Matt McMahon explains starting lineup change between Trae Hannibal, Jalen Cook

Matt McMahon made a switch to LSU’s lineup by moving Jalen Cook to the bench and making Trae Hannibal a starter. It was a choice that he felt was best and was one that had positive results this weekend.

McMahon explained the decision during his postgame press conference after the 95-75 win for the Tigers over Arkansas on Saturday. As far as a reasoning, he said it was nothing more than something they thought they needed to try.

“Just a coach’s decision,” said McMahon. “I thought we needed to change. Really, that’s all there is to it.”

Through 21 games, McMahon says that LSU is still mixing and matching their minutes to find the right mix. That means inserting and removing different players from different spots if it means that they’ll perform better or, better yet, help the team be more successful come the final buzzer.

“I think, sometimes, everyone gets so concerned – ‘Who starts?’, ‘Who does this?’, ‘Who does that?’. The ultimate goal is just, for us, to find ways to win. And for each player to perform at their very best,” McMahon stated. “So, sometimes? You change.”

“Whether that’s coming off the bench to where you get to see what’s happening on the floor, helps you refocus and lock in on doing the things that you need to do to help your team,” McMahon added. “I think you’re still searching. Like, I love our team but we’re still learning the best combinations, who plays well together. Just trying to find those right combinations.”

Cook has been one of the Tigers’ leading scorers since joining the lineup after becoming eligible. In 11 games, he had averaged 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. As for Hannibal, he had played in 20 games this season with Saturday being his first start. In those appearances during his second season with the team, he has averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals.

Against the ‘Hogs, Hannibal finished with a similar line to his averages. He posted six points, six boards, four assists, and a pair of steals in 29 minutes while making all of his attempts for the day. Then, in the 21 minutes for Cook as a reserve, he went for 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals while shooting 5-8 (62.5) from the field, including 3-5 (60%) from three.

It’s up to the head coach to find the best arrangement when it comes to his lineup. That’s why, after the decision went as well as it did against the Razorbacks, McMahon was glad for both Hannibal and Cook in their new roles.

“I thought both guys handled it exceptionally well and, obviously, loved the result that came from it.”