It doesn’t appear LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension will be lifted anytime soon. Interim Head Coach Tony Benford was asked on today’s SEC coaches teleconference about whether he’ll continue directing the program.
“I haven’t been told otherwise that I’m not going to be, so we will just prepare like we are, like we do going into the Vandy game, just get our guys prepared for the tournament,” said Benford.
LSU’s first game in the SEC tournament is at noon on Friday.
University officials say they suspended Wade after he refused to provide any clarity about the recent reports that suggest he arranged payments to a recruit believed to be freshman guard Javonte Smart. Benford says he expects to hear about Smart’s status Tuesday and freshman big man Naz Reid should be ready to play after sitting out Saturday, because of injuries.
Benford was asked if Wade’s suspension could be a rallying point. He says the team has already been through a lot, starting with the murder of Wayde Sims right before the season started. He says the players have formed a brotherhood.
“This is the closest group I’ve ever been around in my 28 years of coaching at this level,” said Benford. “They trust one another. They trust our staff. They show a great deal of toughness and ability to make plays when they need to.”