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…

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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.

NBA free agency opens today. The offseason has already gotten off to a hot start with blockbuster trades moving stars like former Hornet Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Pelicans management have been adamant that the team will not be looking to make any major changes to the roster this offseason after the signs of success a healthy Pelicans squad showed last year, but some NBA execs expect the Pelicans to make major moves before next season. New Orleans declined defensive specialist Herb Jones’s $1.8 million team option for this season. He’ll become a restricted free agents where the Pels will hope to extend him on a longer deal worth closer to $50 million. New Orleans also declined center Willy Hernangomez’s team-option and failed to extend a qualifying offer to center Jaxson Hayes, but they could look to bring Hayes back. Reports have pointed towards the team shopping former 13^th overall pick Kira Lewis. The guard made a return from a season ending ACL injury last year but struggled to find playing time in a crowded backcourt. The free agency window opens at 5:00 this evening.

McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium yesterday. Much of southwest Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020. The former press box like much of the Lake Charles area sustained significant damages and a complete overhaul was required. Now, three years later, Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says this project is about more than just a football stadium. Recovery from Hurricane Laura has taken longer than expected for many, including the university, but Martin says the new box will be a return of a local landmark and symbol of progress for many in the area…

Cut 19 (13)  “…as a whole.”

The new box will be over 28,000 square feet, house 25 suites and a 17-hundred square foot sky club and extend goal line to goal line. It is expected to open for the 2025 season.

The upcoming NBA season tips off with the Free Agency period which will begin later today. Teams can start negotiating with free agent players, but most contracts can’t officially be signed until July 6th. The Pelicans are declining forward Herb Jones’ 1.8-million-dollar team option for next season, which will make him a restricted free agent. New Orleans doesn’t have a lot of money to throw around, but they are expected to be active in the market.

With LSU’s national championship winning baseball team along with a women’s basketball title and top 10 finishes in gymnastics, beach volleyball, and both men’s and women’s outdoor track, the Tigers earned a No. 9 final ranking in the Director’s Cup. The cup measures the overall success of an institution’s athletic programs, awarding points based on NCAA Championship finishes for a maximum of 19 sports. LSU’s ninth place finish is its highest since it was ninth in 2009.

The NFL confirmed Saints rookies will report to training camp on July 18th with their veteran teammates arriving a week later on the 25th. Open practice dates are yet to be announced.

McNeese broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium Thursday. Much of southwest Louisiana was devastated by Hurricanes Delta and Laura in 2020, and the press box like much of the Lake Charles area sustained significant damage. Director of Facilities Kevin Martin says they’ve finally completed the process of organizing funding from 4 sources…:
Cut 20 (14) “like that”
The updated press box is set to be over 28,000 square feet and extends goal line to the goal line. It’s expected to be open for the 2025 season.

Left-handed pitcher Logan Hurd, who is the older brother of LSU right hander Thatcher Hurd, announced his transfer to Tulane Thursday.

Hundreds of LSU fans braved the oppressive heat to pack the box and celebrate the LSU Baseball team’s seventh national championship in program history. Paul Skenes put together one of the greatest seasons ever by a college baseball pitcher and set a new SEC record with 209 strikeouts this season surpassing LSU legend Ben McDonald. Skenes was at Air Force the last two seasons and made the decision to transfer LSU so he can improve as a pitcher and win a natty…

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

The national championship winning baseball team along with a women’s basketball title and top 10 finishes in gymnastics, beach volleyball, and both men’s and women’s outdoor track, helped LSU earn a ninth-place final ranking in the Director’s Cup. The cup measures the overall success of an institution’s athletic programs, awarding points based on NCAA Championship finishes for a maximum of 19 sports. LSU’s ninth-place finish is its highest since it was ninth in 2009.

During last night’s celebration many players had the opportunity to speak to fans a they reflected on a historic season. Coach Jay Johnson says he didn’t spend much time working on his speech as he is already preparing for the 2024 season. But Johnson says he’ll never forget this group of players and the focus they played with in the NCAA Tournament….

