Boot Up: The LSU Basketball Podcast
By LSU
Boot Up: The LSU Basketball PodcastMar 24, 2019
Tourney Time
Cody is back from Disney, but he left most of his brain behind. Harrison's cough has returned too, but the guys power through to break down LSU's chances of making a run at the SEC Tournament this week and NCAA Tournament next week. Plus, Harrison breaks down his new longform feature on Tari Eason, up now at LSUSports.net.
Adam Miller AKA Ace Wolf on Rehab, Wearing No. 44, and What's to Come in 2022-23
An exclusive interview with LSU sophomore guard Adam Miller [8:37] as he works his way back from a preseason ACL tear that has sidelined him for the 2021-22 season.
Miller, expected to be LSU's leading scorer prior to his injury, discusses his rehab process, the mentality of Chicago player, his affinity for LSU even before his recruitment began, and how he hopes to honor Wayde Sims and the Sims family while wearing No. 44.
Back after the regular season to preview the SEC Tournament and, hopefully, look back at a three-game Tiger winning streak.
In Chaos, There is Opportunity
LSU has two more wins. Xavier Pinson, Tari Eason, and Brandon Murray are the best trio in college basketball. Eason is a historically great two-way player. And the Tigers have a big five-game stretch ahead of them.
All that and more on today's Boot Up.
Rational Takes + Xavier Pinson Exclusive Interview (from the preseason)
Cody and Harrison are back to break down LSU's wins over Texas A&M and the losses in between, including what went right against the Aggies and what has gone wrong against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and TCU.
They also discuss their favorite wins of the Will Wade era, after The General picked up Win No. 100 at LSU.
Finally, Xavier Pinson, who made his return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, joins the show for an interview that took place in the preseason.
Will Wade Unfiltered on NIL, Getting Healthy, Fouls, and More
Sometimes, Will Wade is at his most honest and candid when the results are going the wrong way.
The injury bug, poor finishing around the rim, and an unexpected defensive slide has seen LSU struggle in recent weeks, losing five of six after a 15-1 start to the season.
Wade didn't shy away from any of that at Thursday's edition of Will Wade Unfiltered, live from Walk-Ons. Nor did he shy away from questions about NIL, officiating, or how to battle through an incredible run of injuries.
On today's show, we hear from The General on what he can control, what he cannot, and how the Tigers can grind out the wins they need down the stretch to make a run once they get healthy.
Keep Climbing
The Tigers finished the toughest stretch of the season with three straight losses.
Harrison and Cody are here to tell you why there's reason for concern but no reason to panic.
After all, the best views come after the roughest climbs.
Will Wade Unfiltered LIVE
Come join us for the next edition of Will Wade Unfiltered. We'll be back at Walk On's in February. Stay tuned for event details.
Coup de Grace: Tigers Top Kentucky to Rebound from Auburn
Harrison and Cody are back to break down a tale of two contests – the first loss of the season at Auburn and the biggest win of the season vs. Kentucky.
On the table for discussion are Brandon Murray's importance to LSU, Eric Gaines' impact in defeat and victory, the historic dominance of LSU's "junk defense," and more.
(Editor's note: Cody hinted at a Brandon Murray interview to play after this episode – for the sake of time and production, we'll save that for another episode. Apologies!)
Our Boot: LA Tech & Lipscomb Wins + SEC Play Arrives
10-0 + Shareef O'Neal on Life After Heart Surgery, the NIL Era, and Learning from Shaq
The Tigers are 10-0 for the first time in two decades. Colonel Kent returns with a dispatch to set the table, then Cody and Harrison break down the Georgia Tech and Northwestern State games, highlight why Will Wade's program is thriving, and discuss Xavier Pinson's impact on the LSU offense.
After that, Shareef O'Neal (42:30) joins the podcast in an interview taped during the preseason. This week marked the three year anniversary of Shareef's open heart surgery, and he opens up for the first time on the ups and downs on his road to recovery. Plus, we talk NIL and what he learned from his father, both in basketball and branding.
