The first round of the Major League Baseball draft is Sunday night and LSU’s Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes are considered the top two players in the draft, but that doesn’t mean Pittsburgh, who holds the number one pick, will select Crews or Skenes. Baseball America prospect writer Geoff Pontes says M-L-B teams only have so many bonus dollars to spend on drafted players, so the Pirates could draft someone else that may not cost as much…
cut 16 (19) “…could do that”
The SEC has announced Crews as its male athlete of the year. He lead the league with a .429 batting average and lead the nation in walks and runs scored.

The Pelicans have officially announced the re-signing of Herb Jones to a mulit-year contract. The 2021 second round pick is known for his defense and he also averaged 10 points a game last season. New Orleans has also officially added free agent center Cody Zeller. The six-foot-eleven big man averaged seven points and four rebounds a game as a reserve for the Miami Heat last season. And the Pels have signed former second round pick E-J Liddell. The forward from Ohio State missed what would have been his rookie season last year after tearing his A-C-L.

The Pels begin action in the Summer League this afternoon. The oldest player on the roster is 29-year-old Frank Bartley, who is a Baton Rouge native and also starred for the Ragin Cajuns for two seasons from 2016 to 2018.

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne has created the Livvy Fund to help LSU female athletes secure NIL deals and funds. Dunne is the highest -paid female college athlete in the country, making seven figures. A link to the fund can be found on the Bayou Traditions website.

LSU’s Dylan Crews was named the SEC Male Player of the Year. Crews just led the Tigers to their seventh national championship in baseball and he also received the Golden Spikes Award, which goes to the top amateur baseball player in the United States. Crews led the SEC in batting average at 426 and reached base 75 straight games, including all 71 games in the 2023 season.

Crews was also named hitter of the year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. LSU’s Paul Skenes is the Pitcher of the Year, Tigers third baseman Tommy White is the newcomer of the year, Jay Johnson the coach of the Year and Nicholls pitcher Jacob Mayers is the freshman of the year.

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne has created the Livvy Fund to help LSU female athletes secure NIL deals and funds. Dunne is the highest -paid female college athlete in the country, making seven figures.

The Pelicans have released 37-year-old Garrett Temple. It might be the end of an NBA career for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU star. Temple has played for 11 NBA teams and appeared in 84 games for the Pels over the last two seasons. This past season he only averaged two points a game.

ESPN is reporting the NBA will have an in-season tournament that will take place on December seventh and ninth in Las Vegas. Full details will be announced on Saturday.

The Pelicans will begin play in the Summer League tomorrow afternoon in in Las Vegas. New Orleans will take on the Timberwolves in a game that can be seen on NBA TV.

LSU star Angel Reese scored 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a 106 to 44 win over Cuba. Reese is playing for USA basketball at the FIBA Americup. The United States went three and one in pool play and is advancing in the quarterfinals.

The Pelicans have released 37-year-old Garrett Temple. It might be the end of an NBA career for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU star. Temple has played for 11 NBA teams and appeared in 84 games for the Pels over the last two seasons. This past season he only averaged two points a game.

ESPN is reporting the NBA will have an in-season tournament that will take place on December seventh and ninth in Las Vegas. Full details will be announced on Saturday.

The Pelicans will begin play in the Summer League tomorrow afternoon in in Las Vegas. New Orleans will take on the Timberwolves in a game that can be seen on NBA TV.

LSU star Angel Reese scored 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a 106 to 44 win over Cuba. Reese is playing for USA basketball at the FIBA Americup. The United States went three and one in pool play and is advancing in the quarterfinals.

Yesterday was Brayden Jobert Day in St. Tammany Parish. The Slidell native just helped the LSU Tigers win its seventh national championship in baseball. Jobert had 14 home runs on the season. His last dinger of the year came in the championship game victory over Florida.

In major league baseball….the Astros are one of the hottest teams i the American League as they’ve won seven of their last eight. Yesterday, Houston held off Colorado six to four. The Stros trail the Rangers by two games for first place in the A-L West. Houston begins a four-game series against Seattle tonight, while the Rangers finish off a series in Boston tonight.

Former LSU All-American and Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Kevin Gausman was named to the American League All-Star team. Gausman has a 3.04 ERA and leads the American League in strikeouts with 146. It will be the second all-star appearance of his 11-year career after making the 2021 All-star game as a member of the Giants.

More accolades coming in for the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team. It’s another one that doesn’t come as a surprise as Tiger junior centerfielder Dylan Crews has been named one of three outfielders on this year’s American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I. Crews finished the season with a perfect fielding percentage committing no errors in 171 chances.

Saints tight end Foster Moreau announced Monday on Twitter that his cancer is in full remission. This comes some three months after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma following a physical with the Saints while he was visiting the team in free agency. That’s when he found out. Moreau says it was a tumultuous few months, but this news is a blessing, and he thanks everyone who sent their thoughts and prayers.

