Two former LSU men’s basketball players are expected to be selected in tonight’s NBA draft. Former Tiger Jarrell Martin was considered a first-round selection when he announced in March that he was turning pro. He averaged nearly 17 points and nine rebounds a game last season. But LSU radio color analyst Ricky Blanton says Martin’s stock has been dropping, as teams are having a hard time trying to determine what position he’ll play in the NBA…
cut 17 (12) “…embrace it”

Blanton says it appears fellow former LSU Tiger Jordan Mickey’s stock is rising, because of good pre-draft workouts. Former Louisiana Tech standout Speedy Smith is projected to be selected in the second round.

The Pelicans only have one pick and that’s the 56th overall selection, which will take place in the second round.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees tells ESPN’s Ed Werder that he’s convinced he’ll win a another Super Bowl. Brees that’s what keeps him going and he also said again that he would like to play until he’s 45. Brees came in at number 30 on the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2015. That’s a 24 spot drop from last year.

In baseball, former St. Thomas More standout and LSU recruit O’Neal Lochridge has been named the Marucci Sports Baseball Player of the Year. Lochridge helped the Cougars win their second straight state championship as he hit .454 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs.

LSU catcher Kade Scivicque has been named to the 2015 All College World Series team. Scivicque had six hits in Omaha and drove in three runs.

Virginia won the C-W-S last night with a four to two victory over Vanderbilt. It’s the A-C-C’s ifrst title in baseball since 1955.

Two former LSU basketball players are expected to be selected in tonight’s NBA draft. Former Tiger hoops star and current color analyst on the LSU Sports Radio Network, Ricky Blanton, says Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey could be selected late in the first round, but he says Martin’s stock has fallen since he’s not participated in a lot of five-on-five and three-and-three workouts…

cut 16 (12) “I don’t know”

But Blanton says Mickey’s stock has been on the rise, because of good pre-draft workouts. By the way, the Pelicans will get the 56th pick in this year’s draft.

Former LSU shortstop Alex Bregman has signed with the Houston Astros. Houston selected Bregman with the second overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. His signing bonus is reportedly around six million dollars. The Astros have also announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Zac Person. The former LSU reliever was picked in the ninth round by Houston.

LSU’s 2016 baseball schedule has been released. The Tigers will have weekend non conference series against Cincinnati, Sacramento State, Fordham, and Ball State. They’ll host Vanderbilt during the second weekend of April and they have a two-game road trip to Notre Dame planned in may. Coach Paul Mainieri used to coach in South Bend.

Virginia claims their first College World Series title after defeating Vanderbilt last night 4-2. The Cavaliers finish the season with a 44-24 record. Their 44 wins are the fewest by a national championship team since 1968.

The estranged heirs to Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson have announced they will appeal last week’s ruling by a judge, who determined the 87-year-old is not mentally incompetent to run his professional franchises. According to an attorney for the heirs, Benson is in a foggy state and his condition will only continue to get worse.

For the second straight year, Lutcher High School’s bulldog mascot has been stolen. It’s reported that the bulldog named Spike went missing Tuesday morning. St. James Sheriff Willy Martin says his deputies are searching for the dog.

Former LSU shortstop Alex Bregman signed with the Houston Astros today. Houston selected Bregman with the second overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. His signing bonus is reportedly around six million dollars. The Astros have also announced the signing of left-hander pitcher Zac Person. The former LSU reliever was picked in the ninth round by Houston.

LSU’s 2016 baseball schedule has become public. The Tigers will have weekend non conference series against Cincinnati, Sacramento State, Fordham and Ball State. They’ll host Vanderbilt during the second weekend of April and they have a two-game road trip to Notre Dame planned in may. Coach Paul Mainieri used to coach in South Bend.

And work is underway to install netting underneath the grandstand overhang at Alex Box Stadium. Officials hope the netting will keep the birds away and stop them from pooping on the fans during the game. The project is expected to take four months to compelte.

The estranged heirs to Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson have announced they will appeal last week’s ruling by a judge, who determined the 87-year-old is not mentally competent to run his professional franchises. According to an attorney for the heirs, Benson is in a foggy state and his condition will only continue to get worse.

A bad situation is developing for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. The referees are threatening a walk-out, if they don’t see an increase in pay for the games they work. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says if the impasse is not resolved, they could have problems finding officials for high school atheltic events when school begins in August. Bonine hopes it doesn’t come to that…
cut 28 (05) “…suffer here”
The Louisiana High School Officials Association says they’ve only received two pay raises over the last 25 years. The referees say they are tired of promises, which is why they’ve rejected a proposal for any increase in pay to begin in 2016.