Will Wade Unfiltered (And Live!)
A special live episode of Boot Up with Will Wade, who sat down with me at L'Auberge on Wednesday to look back at LSU's 8-0 start, the hell of a reset his team has enjoyed since a shaky offensive showing against Ohio, the play of Tari Eason, the schedule ahead, and more.
A Hell of a Reset + Tari Eason Talks Meditation, Motivation, and Moon Landings
Tari Eason joins the podcast for an exclusive interview to break down his game, why he transferred to LSU, how meditation and positive affirmations keep him locked in mentally, and why he thinks the moon landing was faked (45:33).
Before that, Cody and Harrison break down LSU's last three wins in their 8-0 start, discuss their No. 2 place in the first NET rankings of the season and a debut in the Top 25, the defensive dominance – both team and individual – and the offense that Will Wade says needs a "hell of a reset" during LSU's 10-day break from competition.
We've Got Good Players
LSU's 83-53 win over Belmont got Will Wade fired up.
Cody's solo today and breaks down the Tigers' win over the Bruins, Wade's postgame press conference, the combo of Darius Days and Tari Eason, and Wade's message to the team in Adam Miller's absence.
Darius Days Exclusive Interview + Happy Camper
Will Wade's team may be 4-0, but he's not a happy camper.
Cody and Harrison talk General Trends after the Tigers' fast start to the season, what's working on defense, LSU's spurtability on offense, the consistency of Darius Days, the improvement of Eric Gaines (Da Real One), the balance of the lineup, and a TRIPLE DISPATCH from Colonel Kent as we get ready for Belmont on Monday.
After that, Darius Days (49:55) sits down for an exclusive 1 on 1 interview, discussing his motivation this offseason, his new and improved diet, and his transition from Farm Life to LSU superstar.
Boot Up.
Rule #1: Always Be Prepared to Boot Up
Rule #2: No Coughing
Rule #3: It's Bourgeois
Rule #4: No Excuses. Play Like a Champion.
Burius Treys
LSU tipped the 2021-22 season off in style on Tuesday, knocking off ULM 101-39 (that's not a typo) behind 30 points from the red hot Darius Days and some suffocating defense.
Cody and Harrison break down Days' offensive outburst, where his game has developed over four season, and what to expect moving forward.
They also discuss the steadiness of Xavier Pinson, the explosiveness of Eric Gaines, the skill of Efton Reid, and how different this defense is from previous units under General Will Wade.
Plus, your questions, Colonel Kent's latest dispatch, and more.
Will Wade Previews the 2021-22 season + Recapping the final press conference of the preseason
Here Comes the General.
Will Wade joins Boot Up (25:19) to discuss plenty of big picture items, from his staff to lessons learned heading into year five as the General of LSU Basketball.
Before that, Cody and Harrison recap LSU's final press conference of the preseason, featuring Wade and Xavier Pinson.
What We Learned from LSU's Exhibition Win Over Nicholls
Cody and Harrison break down LSU's 74-62 exhibition win over Nicholls, with help from Colonel Kent Lowe.
We highlight Tari Eason's dominant day, Eric Gaines' distribution, the team's potential for defensive improvement, Alex Fudge's flashes of athleticism, and more.
We also take questions about the backcourt, lineup configurations, and more.
Inside Preseason Practice
On today's episode of Boot Up, we go inside LSU Basketball practice to get some insight on a new look Tigers team as they prepare for the 2021-22 season.
In particular, we take a closer look at Darius Days, Mwani Wilkinson, and Xavier Pinson, the leaders of the Tigers in 21-22, as well as some newcomers who have stood out this fall.
Thanks to our friends at Cards and Culture, the presenting sponsors of Boot Up all season long.
NBA Draft Preview with Will Wade and Kent Lowe
Welcome to Season 4 of Boot Up: The LSU Basketball Podcast.
On today's show, we preview the NBA Draft dreams of Cam Thomas, Javonte Smart, and Trendon Watford with head coach Will Wade and LSU Basketball SID Kent Lowe.
