defensively ferocious, and physically imposing. With Niang leading the charge and that beefy frontcourt, these Tigers are looking like they can absolutely challenge for the SEC crown. Keep your eyes on Baton Rouge, because this team is going to be a problem.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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