Discussions between the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and officials have broken down as referees who work high school athletic events are looking for a pay raise. Refs in seven sports are seeking a pay increase between five to ten dollars per official, per event. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says he can’t increase referee pay, only principals can and that can’t happen until January…
cut 17 (11) “…festered over time”
The Louisiana High School Officials Association says they’ve only received two pay raises over the last 25 years. The refs say they are tired of promises, which is why they’ve rejected a proposal for any increase in pay to begin in 2016. If a deal is not reached, it could leave the LHSAA scrambling for officials when school starts in August.

Former Saints Head Coach Jim Haslett will serve as a consultant for the Penn State Football team. That’s according to Penn State head coach James Franklin. Haslett is a Pittsburgh native.

Have you ever sat in Alex Box Stadium and a bird pooped on you during the game? Well, crews are working on attaching netting to the bottom side of Alex Box’s grandstands overhang. They hope the netting will keep birds away. Construction is expected to take four months.

McNeese State announces that at least three of its football games will be shown on television or the internet. The Cowboys season opener against LSU will broadcast live on the SEC Network. The Pokes home opener on September 12 against UIW will be shown on the American Sports Network and the Cowboys game at Stephen F Austin will be carried on ESPN 3 at 6 PM.

William Mafi the second, a junior college all-american receiver has signed to play with Northwestern State. He has two years of eligibility and can play this fall. He’s six-foot-two, and caught 72 passes for 963 yards and six touchdowns for a community college in California last season.

There’s a break down in talks between the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and referees over how much they should be paid. The Lousiaina High School Officials Association wants a raise prior to start of the 2015 school year, but L-H-S-A-A director Eddie Bonine says an increase in pay can’t take effect, until it’s voted on by school principals in January…

cut 16 (17) “has to cash”

The Louisiana High School Officials Association says they’ve only received two pay raises over the last 25 years and they are seeking a pay increase in all sports.

In baseball…LSU’s Alex Lange has been named to the Baseball America Freshman All-American team. Lange went 12 and 0 with a 1.97 ERA this past season for the Tigers.

Tiger-rag-dot-com reports that an NBA team has told former LSU Tiger Jordan Mickey they are committed to selecting him in the first round in tomorrow night’s draft. Most draft experts have Mickey going in the 2nd round.

Virginia forces a third and final game in the College World Series Final Round as they upended Vanderbilt 3-0. The Commodores are trying to win their second national championship in as many years. The Cavaliers are looking to become the Atlantic Coast Conference’s first national championship baseball team since 1955. The winner take all matchup happens at 7PM tonight and you can watch on ESPN.

In the majors, third baseman Luis Valbuena hit two home runs as the Houston Astros unloaded on the Los Angeles Angels 13-3. The Astros have a four game lead over the Rangers in the American League West. And the Washington Nationals got past the Atlanta Braves 3-1.

New Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry believes he has a core group of players on the roster that have the potential of winning an NBA Championship. Gentry just had the opportunity to hoist the Larry O’ Brien Championship trophy as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. Now Gentry will be a head coach for a fifth time in his career at the age of 60, and he’s ready for the challenge…
cut 18 (22) “…they are too”
Gentry is expected to bring an up tempo offense to New Orleans that also plays outstanding defense.

Tiger-rag-dot-com reports that an NBA team has told former LSU Tiger Jordan Mickey they are committed to selecting him in the first round on Thursday night. Most draft experts have Mickey going in the 2nd round.

There’s a break down in talks between the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and the Louisiana High School officials association over pay, which raises concern over who will officiate athletic events this fall. The officials association wants a pay raise, but LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine is promising to come up with a new fee structure that would start in 2016. The officials association says they are tired of promises and they’ve only received two fee increases in the past 25 years. Bonine says he’ll come up with plan of action in the next day or so, on how to address this conflict.

In baseball…former LSU pitcher Nick Rumbelow has been called up to the Major Leagues by the New York Yankees. The right-hander from Texas gives LSU five former players who are now in the majors.

LSU’s Alex Lange has been named to the Baseball America Freshman All-American team. Lange went 12 and 0 with a 1.97 ERA this past season.

New Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry says he’s bringing an up tempo style of basketball to New Orleans and all-star Anthony Davis will be a big part of what they do…
cut 17 (17) “…important also”
Gentry is 60-years-old and this will be fifth his opportunity to be a head coach in the NBA. Gentry says the ultimate goal is too have a championship parade down Canal Street.

Tiger-rag-dot-com is reporting that an NBA team has told former LSU Tiger Jordan Mickey that he’ll be selected in t he first round on Thursday night, somewhere in the early 20s. Most draft experts have Mickey being selected in the 2nd round.

Former Purdue quarterback Danny Etling has tranferred to LSU. He’ll be eligible to play in 2016.

Nicholls State is mourning the death of former Colonel and Major League Baseball Player Darryl Hamilton. Police in suburban Houston say Hamilton was fatally shot by Monica Jordan in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Nicholls State baseball coach Seth Thibodaux says Hamilton was an amazing role model for young players…
cut 9 (08) “a tragedy”
He says Hamilton is likely the most successful baseball player to come out of Nicholls.

According to a report from The Clarion-Ledger, there are 55 schools that former Louisiana Tech basketball player Xavian Stapleton can’t transfer to. Those schools include any school in Conference USA or schools in the states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas. Stapleton averaged seven points a game as a freshman last season, but decided to leave the Bulldogs when Mike White took the job at Florida.

During an introductory press conference, new Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry says he wants to see a parade down Canal Street in New Orleans after the team wins its first NBA title. Gentry says the pieces are in place to do that…

cut 16 (15) “try to do”

Gentry is 60-years-old and this will be fifth his opportunity to be a head coach in the NBA.

The Saints Junior Galette is scheduled to meet with the NFL later this month and that meeting is expected to be a little more interesting now that a video has surfaced showing a man swinging a belt at a crowd during a fight on a beach in Florida in 2013. It looks the man strikes a woman with the belt. That man is believed to be Galette. Galette was set to meet with the NFL, because of a domestic violence incident in which the criminal charges were dropped.

Nicholls State is mourning the death of one of its most famous alumnus, former Major League Baseball Player Darryl Hamilton. Police in suburban Houston say Hamilton was fatally shot by Monica Jordan, who was also found dead, in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Nicholls State baseball coach Seth Thibodaux says Hamilton is likely the most successful baseball player to come out of the university…

Cut 8 (13) “of fame”

Hamilton was born in Baton Rouge, graduated from U-High, and played for the Colonels from 1984-1986.

There’s a new quarterback at LSU. Danny Etling has decided to transfer to LSU after playing two seasons at Purdue. Because of NCAA transfer rules, Etling will sit out the upcoming season and be eligible for the 2016 season. The Indiana native lost his starting job at Purdue this past fall.

Georgia Southern’s play-by-play man, Chris Blair, is the new voice of the LSU Tigers as he’ll replace the retiring Jim Hawthorne. Michelle Southern has more…
cut 1 (30) “….reporting”

And LSU has a new quarterback. Danny Etling has decided to transfer to LSU after playing two seasons at Purdue. Etling will sit out the upcoming season because of NCAA transfer rules. The Indiana native lost his starting job at Purdue this past fall.

Sixty-year-old Alvin Gentry was introduced today as the new head coach of the Pelicans. Gentry is excited to have the opportunity to coach Anthony Davis and some of the other players who are currently on the roster…
cut 30 (29) “…do that also”
Gentry says he’ll look to play an up-tempo game in New Orleans and he said it will be important to get A-D in transition.

Sad news today, involving Baton Rouge native and former Nicholls State standout Darryl Hamilton. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer was found dead in suburban Houston in an apparent murder-suicide. Authorities believe a 44-year-old woman shot Hamilton numerous times, before turning the gun on herself. Hamilton played 13 seasons in the major leagues. He was 50-years-old.

The Pelicans introduce Alvin Gentry as their new head coach this afternoon. While it was announced a couple of weeks ago that Gentry would replace Monty Williams, the team had to wait for Gentry to finish his duties with Golden State, who defeated Cleveland last week in the NBA Finals.

Georgia Southern’s play-by-play man Chris Blair is the new “Voice of the LSU Tigers” as he’ll replace Jim Hawthorne in the broadcast booth, starting with the 2016 baseball season. Blair says he knew LSU had a passionate fan base, but he’s been amazed by the positive response from Tiger Nation…
cut 30 (12) “…to watch”
Blair is 40-years-old and has been the voice fo Georgia Southern sports for the last decade.

And work begins today at Louisiana Tech’s Joe Aillet’s stadium, as crews install a new Field Turf.

The Saints Junior Galette will meet with the NFL later this month and that meeting is a little more interesting now that a video has surfaced showing a man swinging a belt at a crowd during a fight on a beach in Florida in 2013. It looks the man strikes a woman with the belt. That man is believed to be Galette. Galette was set to meet with the NFL, because of a domestic violence incident in which the criminal charges were dropped.

The Toledo Bend Reservoir is named the number one bass fishery in the country for 2015 by Bassmaster. Director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission Linda Curtis-Sparks says Toledo Bend is worthy of this honor considering the experience that many fishermen have when it comes to reeling in the big catch on daily basis…
cut 12 (10) “more believable”
She says they’ve never dropped below the top 15 in Bassmaster’s top 100 lakes.