Jonathan Mailhes
By Hunt Palmer
The Big Guy has loaded up the sleigh, and he’ll make his annual rounds Wednesday evening.
I took the liberty of making the list and checking it twice.
There are plenty of folks from LSU on the nice list this year, and Santa Claus will pay them a visit. Some asks are a little more doable than others. Here’s a look at what some of the LSU coaches can expect under the tree.
LANE KIFFIN
Two Quarterbacks
Now that his staff is set, Kiffin’s next order of business is assessing and retooling the roster. No decision is more important than who Kiffin brings in to run his offense.
Trinidad Chambliss is likely first on his wish list. That’s going to require an NCAA waiver for another year of eligibility and an entrance into the transfer portal. Neither is guaranteed. If Chambliss isn’t available, DJ Lagway is emerging as a possibility. Either way, there have to be two additions. Michael Van Buren is the only scholarship quarterback left in Baton Rouge as of Sunday.
The Happiness of his Daughter
This one is a little tougher. It’s a Miracle on 34th Street kind of ask. So, it can be done. The easiest way to make Landry happy would be to keep Whit Weeks in Baton Rouge for another year. It’s on the list.
JAY JOHNSON
Phased Array Radar (PAR) and a dugout Keurig
Coach Johnson’s list just said “the most advanced doppler technology.” Turns out, PAR is it. This way Coach can keep an eye on the only factor that was able to get in LSU’s way last year, weather. And just in case the PAR has bad news that’s going to keep LSU on the field at 1:00am, Santa is having the elves install a coffee maker next to the water jug in the dugout.
Steakhouse Gift Cards
Johnson’s tradition is a steak dinner every time LSU advances a round in the NCAA Tournament. Let’s just get out in front of that one now. They tend to do a lot of advancing. Consider it a stocking stuffer.
KIM MULKEY
An Extra Ball and an Extra Basket
Mulkey has seven players averaging double figures. The team is shooting 40% from three-point range and averaging 107 points per game. Life would be easier if there were another basketball and goal available to this offensive onslaught to try to keep everyone happy. Tougher matchups are on the way, but this group is dynamic.
MATT MCMAHON
A Fire Extinguisher
LSU has played good basketball in the non-conference. The offense hit a three-half speed bump between Boston College and Texas Tech. It’s been very good outside of that. The Red Raiders hit 8 of 9 threes to open that game and all but put it away. On Monday, Prairie View A&M hit 10 first half threes. LSU needs to put a stop to these three-point flame throwers a little more quickly. The Tigers rank No. 209 in three-point defense. That needs to improve.
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