It’s been a difficult few days for LSU basketball at a time when there’s plenty of cause for celebration. Despite ending the regular season on a rough note, the Tigers are a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
That’s an accomplishment that can’t be overlooked given LSU’s history as a program, but LSU will have to prepare for its postseason opener against Iowa State without its leader.
Coach Will Wade was fired on Saturday as a result of the scope of the NCAA’s investigation into the program (as well as a Notice of Allegations that cited Wade directly for Level I violations). It’s certainly a result he wasn’t happy with, and the NCAA allegations add another layer to the usual coaching-change dynamics.
With that being said, interim coach Kevin Nickelberry made an interesting admission at his press conference on Sunday. Per Nickelberry, Wade never addressed the team following his dismissal.
“No,” Nickelberry said when asked if Wade spoke to the players.
Given the circumstances, it’s not exactly surprising. Depending on how the investigation plays out, LSU’s program could be looking at sanctions for several years down the road that would almost certainly hamper its progress over the last few years. Nickelberry spoke of moving forward in his press conference.
Still, it’s hard to imagine Wade’s quick exit isn’t weighing on the minds of the Tigers players as they head to Milwaukee hoping to avoid an upset in the first round against a Cyclones team that finished with a losing record in the Big 12 but also boasts nine Quadrant 1 wins on its resume.
[listicle id=49189]
Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno