In the world of college basketball, the KenPom rankings are a critical gauge of team performance, measuring efficiency on both sides of the ball. When LSU men’s basketball cracked the Top 50 in KenPom rankings during the 2023-2024 season, it marked a major milestone for the program under head coach Matt McMahon. This achievement not only signified a steady rise in performance but also highlighted McMahon’s ability to quickly turn around a program reeling from a coaching change and NCAA sanctions.
Under Will Wade, LSU had become a perennial contender in the SEC, but McMahon’s arrival ushered in a new era for the Tigers, one focused on defensive discipline, team cohesion, and balanced offensive attack. The rise in KenPom rankings, which evaluates efficiency metrics like offensive and defensive efficiency, turnover rates, and effective field goal percentage, is a reflection of McMahon’s philosophy taking hold in Baton Rouge.
This article will explore the factors behind LSU’s ascent into the top 50, the contributions of key players, McMahon’s strategic adjustments, and the implications for the future of LSU basketball.
The Impact of Matt McMahon’s Arrival
Matt McMahon took over LSU basketball following the abrupt end of Will Wade’s tenure. Wade’s tenure was marred by NCAA violations, which led to sanctions and a loss of recruiting power for the program. Inheriting a team that was severely impacted by player departures and limited recruiting, McMahon’s challenge was immense. However, his pedigree at Murray State, where he led the Racers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, helped him navigate the rocky transition.
McMahon’s immediate task was twofold: he needed to stabilize the roster while implementing his basketball philosophy. His emphasis on defensive principles, ball movement, and creating a team-oriented culture quickly became evident. One of the key traits of McMahon’s coaching style is his commitment to adaptability—recognizing that every team has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and adjusting his approach accordingly. His work ethic in securing key transfers, such as Javonte Brown from UConn and Tariq Jeter from South Carolina, played a significant role in strengthening the team.
The team’s fast-paced, pressure-oriented defense and efficient offensive system under McMahon were instrumental in LSU’s rise in the KenPom rankings. Despite the challenges of rebuilding, McMahon’s ability to integrate experienced transfers with promising freshmen led to a cohesive unit on the court. This transformation is reflected in LSU’s improved rankings, as they went from a struggling team in the lower rungs of the rankings to one that firmly established itself in the Top 50.
Key Factors Behind LSU’s KenPom Ascent
1. Defensive Efficiency
One of the standout aspects of LSU’s rapid improvement under McMahon has been its defensive efficiency. A hallmark of McMahon’s coaching philosophy is his ability to instill a tough, aggressive defensive system, and this is exactly what LSU needed after struggling defensively in the previous seasons.
The Tigers’ defensive prowess in 2023-2024 was a direct result of McMahon’s emphasis on pressuring the ball, forcing turnovers, and limiting open shots. LSU became one of the more formidable defensive teams in the SEC, utilizing a swarming defense that often left opposing teams uncomfortable and out of rhythm. The Tigers ranked in the top 25 in defensive efficiency in the country, a drastic improvement over the previous season. This jump in defensive ranking had a significant impact on their overall KenPom performance.
Key players like Myles Stute, Tariq Jeter, and Javonte Brown were pivotal in bringing that defensive mindset to life. Jeter, in particular, emerged as a lockdown defender in the backcourt, often tasked with guarding opposing team’s best players. His ability to stay in front of guards, disrupt passing lanes, and generate turnovers added an edge to LSU’s defense that many SEC teams struggled to handle.
2. Offensive Efficiency and Balanced Scoring
While defense may have been LSU’s calling card under McMahon, the team’s offensive efficiency also improved significantly, which contributed to their rise in the KenPom rankings. Under the previous regime, LSU’s offense often relied heavily on isolation plays and individual talents. McMahon, however, implemented a more structured, ball-movement-heavy offense, relying on spacing, player movement, and shot selection to create open opportunities.
LSU’s offensive efficiency increased steadily throughout the season as McMahon’s system began to take hold. The Tigers’ offense was characterized by quick ball reversals, pick-and-roll action, and spacing to create high-percentage shots. LSU finished in the top 40 in offensive efficiency, an impressive feat for a program in transition. They became better at moving the ball, creating open looks from three, and getting to the free-throw line. The improvement was evident both in their field goal percentage and in their ability to generate points in transition.
A major contributor to this offensive surge was Javonte Brown, who provided a much-needed scoring punch from the forward position. Brown’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range, combined with his skill in finishing inside, allowed LSU to diversify its offensive attack. The Tigers also benefitted from the contributions of Cameron Brown and Jonas Clark, both of whom added versatility and depth to the offense, while providing scoring in various ways.
3. Effective Turnover Management
Turnovers have often been a problem for LSU in past seasons, but McMahon’s coaching philosophy emphasized disciplined, careful playmaking. The Tigers showed improvement in their turnover management, significantly cutting down on unforced errors. This improvement helped LSU to execute their offense more efficiently and get easier opportunities in transition.
LSU ranked near the top in the nation in turnover rate, limiting possessions for their opponents and generating more opportunities for themselves. This shift was largely due to McMahon’s focus on not just improving individual skills, but also fostering a team-first mentality. Ball security became a key part of LSU’s success, and the Tigers’ ability to manage possessions while playing at a fast pace helped propel them into the Top 50 of KenPom.
4. Depth and Balanced Rotations
One of the major strengths of LSU’s 2023-2024 squad was its depth. While LSU may not have had a player who could carry the team on their own, they boasted a well-rounded roster with multiple players capable of contributing in significant ways. McMahon’s ability to rotate players effectively, keeping fresh legs on the floor and maximizing each player’s strengths, proved critical.
By utilizing a deep bench, McMahon kept his team fresh throughout the season, minimizing fatigue and ensuring that key players were able to make an impact without being overworked. The contributions from players like Myles Stute, Tariq Jeter, and Cameron Brown off the bench were invaluable, as they allowed LSU to maintain a high level of play across the board.
5. Player Development
McMahon’s success can also be attributed to his ability to develop players within his system. The combination of strong recruiting and player development allowed LSU to make the most of its roster, even if it wasn’t the most star-studded group in the SEC.
For instance, Javonte Brown’s improvement in his shooting ability and Jonas Clark’s development as a playmaker and defender showed McMahon’s capacity to elevate players’ games. This player development, combined with McMahon’s tactical adjustments, helped elevate LSU’s play to the point where they were competitive not just within the SEC, but on a national stage.
6. The Role of Freshmen
McMahon also demonstrated an ability to integrate freshmen into his system. With LSU losing some experienced players due to transfers and departures, freshmen like Cameron Brown were thrust into significant roles. Despite being young, Brown and others adapted quickly to the fast-paced SEC environment. Their development, alongside the veteran players, allowed LSU to become more well-rounded and balanced as a team.
The Road Ahead: What Cracking the Top 50 Means for LSU Basketball
Breaking into the Top 50 in KenPom rankings is a significant accomplishment for any program, but for LSU, it marks the beginning of a brighter future under Matt McMahon. The achievement highlights LSU’s resilience during a period of rebuilding and the effectiveness of McMahon’s coaching.
As LSU moves forward, there are reasons for optimism. The program has shown that it can compete with some of the best teams in the nation, and with continued growth in recruiting and player development, LSU could see even greater success in the coming seasons. While the road to the top of the SEC and national prominence may still be a work in progress, LSU’s inclusion in the Top 50 of KenPom rankings is a sign that the program is on the right track.
For fans, the promise of a competitive, disciplined team capable of competing for NCAA tournament berths in the future is an exciting prospect. McMahon’s ability to turn around LSU so quickly, making significant improvements in both offensive and defensive efficiency, speaks volumes about his coaching acumen. The Top 50 ranking is just the beginning of what could be a transformative era for LSU basketball.
Cracking the Top 50 in KenPom rankings in just the second season under Matt McMahon is a testament to the coach’s ability to rebuild a program in the midst of adversity. The foundation has been set, and with the continued development of players, the right recruiting moves, and McMahon’s tactical adjustments, LSU is well-positioned for sustained success in the SEC and beyond. While LSU’s rise to prominence is still in its early stages, this achievement signals that brighter days are ahead for LSU men’s basketball.