Coach Wade tells an incredible travel story of recruiting Cam Thomas on his birthday and trying to maintain punctuality with his mom, and Kent offers insight into the increasing presence of Tigers in the NBA.
The Tigers Geaux Marching On
A quick podcast recapping LSU's 76-61 win over St. Bonaventure and previewing a Round of 32 matchup with Michigan.
Breakdowns of Aundre Hyatt's career performance, Cam Thomas' takeover moment, Josh Gray's potential impact, and Kent Lowe's nationally-televised shout out.
Tourney Talk with Hunt Palmer and Kent Lowe
Hunt Palmer, host of Hoops with Hunt, joins the show to recap the SEC Tournament and preview the NCAA Tournament.
Then we go inside the bubble to Kent's Korner. LSU Basketball SID Kent Lowe breaks down life in Indianapolis as the Tigers gear up for Saturday's matchup with St. Bonaventure.
#AskCody: Consistency, Cam, Cook, and Conference Tourney Talk
A different approach to today's episode.
LSUSports.net student digital writer Harrison Valentine takes the microphone to ask Cody a few questions as the Tigers prep for their conference finale and the start of postseason play.
We talk Jalen Cook's recent emergence, Cam Thomas' increased efficiency and potential to catch fire, Darius Days' splits, and LSU's consistency under Will Wade.
The Bellwether
After losing four of five, LSU righted the ship with a 94-80 win over Mississippi State.
On today's show, we zoom in on the State victory to find building blocks for the Tigers as they approach March. That includes the complete performance of Javonte Smart, the return of Darius Days, and the role of Aundre Hyatt.
We also look at the Tigers' huge matchup with Tennessee, while taking a look back at the last four NCAA Tournaments. Each March, one team who slumped in January or February makes a run. Can the Tigers be that team in 2021?
Separation Time
Four games into SEC play, we look back on LSU's 8-2 start to the season, the importance of Darius Days, the emergence of Eric Gaines, and how LSU's brand of small ball projects moving forward into a critical three-game homestand and beyond.
Josh LeBlanc Debuts and Boot Up Goes Live
LSU is 4-1, fresh off an 88-66 win over Sam Houston State featuring another incredibly efficient Javonte Smart performance and the debut of defensive wunderkind Josh LeBlanc, the Tigers' junk yard dog.
After we break down the win in Will Wade's absence, we play back the tape of Boot Up's first ever live episode, recorded last Thursday via Zoom with LSU Basketball season ticket holders.
Cameron Thomas is a Machine, Trendon Watford is a Star, and I've Got a Scoop
Basketball was back in the PMAC for the first time in 268 days on Monday, the third game of the season for the Tigers.
We've learned a lot in a short time -- Trendon Watford has improved, Cameron Thomas is built for this, and the defense is a work in progress.
We break down that and more on today's show, including my first scoop in a while, short-lived as it was, and a new personality (emphasis on the tea) you'll want to know.
Links:
My Recap of LSU's Win Over Southeastern
Upstream Thinking
Despite his team winning 20 games, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, and finishing second in the SEC in 2019-20, Will Wade opted for an offseason overhaul before 2020-21.
Some frank conversations with players like Javonte Smart, Darius Days, and Trendon Watford made Wade realize the Tigers had to reorganize the program. On the court, Wade took more control. Off the court, his players took more control.
The result is a coach and a team as confident as they've ever been heading into Thursday's season opener against SIU-Edwardsville and Saturday's tipoff against Saint Louis.
Hear from Will Wade, Javonte Smart, and Trendon Watford ahead of a season full of as much potential as any in recent years for the Tigers.
Skylar Mays on His Journey to LSU and Beyond
Skylar Mays is about to take off. The former Tiger basketball star and the greatest student-athlete in school history is ready for his next step: the NBA. Before that, we sat down with Mays (in June) for a conversation about his time at LSU. His story is full of heartbreak, triumph, resilience, and determination. No one has had to overcome more than Skylar. No one has been able to achieve more than Skylar. Enjoy one final conversation with an LSU legend before his NBA career begins in full.
