Print and Go Back ESPN.com: Men's College Basketball Nation [Print without images]

Thursday, February 17, 2011
 Trent Johnson gets vote of confidence
By Diamond Leung

 LSU has lost eight straight games heading into tonight's game against Alabama, with the Tigers 10-15 this season under third-year coach Trent Johnson.

Johnson did get a vote of confidence from athletic director Joe Alleva despite losing streak, according to The Times-Picayune.
"I don't care if we lose 20 games in a row this year, the program is in good shape and is going to be just fine," said Alleva, who hired Johnson.

"You've just got to let it play out. I see a lot of good things for next year. People just need to have some patience."

Said Johnson: "The bottom line is we're 10-15 despite three or four games that could have gone either way. Nobody feels worse than the players or I do. Everybody wants instant gratification; they don't have patience right now. I understand. But I always believed it's better to understand than to be understood."

Johnson doesn't have a senior on his roster and has dealt with some injuries, but the hope is that things get better next year with the arrival of McDonald's All-American Johnny O'Bryant, who ESPNU has rated as the No. 7 power forward recruit in the nation.

Still, with LSU at this point in the season still not having eclipsed last year's 11-win total and the Tigers having already tasted success under Johnson with a 27-win season in his first year, fans might already be turning their attention to football with spring ball coming soon.

And according to Louisiana Gannett, the basketball games aren't exactly a hot ticket for the football team:
Basketball games at LSU used to be popular spots for football players, football coach Les Miles, his assistants and recruits. Bringing a recruit to a basketball game at LSU or Auburn these days could mean an immediate de-visit. LSU athletic director Joe Alleva, who hired basketball coach Trent Johnson after the 2007-08 season, has not even been to a lot of games.