LSU, Bridgewater could part ways

Editor’s note: The headline has been edited to reflect the new update. The previous headline read, “LSU declines to renew Brian Bridgewater’s scholarship”

By CODY WORSHAM
Tiger Rag Editor

Update, 5 p.m.

Since news broke early this afternoon, multiple sources have informed Tiger Rag that Brian Bridgewater’s scholarship for 2016-17 has not been declined to be renewed.

According to several sources familiar with the situation, Bridgewater and head coach Johnny Jones met earlier this week to discuss the player’s future and his goals for next season, but at no time was Bridgewater told he would not have a scholarship in 2016-17.

LSU MBB spokesman Kent Lowe says Johnny Jones told him he hasn't had discussions with anyone about Bridgewater not getting schollie next yr.

— Amy Gill (@amygillsports) May 13, 2016

According to NCAA Bylaw 15.3.5.1, LSU has until July 1 to notify Bridgewater, or any other player, if his scholarship will not be renewed.

Original Story

LSU did not renew the scholarship of senior-to-be Brian Bridgewater, according to 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge, which broke the news this afternoon. Two sources confirmed the report to Tiger Rag. LSU has yet to confirm or deny the story.

The 6-foot-5 Baton Rouge native has played two seasons for the Tigers, sitting out his freshman year due to eligibility concerns. Bridgewater averaged 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game as a junior, shooting 47 percent from the floor in 8.0 minutes per game. His best performance of the year was a 7 point, 9 rebound outing vs. the College of Charleston. In 2014-15, he averaged 2.2 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.6 minutes per game.

Bridgewater was a three-star ranked No. 3 in the state of Louisiana in the Class of 2013, per ESPN, with offers from Oklahoma, Arizona, and Baylor.

With Bridgewater’s scholarship available, the Tigers could still add another player in the 2016 class, ranked No. 49 by 247Sports’ Composite rankings. They are still in the hunt for top 100 prospects Charlie Moore, a four-star point guard from Chicago, and Deshawn Corprew, a four-star small forward from Virginia. LSU could also leave the scholarship open past the May 18 deadline for National Letter of Intent signatures, or add a player via transfer, a tactic successful in the past with players like Charles Carmouche, Keith Hornsby and current Tiger Craig Victor.