LSU’s Unsung Heroes Are Stepping Up - And It’s Changing the Tigers’ Season
For LSU head coach Matt McMahon, it always comes back to one question: How much are you impacting winning? That’s the lens he uses to evaluate his players - not just by box score numbers, but by what they’re doing to tilt the game in LSU’s favor.
And lately, it’s not just the usual starters carrying that weight. With injuries to Jalen Reed and Dedan Thomas Jr., the Tigers have turned to some of their lesser-known names - and those players are responding in a big way. Let’s take a closer look at three of them who are making the most of their moments.
Rashad King: The Steady Hand LSU Needed
When Dedan Thomas Jr. went down, LSU needed someone to step in at point guard and keep the offense running. Enter Rashad King - a transfer from Northeastern who’s proving he’s more than just a stopgap.
King earned his fourth start of the season last Saturday against South Carolina, and he didn’t just hold his own - he delivered. In 39 minutes on the floor, the senior poured in a season-high 18 points, shooting an efficient 4-of-8 from the field, 3-of-6 from deep, and knocking down 7-of-8 free throws. Add in seven rebounds, three assists, and just one turnover, and it’s clear why McMahon was full of praise afterward.
“He was playing at the point today for us. [I] just thought he was fantastic,” McMahon said after the game.
King’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s giving LSU stability at the one, showing poise under pressure, and growing more confident with every possession.
Even when Thomas returns, King’s earned himself a bigger role. He’s not just filling in - he’s elevating the team.
Robert Miller III: Quietly Dominant
Robert Miller III might not be a household name yet, but he’s been quietly carving out a key role in LSU’s frontcourt. With Mike Nwoko battling foul trouble and Jalen Reed sidelined, Miller has been thrust into more meaningful minutes - and he’s responding with maturity and production well beyond his years.
“He just keeps getting better,” McMahon said after LSU’s win over Missouri. “He’s been fantastic.
His offensive efficiency numbers in the league are off the charts. He’s been an elite defender for a long time.”
That praise is backed up by the numbers. Against South Carolina, Miller chipped in six points on 3-of-6 shooting, grabbed five boards, and added three assists. Nothing flashy, but exactly what LSU needed - efficient offense, solid rebounding, and smart decision-making.
Still just a sophomore, Miller’s ceiling is high. He’s showing the kind of two-way potential that can anchor a team for years to come. And with more SEC experience under his belt, he’s only going to get better.
PJ Carter: The Spark LSU Didn’t Know It Needed
PJ Carter hasn’t been a regular part of LSU’s rotation this season. In fact, most of his minutes have come in low-leverage situations, often when the Tigers are chasing a deficit and need someone to launch threes.
But Saturday was different.
Just a few minutes into the game against South Carolina, Carter was the first player off the bench. And while his final line - 2-of-7 from beyond the arc - won’t jump off the page, his presence changed the tone of the game. He brought energy, spacing, and a willingness to shoot that LSU has been missing from the perimeter.
Carter’s first three of the day helped open up the floor, and his 23 minutes of action were filled with hustle and effort on both ends. His defense held up, and his confidence in letting it fly helped LSU find some rhythm from deep - an area that’s been a struggle lately.
The Memphis transfer might not have been in South Carolina’s scouting report as a key threat, but he made his minutes count. And in a conference where every possession matters, that kind of unexpected spark can be a game-changer.
The Bigger Picture
Injuries are never ideal, but they can reveal a lot about a team’s depth - and LSU is starting to see the benefits of its bench. Rashad King, Robert Miller III, and PJ Carter have all stepped into bigger roles, and each has delivered in their own way.
McMahon’s mantra of “impacting winning” isn’t just a slogan - it’s a standard. And these three are proving they belong in that conversation.
As the Tigers continue their SEC grind, don’t be surprised if these names keep showing up in big moments. They’re not just filling in - they’re helping LSU find another gear.