All the Pieces Matter
New season, new theme song, new team to break down.
Will Wade met with the media Tuesday to discuss his 2020-21 roster, some big changes defensively, the depth of this year's team, the status of the schedule, and much more.
We break it all down on today's episode.
Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review, and share the podcast with your friends ahead of a new season.
Will Wade Breaks Down LSU's Elite 2020 Recruiting Class
A top-five class (that may not be finished) has Will Wade thinking his next team could be his best team. Coach Wade joins the show today to break down LSU's 2020 hoops class, currently ranked No. 5 nationally. The group features the son of an LSU legend (Shareef O'Neal), the best scoring guard in the country (Cameron Thomas), a point guard with Tremont Waters' passing ability and explosive length (Eric Gaines), Louisiana's Mr. Basketball (Jalen Cook), a 17-year-old high-flyer from Vegas (Mwani Wilkinson), a rebounding machine from California (Bradley Ezewiro), and a versatile, defensively-gifted transfer who practiced all spring with the Tigers (Josh LeBlanc). Read the recap of LSU's 2020 class here: https://lsusports.net/news/2020/4/16/mens-basketball-elite-2020-class-gives-will-wade-hope-for-best-team-yet.aspx
Tigers United: Cole Henry and Eric Walker, LSU Baseball
LSU Baseball's pitching staff was off to a historic start in 2020. Then, the outbreak of a pandemic changed everything.
Today's episode of Tigers United features Cole Henry and Eric Walker (6:58), two of the Tigers' top arms, who check in from their homes on how they're adapting to life in the social distancing age. They talk missing the day to day grind of a baseball team, living meal to meal, finding ways to work out and throw, the uncertainty of their futures, what they're watching, and how difficult it is to cut off a championship chase before it even really gets started.
Watch the interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lsusportsnet/videos
Tigers United: Skylar Mays and Ruby Harrold
A new podcast series from LSU Athletics: Tigers United.
So many times in life, we're defined by the things that divide us. But sometimes we all go through something together. And we're reminded of the things that unite us.
Right now, in some form or another, we're all going through the same thing. And we're all united by a sense of loss and how to cope with it.
On one end of the scale, there are those who are fighting for their lives, fighting for their health, fighting for the lives of other people. And wherever you are in that fight, know you're not alone.
But up and down the scale, from most serious to least serious, we're all dealing with some sort of loss. Maybe it's a job. Maybe it's school. Maybe it's time spent with loved ones or the ability to go work out in a gym or eat out at a restaurant for dinner.
For Ruby Harrold and Skylar Mays, one of the losses they're dealing with right now is a loss that so many other student athletes across the country are figuring out how to cope with. Both of their collegiate careers were cut short because of the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Neither got the chance to finish their careers at LSU the way they deserved. After all the hard work and the heartache. After all the sacrifice and the celebration. They just ended.
Earlier this week, they joined me for the first in a series of conversations we're calling Tigers United.
Each episode we're going to hear from LSU student athletes, staff, and coaches, on how they're navigating this new world we're all living in. We'll talk mental health and physical health. We'll look back on the past, and we'll look forward to the future.
You can find every episode at LSUSports.net, as well as on our Hey Fightin' Podcast and Boot Up: The LSU Basketball Podcast feeds.
We all come from different places. We all play different sports. We all have different obstacles to overcome. But now as always, we're all Tigers, and we're all united.
SEC Tournament Preview with Chris Blair, the Voice of the Tigers
Cody and Chris sit down to preview the SEC Tournament. They talk bracketology, ideal matchups for Friday night's tipoff, LSU finding consistency heading into postseason, the play of Marlon Taylor, Javonte Smart, and Darius Days, last minute packing, and much more.
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On the Right Path + Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
On today's show, we talk LSU's NCAA Tournament resume, why Will Wade thinks his team is on the right track, how consistency is key for this season's team and for the program as a whole, and we play the full press conference from Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who met with the media for nearly 30 minutes last week ahead of his jersey retirement Saturday.
