In the long week it took LSU to hire a new basketball coach, many people used the phrase “homerun hire” to describe who Joe Alleva needed to get for the job. Who knows what will happen, but Johnny Jones press conference was a “homerun press conference.”

If you read last week’s article, you know I am very excited about this hire.

For those that are not excited, take the name out and ask yourself if you would be excited. LSU just hired a coach that knows the history and is passionate for LSU. The new coach is a great recruiter, especially in this area. He brings an up tempo style of play.

With Coach Jones, I understand how things ended last time, what happened with the NCAA, and the impression of who called the shots in this hire. I get that those issues turn some people off even if they are not all accurate. But, those people also need to recognize the timing could not be better.

Coach Jones and LSU have been separated by over a decade. The same people who lobbied for Johnny Jones this time also lobbied for him when Trent Johnson was hired. Lobbying happens in any coaching hire. That fact is that Joe Alleva has certainly proven he does not cater to local coaches with LSU ties when he searches for a coach. He hires the best people at the right time.

As I said last week, Coach Jones is personable, humble, and brings an infectious attitude. He is a people person that builds relationships, and will connect with his players, the fans, and coaches in the state. For the first time in a while, I am excited about LSU basketball, and watching LSU play.

As for LSU baseball, this year’s team has all the ingredients of past LSU great teams. They have talent, great pitching, a great blend of young and old players, and most importantly in baseball, guys stepping up when they get an opportunity.

Coach Dunn is getting lots of credit for molding the pitching staff, and he should. But, I think Coach Grewe needs to get some credit for this team. He was the primary recruiter the last few years, and he recruited most of the players that are leading the team. I know it was popular the last few years for LSU fans to bash him, but he deserves to be recognized the in team’s success.

After a long stretch of bad news in Tigertown (January –March), it looks like things are turning around. LSU has a quarterback that should be one of the best in the SEC for the first time in four years. LSU basketball fans have a reason to connect with the team. And, LSU baseball is back where they belong at the top of the SEC and therefore, the top of college baseball.