LSU's head coach Matt McMahon is not holding back when it comes to his aspirations for the Tigers' upcoming season. After a decisive 110-48 victory over Loyola (New Orleans) on Tuesday, McMahon made it clear that his sights are set on taking the program to new heights, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament and making a deep run in the tournament.

Elevating the Tigers to New Levels of Excellence

Embracing the Urgency of November and December

McMahon emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the non-conference opportunities that lie ahead, recognizing the urgency to make a strong statement early in the season. "We've talked about the urgency we have to have in November and December to take advantage of some of the non-conference opportunities that we'll have on our schedule," he said. The Tigers will look to use these early-season matchups as a springboard to propel themselves into conference play, where they aim to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Unlocking the Team's Full Potential

The head coach's vision for the Tigers extends beyond just making the NCAA Tournament; he wants to see his team reach its full potential and become the best version of itself. "To me, it's all about just focus on, 'How do we get better every day? How do we build the chemistry of our team?'" McMahon explained. By emphasizing continuous improvement and fostering strong team chemistry, the Tigers hope to position themselves for sustained success throughout the season.

Embracing High Expectations

McMahon's unwavering confidence in his team's abilities is evident, as he refuses to place any limitations on their potential. "You don't come to LSU to play in the NIT. You come to LSU to build a program that gets to the NCAA Tournament and wins games in the tournament," he declared. This bold statement underscores the Tigers' ambition to not only reach the big dance but to make a lasting impact once they get there.

Showcasing Offensive Firepower

The Tigers' impressive performance against Loyola (New Orleans) provided a glimpse into their offensive prowess. LSU shot an efficient 48.7% from beyond the arc, with the team recording 22 assists on their 39 made field goals. This balanced and unselfish approach to the game suggests that the Tigers possess the necessary tools to overwhelm their opponents with their scoring ability.

Standout Individual Performances

Senior guard Cam Carter led the charge for the Tigers, pouring in a team-high 21 points while shooting 5-8 from downtown. Carter's impressive outing was not an isolated incident, as six LSU players scored in double figures during the exhibition game. This depth of scoring talent bodes well for the Tigers' ability to spread the wealth and keep defenses off-balance throughout the season.

Continuous Improvement and Growth

If the Tigers can maintain the same rate of improvement they displayed last season, their fans have plenty to look forward to. In McMahon's first year at the helm, the team finished with a 14-19 overall record and a 2-16 mark in conference play. However, last season saw a significant turnaround, as the Tigers finished 17-16 and 9-9 against conference opponents. This trajectory of steady progress suggests that the team is on the cusp of a breakthrough, and the upcoming season could be the one where they truly make their mark.

Silencing the Doubters

Despite the Tigers' evident potential, not everyone is convinced of their prowess. In the preseason poll, the media voted LSU to finish 14th in the conference, a prediction that seems to clash with McMahon's ambitious vision. The Tigers will have an early opportunity to prove the doubters wrong, as they kick off their regular season on November 6th against UL Monroe, a game that will be aired live on ESPN+.

The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 season, as they look to make their mark in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. After a couple of NIT appearances in recent years, the Bearcats are determined to return to the NCAA Tournament and make a deep run.

Embracing the Challenge of the Big 12

The Cincinnati Bearcats are well aware of the daunting task that lies ahead in the Big 12 Conference. As head coach Wes Miller aptly stated, "We have the best league. It's not a slight toward anybody else's league. It's fact." The Big 12 boasts an impressive array of top-ranked teams, with 13 programs among the top 50 in the NCAA NET rankings last season.

Navigating the Treacherous Big 12 Schedule

The Bearcats' 2024-25 schedule is a true test of their mettle, with a daunting slate of Big 12 opponents. From the opening game against Kansas State to the season finale at Oklahoma State, the Bearcats will face a relentless gauntlet of formidable foes. Marquee matchups against the likes of Kansas, Baylor, and Houston will undoubtedly push the Bearcats to their limits, but the team is embracing the challenge.

Preseason Expectations and Rankings

Despite the daunting schedule, the Cincinnati Bearcats enter the season with high expectations. The team is ranked 20th in both the USA TODAY and Associated Press preseason polls, a testament to the talent and potential on the roster. Within the Big 12, the Bearcats were picked to finish sixth, a lofty position that reflects the respect they have earned.

Nonconference Challenges and Opportunities

The Bearcats' nonconference schedule is no less demanding, with road trips to Georgia Tech and Villanova, as well as home matchups against Xavier and Dayton. These games will serve as crucial measuring sticks, allowing the Bearcats to gauge their readiness for the rigors of Big 12 play.

Roster Depth and Talent

The Bearcats boast a deep and talented roster, led by a core of experienced players who have tasted success in the past. The addition of new faces, including transfers and promising freshmen, has further bolstered the team's depth and versatility. Coach Wes Miller will have the luxury of rotating a talented lineup, ensuring that the Bearcats can maintain their intensity and competitiveness throughout the grueling season.

Embracing the Big 12 Challenge

The Cincinnati Bearcats are embracing the challenge of the Big 12 Conference with open arms. They understand that the road ahead will be arduous, but they are confident in their ability to compete at the highest level. With a talented roster, a seasoned coaching staff, and a burning desire to prove themselves, the Bearcats are poised to make a statement in the Big 12 and beyond.