Cruising Along Atop the SEC + Charles Manning is Back
Back after a short break. The bad news: LSU lost two games since we last spoke.
The good news: LSU won its last game and remains atop the SEC.
The great news: Charles Manning is back.
On today's show, we talk about the impact Manning's return will have on both sides of the ball, and Will Wade breaks down why LSU's three-point defense has struggled lately.
Tyrus Thomas + Finding An Identity and Beating the Computers
Tyrus Thomas, former LSU legend and NBA lottery pick, joins the show, for the first of what we hope to be many episodes together.
Tyrus helps break down LSU's 90-76 win over Alabama and the Tigers' nine-game winning streak and 7-0 start to SEC play.
Topics covered:
- Beating the computers
- Finishing games
- Similarities between 2006 Final Four team and 2020 team
- LSU's relentless crashing of the offensive glass
- Skylar Mays going old school from midrange
- Emmitt Williams' motor and contagious energy
- Will Wade maximizing strengths, minimizing weaknesses, and finding an identity
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Skylar Mays' MVP Performance, LSU's 6-0 Start, and Sitting Down with Emmitt Williams
LSU is 6-0 in the SEC after a critical 84-82 win over Florida. The finish wasn't pretty, but the result was.
On today's show we talk:
- Skylar Mays' patient approach and SEC Player of the Year candidacy
- Replacing Charles Manning's minutes
- The emergence of Aundre Hyatt
- The resurgence of Marlon Taylor
- A few minutes with Emmitt Williams on how his game transformed over the summer
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Trendon Watford is Purple and Gold to His Core
On today's show, we sit down with LSU freshman Trendon Watford for a 1-on-1 conversation with one of the most talented players in the country.
Topics covered:
- Adjusting to life at LSU
- Growing up tall and adding skill
- Why he idolizes Kobe Bryant
- Playing in Staples Center
- Why he loves the Tigers' big lineup
- Finding his form at the free throw line
Coffee is for Closers + Complementary Basketball
On today's show, we break down LSU's non-conference slate and preview the start of SEC play, with Will Wade's talk at his monthly tip-off luncheon on Thursday serving as a guide.
Topics covered:
- LSU finding its identity in complementary basketball
- NET rankings and NCAA Tournament outlook
- Emmitt Williams' key to success
- Charles Manning's emergence
- Javonte Smart's transition to point guard
- Finding a closer and finishing games better
- Aundre Hyatt's increasing role
- Previewing the SEC opener vs. Tennessee
Back next week with more.
Will Wade Previews the 2019-20 Season
With LSU just three days away from tipping off the 2019-2020 season at home against Bowling Green, head coach Will Wade joined Boot Up: The LSU Basketball Podcast to recap the Tigers’ 83-70 exhibition win over Louisiana and to preview the season ahead.
Topics covered include:
- Darius Days vs. Marshall Henderson
- Charles Manning's dissertation
- Javonte Smart's leadership
- The development of Trendon Watford and James Bishop
- Emmitt Williams' new outlook
- Marlon Taylor's status
- Joe Burrow's basketball abilities
An Amalgamation of Ice and Fire...and a Recap of SEC Media Days
LSU made its way to Birmingham on Wednesday for Tipoff20, aka SEC Media Days, the unofficial start of the 2019-20 season.
Javonte Smart. Skylar Mays. Will Wade. Kent Freaking Lowe. All the stars were on display, and there is plenty to talk about after LSU made its tour of the Grand Bohemian Hotel.
Today, we hear from Smart, Mays, and Wade (no Lowe, unfortunately) as they made all the stops, and we break down some storylines going into the season just 22 days before it tips off at home against Bowling Green.
Topics covered include:
- Replacing Tremont Waters, Naz Reid, and Kavell Bigby-Williams
- Javonte's return to full-time point guard duties
- What makes Will Wade cry
- Trendon Watford's role
- Charles Manning Jr.'s stock rising
- The definition of amalgamation
Topics not covered include
- Javonte's fear of cats
- Skylar's career as a trumpeter in the marching band
- Kent Lowe's bowling handicap
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Bootin' Up in España
A special summer episode of Boot Up, as LSU wraps up its August practice sessions before heading to Spain for its once-every-four-years international summer trip.
