LSU adds four-star guard

Four-star shooting guard Brandon Sampson got away from home once when he committed to St. John's during the winter. But, when Steve Lavin was fired and Sampson opened up his recruitment, LSU didn't let him get away again.

Monday morning, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Baton Rouge (La.) Madison Prep who ranks No. 41 in the class of 2015 announced that he would be attending his hometown school and signed a letter of intent.

"Yes, it's LSU," Sampson's high school coach Jeff Jones told Rivals.com. "When Lavin got fired at St. John's it kind of set everything up for them and they were the best choice he had of the teams that were left recruiting him."

A wing scorer who led his team to a 34-0 record inside the state of Louisiana and a state title as a senior, Sampson is best known for his ability to burn the nets from deep. However, he has added some needed bulk to his slender 180-pound frame and he is also an above average athlete who is dangerous when attacking the rim.

Though he isn't a natural point guard, LSU coach Johnny Jones envisions and offense where Sampson or either one of LSU's other two big time commitments -- current No. 1 Ben Simmons and current No. 14 in 2015 Antonio Blakeney -- can help with running the offense.

"They told Brandon that he and Blakeney will get a chance to play some point," said Jones. "Then with Simmons and his ability to handle and pass, they will do it almost like a LeBron situation in Cleveland. LeBron is big and strong and can handle and has guys like Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith and Mike Miller who can stretch the floor. Ben would have Brandon and Blakeney who can help to stretch the floor for him."

The fact that the two highly regarded five-star prospects were already in place was a huge help in persuading Sampson. The Tigers will be set up to compete in the SEC and there will be chances to earn attention from the NBA.

"The NBA guys are going to be in there all the time so he can put himself in good position," said Jones. "With him, Simmons and Blakeney coming in and getting Craig Victor from transfer, they should be able to win a lot of games."