The Pelicans will tip-off their summer league stint in Vegas this Friday against the Timberwolves. The pels summer league team will feature two veterans from last year’s squad Dyson daniels and EJ Liddell. Daniels was the number 8 pick in the 2022 draft and averaged 18 minutes a game over 59 appearances last year. Liddel, the 41st pick out of Ohio St. showed promise in the off-season before suffering a season ending ACL injury in last year’s summer league tournament. Also headlining the group is this year’s 14th overall pick Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins won a national championship with UCONN this year and will help the pels improve as one of the best shooters in this year’s draft. New Orleans will play at least 5 games with a chance at a 6th if they were to make the tournament finals.

New Orleans has been one of several teams to call Portland about Damian Lillard. The pels’ young roster and war chest of future draft picks give the team enough ammunition to trade for the all-star, but reports say Dame only wants to play for Miami. Lillard doesn’t have a trade clause in his contract but he’s unlikely to go anywhere else. After the pelicans signed Cody Zeller, however, they passed the salary tax threshold and could be looking to make a trade to cut costs. Insiders are reporting there are a number of teams looking to be a part of a three team trade with the Heat and Trailblazers and the Pelicans could be one of them.

Saints tight end Foster Moreau is in “full remission” after four months of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. The 26-year-old received the stage 2 diagnosis in March during a Saints physical. New Orleans then signed the former Jesuit High and LSU player to a three-year contract worth a reported $12 million, including $8 million in guaranteed money.

LSU junior centerfielder Dylan Crews has been named one of three outfielders on the 2023 American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I. Crews finished the season with a perfect fielding percentage, committing no errors in 171 chances. He led LSU to the 2023 College World Series title and captured the Golden Spikes Award, batting .426 with 16 doubles, two triples, 18 homers, 70 RBI and 100 runs.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission pickleball injuries could cost Americans close to $400 million in medical costs this year. LSU Health New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Marrero says pickleball resembles tennis, but players use paddles to hit a plastic ball and it doesn’t require as much running…:
Cut 13 (11) “overuse injuries, etc.”
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association trade group says pickleball has grown from 3.5 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million in 2022.

LSU gymnast and Instagram influencer Olivia Dunne revealed during a recent podcast interview that she once received over $500,000 for a single sponsored post to social media. Dunne’s NIL valuation is already reportedly second among all college athletes at $3.3 million. She has over 4 million followers on IG and over 7 million on TikTok.

Starting with some fantastic news. Saints tight end Foster Moreau announced Monday on Twitter that his cancer is in full remission. This comes some three months after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma following a physical with the Saints while he was visiting the team in free agency. That’s when he found out. Moreau says it was a tumultuous few months, but this news is a blessing, and he thanks everyone who sent their thoughts and prayers.

More accolades coming in for the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team. It’s another one that doesn’t come as a surprise as Tiger junior centerfielder Dylan Crews, aka the G.O.A.T., has been named one of three outfielders on this year’s American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I. Crews finished the season with a perfect fielding percentage committing no errors in 171 chances.

LSU Pitcher Paul Skenes set an SEC record with 209 strikeouts this season, but they won’t only be remembered in the record books. Kace Kieschnick has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

A Louisiana man competes in Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest today in Coney Island New York. Adrian Morgan of Baton Rouge’s best record was in 2015 when he got 5th for consuming 31 hotdogs in 10 minutes. He got a $1000 award for that.

It’s been a quiet offseason for the Pelicans so far. After extending restricted free agent Herb Jones on a four year 54 million dollar deal, the front office doesn’t have much cap space to work with, but they were able to add depth at center after losing Jaxson Hayes to the Lakers. The Pels signed former No. 4 overall pick Cody Zeller. The Heat signed Zeller at the All-Star break last season where he averaged 6-and-a-half points and 4 rebounds through 15 games before helping Miami make a run to the NBA finals. The 10-year vet signed to a one-year deal worth $3.1 million. The deal brings the Pelicans above the luxury tax threshold, so the team could be looking to make some cost-cutting moves soon. Reports have identified New Orleans as one of many teams to call Portland about all-star Damian Lillard. 

Two former Tigers will tip-off in tonight’s NBA Summer League Salt Lake City games. Free agent Rookie KJ Williams will be suiting up for the Thunder while guard Javonte Smart plays with the 76ers. Williams earned all SEC honors at LSU last season, and Smart was a key player for the Tigers from 2018-2021. The two will have a chance to face off Thursday night before the rest of the Summer League tips off Friday.

The College World Series Champion LSU Baseball team isn’t done winning, Paul Skenes Dylan Crews, and Tommy White were named first team all-americans and Skenes brought another individual award to Baton Rouge. Crews may have taken home the Golden spikes but Skenes was named d1 Baseball’s national player of the year. He says the Tigers knew they could be this dominant this season but it still hasn’t set in…

Cut 6

Skenes was also named the SEC Pitcher of the year, College World Series Most Outstanding Player, Collegiate Baseball National Player of the year, and brought home the Dick Howser trophy.

The Tigers will be losing director of Baseball operations Josh Simpson to pitching Coach Wes Johnson’s new staff in Georgia. Johnson announced before the postseason he’d be taking the Head Coaching job for the Bulldogs after just one season in Baton Rouge. Simpson, who was a scout for the Texas Rangers, will be filling out his staff as recruiting coordinator.

