Rational Takes + Xavier Pinson Exclusive Interview (from the preseason)

Cody is back from Disney, but he left most of his brain behind. Harrison's cough has returned too, but the guys power through to break down LSU's chances of making a run at the SEC Tournament this week and NCAA Tournament next week. Plus, Harrison breaks down his new longform feature on Tari Eason, up now at LSUSports.net.

An exclusive interview with LSU sophomore guard Adam Miller [8:37] as he works his way back from a preseason ACL tear that has sidelined him for the 2021-22 season. Miller, expected to be LSU's leading scorer prior to his injury, discusses his rehab process, the mentality of Chicago player, his affinity for LSU even before his recruitment began, and how he hopes to honor Wayde Sims and the Sims family while wearing No. 44. Back after the regular season to preview the SEC Tournament and, hopefully, look back at a three-game Tiger winning streak. 

LSU has two more wins. Xavier Pinson, Tari Eason, and Brandon Murray are the best trio in college basketball. Eason is a historically great two-way player. And the Tigers have a big five-game stretch ahead of them.  All that and more on today's Boot Up. 

Cody and Harrison are back to break down LSU's wins over Texas A&M and the losses in between, including what went right against the Aggies and what has gone wrong against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and TCU.  They also discuss their favorite wins of the Will Wade era, after The General picked up Win No. 100 at LSU.  Finally, Xavier Pinson, who made his return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, joins the show for an interview that took place in the preseason. 

Sometimes, Will Wade is at his most honest and candid when the results are going the wrong way.  The injury bug, poor finishing around the rim, and an unexpected defensive slide has seen LSU struggle in recent weeks, losing five of six after a 15-1 start to the season.  Wade didn't shy away from any of that at Thursday's edition of Will Wade Unfiltered, live from Walk-Ons. Nor did he shy away from questions about NIL, officiating, or how to battle through an incredible run of injuries.  On today's show, we hear from The General on what he can control, what he cannot, and how the Tigers can grind out the wins they need down the stretch to make a run once they get healthy. 

The Tigers finished the toughest stretch of the season with three straight losses.  Harrison and Cody are here to tell you why there's reason for concern but no reason to panic.  After all, the best views come after the roughest climbs. 

Will Wade joins us at Walk On's on Burbank just off LSU's campus for a live edition of Boot Up. After overcoming some audio issues (edited out of the show), we discuss how LSU built perhaps the best defense in modern college basketball history, the resilience of this LSU team that comes from all over the country and still embodies the toughness of Louisiana, why Darius Days came back, Shareef O'Neal's debut, and much more, including live audience questions. Come join us for the next edition of Will Wade Unfiltered. We'll be back at Walk On's in February. Stay tuned for event details.  

Harrison and Cody are back to break down a tale of two contests – the first loss of the season at Auburn and the biggest win of the season vs. Kentucky.  On the table for discussion are Brandon Murray's importance to LSU, Eric Gaines' impact in defeat and victory, the historic dominance of LSU's "junk defense," and more. (Editor's note: Cody hinted at a Brandon Murray interview to play after this episode – for the sake of time and production, we'll save that for another episode. Apologies!)

Cody and Harrison talk a fiery win over Louisiana Tech that made Will Wade happy, a home win over Lipscomb Wade was less thrilled about, and the start of SEC play. Plus, Darius Days heats up, Xavier Pinson does too, and why you shouldn’t expect any changes to LSU’s rotation anytime soon. And of course, a special Christmas Dispatch from Colonel Kent.

The Tigers are 10-0 for the first time in two decades. Colonel Kent returns with a dispatch to set the table, then Cody and Harrison break down the Georgia Tech and Northwestern State games, highlight why Will Wade's program is thriving, and discuss Xavier Pinson's impact on the LSU offense.  After that, Shareef O'Neal (42:30) joins the podcast in an interview taped during the preseason. This week marked the three year anniversary of Shareef's open heart surgery, and he opens up for the first time on the ups and downs on his road to recovery. Plus, we talk NIL and what he learned from his father, both in basketball and branding.