LSU loses SEC opener but showed promise despite missing Star Player

The LSU Tigers’ promising 12-1 start to the season hit a major speed bump this past weekend. While the 75-72 loss at Texas A&M was a tough pill to swallow, the real story for Tigers fans is the health of star point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. Here is everything we know about the injury and how it reshapes the outlook for Matt McMahon's squad.

The Injury: Dedan Thomas Jr.

Thomas, who leads the SEC in assists (7.1 APG) and LSU in scoring (16.2 PPG), was a late scratch for the SEC opener.

• What happened: Thomas sustained a lower leg/foot injury during a practice late last week.

• Current Status: He was seen on the sidelines at Reed Arena in a walking boot. While the "walking boot" usually triggers panic, the team officially lists him as day-to-day.

• The Prognosis: Early reports from within the program suggest the injury is not season-ending. The team returned to Baton Rouge on Sunday for further imaging and evaluation to determine if there is structural damage (like a stress reaction) or if it's a severe sprain.

Recap: Battling Without a "Floor General"

Without Thomas, LSU lacked the "pacemaker" that usually stabilizes their offense. Despite this, the Tigers nearly pulled off a massive road upset.

• The "Freshman Experience": 4-star freshman Jalen Reece earned the start in Thomas’ place. He played admirably for 35 minutes, dishing out 7 assists, but the lack of experience showed in "winning time." Three late turnovers—including a high-risk 40-foot lob with 9 seconds left—ultimately cost LSU the game.

• Frontcourt Dominance: With the perimeter game hindered, LSU went inside. Michael Nwoko was a force, scoring 21 points, while Max Mackinnon stepped up as a secondary playmaker with 20 points and 5 assists.

• The Turnover Issue: LSU finished with 16 turnovers, many of them coming against the Aggies' press. Without Thomas to break the pressure, LSU's offensive rhythm was frequently disrupted.

The Path Forward

LSU is currently 12-2 (0-1 SEC). Their NET ranking remains strong (Top 40), but the next two weeks will determine if they stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation.

1. The "Next Man Up" Rotation

Until Thomas returns, the offense will look significantly different:

• Jalen Reece will remain the primary ball-handler. Expect him to play "safer" basketball as he adjusts to SEC speed.

• Max Mackinnon will likely see his usage rate skyrocket. He proved against A&M that he can create his own shot when the shot clock winds down.

• Rashad King and PJ Carter will see increased minutes in the backcourt to provide defensive relief.

2. Critical Upcoming Schedule

The Tigers cannot afford a "hangover" from the A&M loss.

• Jan 6 vs. South Carolina: A must-win home game. The Gamecocks are a physical team that will test LSU’s ability to protect the ball.

• Jan 10 @ #11 Vanderbilt: A massive challenge against a Top-15 opponent. If Thomas isn't back by this date, LSU will need a career-best game from Nwoko or Reed to keep pace.

3. The "Thomas Effect"

LSU's ceiling is entirely dependent on Thomas. He is the only player on the roster capable of consistently breaking down a defense and creating open looks for shooters. If he misses more than 2-3 games, LSU risks falling into an 0-4 or 1-3 hole in conference play, which is notoriously difficult to climb out of in the SEC.