LSU's O'Bryant decides to turn pro

LSU junior forward Johnny O'Bryant has decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2014 NBA Draft. 

Even though O'Bryant has been thought of as an NBA prospect since he set foot in Baton Rouge, he has been given a second round grade by NBA scouts. Even though he isn't guaranteed to be picked O'Bryant feels he's ready to ply his trade in the professional ranks.

"I've had a great time here at LSU, it's been an honor to wear the LSU jersey," O'Bryant said. "I just felt like I put the time and hard work in and I was ready."

During his three seasons in Baton Rouge, the Cleveland, Miss., native averaged 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in 91 games. In 2013-14, he was named first-team All-SEC for the second-straight season after shooting 49.6 percent from the field while starting all 34 games.

O'Bryant will have to wow the scouts in workouts if he wants to improve his position in the draft. At 6-9 and 256 he does have the size to play in the NBA but he'll have to improve his athleticism to make it at the next level.

O'Bryant has an uphill climb, but if Reggie Evans can stick around for as long as he has, O'Bryant has a shot. O'Bryant should hope that he doesn't go undrafted and wind up on a D-League roster.

LSU could be a darkhorse in next season's SEC race

This year's version of the LSU Tigers overachieved to some degree. The Tigers finished  19-12 and went 9-9 in a weakened version of the SEC. That was good for ninth place in a season where not much was expected. The talent level was down and they had a new coach in Johnny Jones. The only player of note was power forward Johnny O'Bryant III.

With a .500 conference record and having 19 wins you would've thought the tigers would've been a lock for the NIT. They were snubbed and watched the postseason from their dorm rooms. But things won't be so bleak next season.

O'Bryant will be returning for his junior season and Jones has a recruiting class that some rank as high a sixth in the nation. Much will be expected from Jarrell Martin, Tim Quarterman, and Jordan Mickey. Add to that the experience of Anthony Hickey and Andre Stringer, the Tigers appear to be in good shape. Also, don't sleep on Jones as as bench boss. Don't let the lack of NCAA tournament appearances at North Texas fool you. He had that program on good footing before he left and turned them into a Sun Belt contender. See how good they were without Jones calling the shots form the sideline. 

In my opinion, the Tigers could be a darkhorse in next year's SEC race. They won't win it. Kentucky and Florida still are head and shoulders above the rest and you don't know which Missouri team you'll get. Alabama and Tennessee also return a lot but LSU should be in the mix and be watching for their name to be called on Selection Sunday.