The accolades keep rolling in for LSU pitcher Paul Skenes who was named D1 Baseball’s National Player of the year. Skenes put together a historic season for the Tigers with a 1.69 ERA and an SEC record 209 strikeouts this season. He along with teammates Dylan Crews and Tommy White were named first team All-Americans after leading LSU to its 7th national championship. In addition to his on the field achievements, Skenes has helped to make an impact off the field. The Air Force Transfer pledged funds for each of his 209 strikeouts to benefit non-profit Folds of Honor. Skenes along with LSU fans helped to raise over $50,000 for the organization. Skenes says it was a great way to give back to his military community…

Cut 19

Skenes spent two years at Air Force and had two teammates that died in service. Their families and many others will benefit from the numerous donations.

LSU Director of baseball operations Josh Simpson will be following pitching coach Wes Johnson to Georgia. Johnson announced earlier this year he’d be taking the head coaching job at Georgia after one season with the Tigers. Simpson, a former scout with the Texas Rangers, will be joining Johnson’s staff as recruiting coordinator. LSU Coach Jay Johnson announced he’ll be replacing his former pitching coach with Texas A&M Assistant head coach Nate Yeskie. Yeskie spent two seasons with Johnson in Arizona and has reached the College World Series with three different teams. He earned a national title with Oregon St in 2018 and was named d1 Baseball’s Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017. 

Two former LSU players are set to face off in the NBA’s Salt Lake City Summer League games this week. Rookie free agent KJ Williams will join a talented OKC roster while guard Javonte Smart, who spent the last season on the Pels G-League affiliate Birmingham Squadron, will suit up for the 76ers. Games will be played Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday before the Summer League Competition in Las Vegas tips off Friday. Other LSU players set to be featured in the offseason tournament are last year’s 17th overall pick Tari Eason and LSU vet Darius Days who will both be playing for the Rockets.

LSU coach Jay Johnson has been named 2023 NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. It’s the second 2023 Coach of the Year Designation as he was also honored last week by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Meanwhile Johnson remains busy working on the 2024 season as he indicated at the celebration last week. Johnson announced he’s set to hire Nate Yeskie from Texas A&M as the Tigers next pitching coach. This fills the space left open by Wes Johnson who already announced his departure to become the head coach of the Georgia Bulldog Program.

And another accolade rolled in for star pitcher Paul Skenes who has been named the 2023 D1 Baseball Player of the Year after a historic season, helping to lead LSU to the national championship.

Skenes along with teammates Dylan Crews and Tommy White were named 2023 First-Team All-Americans by Baseball America magazine.

The New Orleans Pelicans have signed veteran center Cody Zeller to a 1-year, $3.1 million dollar deal, according to a report Sunday from ESPN. The other notable move by the Pels during this NBA Free agency period is the 4-year extension for defensive star Herb Jones.

Two former LSU players are on the rosters of teams beginning their NBA 2023 Summer League season in Salt Lake City starting today. Rookie free agent KJ Williams, who earned All-SEC honors this past season for the Tigers, will be playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Javonte Smart, who played for LSU from 2018-21, will be with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Knicks guard Josh Hart, who previously played for the Pelicans, has committed to the final roster spot on Team USA to play in this summer’s World Cup.

Another note on LSU star pitcher Paul Skenes. He raised tens of thousands of dollars for Folds of Honor, a non-profit that provides educational scholarships to family members of military and first responders who have fallen or been disabled.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise met with Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, and other SEC officials to discuss potential legislation surrounding college athlete NIL deals. The NCAA made it legal for athletes to profit off their name image and likeness in July of 2021 in a controversial decision among college sports fans, and while many athletes have been able to benefit from the new rules. Scalise says legislation is necessary to ensure their protection…:
Cut 9 (15) “work on”

The NBA Free Agency Period began Friday and Forward Herb Jones has agreed on a new four year, 54 Million Dollar deal to stay with the Pelicans. Jones is one of two players to tally at least 100 steals and 40 blocks in each of the last two seasons.

LSU centerfielder Dylan Crews, right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes and third baseman Tommy White have been named 2023 First-Team All-Americans by Baseball America magazine. Crews batted .426 for the 2023 National Champions with 16 doubles, two triples, 18 homers, 70 RBI and 100 runs. Skenes compiled a 13-2 record and a 1.69 ERA in 122.2 innings with 20 walks and an SEC-record 209 strikeouts. White batted .374 with 24 doubles, 24 homers, 105 RBI and 64 runs scored.

Ragin Cajuns Baseball Head Coach Matt Deggs has named former UL-Lafayette pitcher Gunner Leger the team’s Coordinator of Pitching and Analytics. Leger spent 5 seasons with the Cajuns from 2015-2019 and was the Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year and an All-American in 2017.

The Astros Foundation College Classic has announced its 2024 Tournament Field as the three-day, 6 team, 9 game tournament returns to Minute Maid Park March 1st-3rd. It will feature the 2023 College World Series Champion LSU Tigers who’ll play Texas, UL Lafayette and Texas State over the weekend.