March Madness has always been a time of unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and inspiring Cinderella stories. One of the most memorable tournament runs in recent history was that of the 2006 LSU Tigers basketball team. Led by head coach John Brady, this group of resilient and talented players captivated the nation, making their way to the Final Four in Indianapolis, a feat that solidified their place in LSU basketball history.
Now, nearly two decades later, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive the Tigers’ incredible journey to the 2006 Final Four.
The Season Begins: A Team with Championship Aspirations
The 2005-06 LSU Tigers entered the season with high expectations. Their roster was stacked with NBA-bound talent, including future pros Tyrus Thomas and Glen “Big Baby” Davis. It was clear early on that this team had the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers started strong, winning their first seven games and climbing the national rankings. However, SEC play proved to be a challenge, as LSU suffered tough losses against Florida and Alabama in February, but instead of faltering, the team rallied, finishing the regular season with an impressive 27-9 record,
SEC Tournament: Earning a Ticket to the Big Dance
With momentum on their side, LSU entered the SEC Tournament determined to solidify their NCAA Tournament bid.
Championship Thriller: LSU advanced to the Tournament championship game after knocking off Vanderbilt 92-73 in the Semi-Finals but would go on to lose to the Florida Gators 65-81 in the championship game.
Road to the Final Four: Knocking Off College Basketball’s Giants
As the No. 4 seed in the Atlanta Region, LSU faced a challenging path to the Final Four, with college basketball powerhouses Duke, Texas, and #3 Seed Iowa standing in their way.
First & Second Round: Gaining Confidence
LSU vs. Iona (80-64) – A dominant opening-round victory set the tone for the Tigers.
LSU vs. Texas A&M (58-57) – A gritty, hard-fought win advanced LSU to the Sweet 16.
Sweet 16: Shocking No. 1 Duke
One of the biggest upsets of the tournament came when the LSU Tigers stunned top-seeded Duke, 62-54.
Key Performances:
- Glen Davis (14 points, 5 rebounds)
- Tyrus Thomas (9 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks)
The Tigers’ defense suffocated Duke’s J.J. Redick, holding the Naismith Player of the Year candidate to just 3-of-18 shooting.
Elite Eight: Taking Down No. 2 Texas
Just days after defeating Duke, LSU faced another massive challenge, No. 2 seed Texas, led by LaMarcus Aldridge.
Final Score: 70-60 – LSU secured their first Final Four berth since 1986, becoming only the second team in NCAA history to knock out both the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in their region.
Final Four Bound: Facing UCLA
The Tigers’ magical run led them to the Final Four in Indianapolis, where they met a battle-tested UCLA squad. Despite LSU’s incredible momentum, UCLA’s smothering defense proved too much, as the Tigers fell 59-45 in a tough loss. While the dream of a national championship ended, LSU’s historic tournament run left a lasting legacy.
The Legacy of the 2006 LSU Tigers
The 2006 team may not have won the national championship, but their resilience, grit, and unforgettable upsets made them one of the most memorable squads in March Madness history.
- Set a New Standard for LSU Basketball – Proved that LSU could compete with the best programs in the country.
- Inspired Future Tigers – Their success paved the way for future LSU teams to believe in their championship potential.
- Highlighted Defensive Dominance – LSU’s ability to shut down elite scorers became a defining characteristic of the program.
Where Are They Now?
Many key players from the 2006 LSU Tigers went on to have successful careers in the NBA and beyond:
- Tyrus Thomas – Drafted 4th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, played for the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Bobcats (Now known and the Charlotte Hornets).
- Glen “Big Baby” Davis – Played a key role in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 NBA Championship run.
- Garrett Temple – Built a long and successful NBA career playing for a number of NBA tames, known for his defensive prowess. Temple is currently playing for the Toronto Raptors.
- Tasmin Mitchell – Mitchell is an assistant coach with LSU.
- Coach John Brady – Coached LSU until 2008, later leading Arkansas State, and retired from coaching after the 2015-2016 season.
Final Thoughts: A Team to Remember
The 2006 LSU Tigers will always be remembered as one of the most electrifying teams in program history. Their fearless play, defensive tenacity, and thrilling upsets created a March Madness run for the ages.
Even though they fell short of a championship, they proved that LSU basketball belonged among the elite. Their journey remains an inspiration for future generations of Tigers, and a reminder that anything is possible in March Madness.
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