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

Many of the players were apart of Johnson’s first team when he arrived at LSU. Johnson helped lead the group to a national title in just his second season in Baton Rouge.

The NFL confirmed Saints rookies will report to training camp on July 18^th with their veteran teammates arriving a week later on the 25^th. Open practice dates are yet to be announced.

On a hot, steamy night, thousands of LSU fans went to Alex Box Stadium last night to celebrate the 2023 national champion LSU baseball team. Several star players spoke including Golden Spikes Award winner and expected top 2 overall pick in the upcoming MLB draft Dylan Crews. Crews thanked the fans for his time and success in Baton Rouge…

Cut 16 (19) “…can I say.”

The SEC and ACC have announced this year’s opponents for the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Women’s basketball team will host Virginia Tech on November 30^th while the men’s team will visit Syracuse November 28^th.

The NFL confirmed Saints rookies will report to training camp on July 18^th with their veteran teammates arriving a week later on the 25^th. Open practice dates are yet to be announced.

With LSU’s national championship winning baseball team along with a women’s basketball title and top 10 finishes in gymnastics, beach volleyball, and both men’s and women’s outdoor track, the Tigers earned a No. 9 final ranking in the Director’s Cup. The cup measures the overall success of an institution’s athletic programs, awarding points based on NCAA Championship finishes for a maximum of 19 sports. LSU’s ninth place finish is its highest since it was ninth in 2009 and one behind their all-time best finish of eighth which came in 2008. The SEC led all conferences with eight top 25 final rankings and Stanford on the overall title for the 26^th time followed by future SEC member Texas.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson and stars Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, Ty Floyd, and Tre Morgan took their talents off of the diamond and into the kitchen today. The national champions celebrated their title by working a shift at the original Raising Cane’s location on Highland serving fans in the dirve-tru and at the counter for a celebratory shift.

Louisiana Radio Network Sports I’m Michelle Southern with a special sports report from Jeff Palermo:
CUT 20 (55) “NCAA Tournament”
That’s Jeff Palermo reporting on the Louisiana Radio Network.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson, who is taking home the National Baseball Coach of the Year Award, has received a 100-thousand-dollar bonus for leading the Tigers to a national championship. His salary this season is 1.25 million dollars and has picked up 260-thousand dollars in bonuses. At the celebration yesterday Johnson also received a key to the City of Baton Rouge.

The SEC announced Home and Away conference opponents for women’s basketball teams and the national champion Lady Tigers will welcome South Carolina to the PMAC next season. A date has not been set, but it will be a matchup between the last two national champion teams in women’s basketball.

Also, it was announced Wednesday that the Lady Tigers will host Virginia Tech in the SEC/ACC Challenge on November 30th and the men will travel to Syracuse on November 28th.

New Saints quarterback Derek Carr opened up about how his departure from the Raiders went, which included his being benched the final two games before leaving in free agency. Carr was speaking at a DC4Kids event in Fresno, where he starred in college at Fresno State.

A big crowd is expected at Alex Box Stadium tonight to celebrate the 2023 national championship LSU baseball team. The triumphant team returned to Baton Rouge yesterday and received a heroes welcome when their buses pulled up to the Box. We spoke with a couple of fans who absolutely love this team…
cut 15 (14) “…all about”
Tonight’s celebration begins at 7:30. Gates open tot he Box at 6:30. There is no admission to attend.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has received a 100-thousand dollar bonus for leading the Tigers to a national championship. His salary this season is 1.25 million dollars and has picked up 260-thousand dollars in bonuses.

The SEC announced Home and Away conference opponents for women’s basketball teams and the national champion Lady Tigers will welcome South Carolina to the PMAC next season. A date has not been set, but it will be a matchup between the last two national champion teams in women’s basketball.

Also it was announced today that the Lady Tigers will host Virginia Tech in the SEC/ACC Challenge on November 30th and the men will travel to Syracuse on November 28th.

The Pelicans will begin Summer League action in Las Vegas on July 7th. First round pick Jordan Hawkins will be there. He shot 39-percent from three-point territory at UCONN last season. The Maryland native says he’s studdied a lot of great three-point shooters…
cut 17 (10) “….them too so”