First, we break down the new roster, including the newcomers for the Tigers, as well as the growth of the veterans. Will Wade talks playing smaller and faster, developing a motion offense, and building a team identity before and during the Spain trip.
After that, we sit down with LSU guards Javonte Smart and Skylar Mays, the Tigers' Bayou Backcourt. Skylar and Javonte give an overview of the new and returning faces on the roster, talk about growing in Baton Rouge and representing LSU, and preview the trip to Spain.
Sweet 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
The nation's capital is swept up in the #BootUp movement. We start today's show with a quick sitdown with the most famous person to ever appear on the podcast.
After that very serious conversation, we dive deep into Michigan State. We talk personnel, offensive and defensive tendencies, and maybe some areas LSU can try to take advantage of, as they prepare to face perhaps the best team they've faced all season.
Bonus Episode: Sounds from the Locker Room
Survive and Advance
LSU tops Yale 79-74 for the program's first NCAA Tournament win in a decade, and we storm the locker room after to talk about all the relevant topics as the Tigers prepare to take their shot at the Sweet 16.
- Skylar Mays on keeping the team connected
- Tremont Waters on the emotions of his NCAA Tournament debut
- Assistant coach Greg Heiar on game planning against the Bulldogs
- Marlon Taylor on shutting down a future pro and the Ivy League Player of the Year
- Heiar on flipping the page to the next opponent on just two days turnaround
Lots of audio from postgame, and plenty of breakdown on how the Tigers started fast and finished not so fast to beat Yale. I also throw out a theory as to why the Tigers' shooting fell off from a torrid first half to a tepid second half.
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Let's Dance
The NCAA Tournament is here, and LSU is set to take on Yale in the first batch of Thursday games.
On today's show, we break down Yale's roster and how it matches up with LSU. We also talk to Kavell Bigby-Williams and Skylar Mays about their NCAA Tournament memories and what the Tigers need to fix after losing to Florida in the SEC Tournament.
I'm in Jacksonville covering the team, so stay tuned for more updates from the tournament.
Bonus Episode: The Managers
Just the audio of my chat with Corey Vinson, William Harrell, and Mitchell Fillinger, three of the managers for the LSU Basketball team. We talk about the high demands of their jobs, the networking opportunities and lessons they've learned, and, of course, the all-important Manager Games, where they take on the managers from other schools throughout the season.
Follow them on Twitter @LSUMBBManagers so you can vote to help them advance in the Manager Games, which begin this month.
Cutting Down Nets and Inside the Grind of the LSU Basketball Managers
On today's episode, we recap LSU's 80-59 win over Vanderbilt and hear from Skylar Mays, Marshall Graves, and Tremont Waters on what it was like to cut down the nets and celebrate the Tigers' 11th ever SEC title. Graves, a former walk-on, hit four threes to help LSU clinch the title, while Mays and Waters assumed critical leadership roles during a roller coaster week of a roller coaster season.
After that, I sit down with Corey Vinson, William Harrell, and Mitchell Fillinger, three of the managers for the LSU Basketball team. We talk about the high demands of their jobs, the networking opportunities and lessons they've learned, and, of course, the all-important Manager Games, where they take on the managers from other schools throughout the season.
Follow them on Twitter @LSUMBBManagers so you can vote to help them advance in the Manager Games, which begin this month.
Road Warriors Return Home Seeking an SEC Championship
Go back in time with me.
It's May 2018. LSU has just finished, by all accounts, a successful season, a season of marked improvement.
But Will Wade wasn't satisfied, because he's a competitor, and he hated losing seven straight SEC road games.
So he hit the road, to learn and adapt and correct those road woes.
Fast forward to present day, and LSU has made history, winning all nine SEC road games and setting the stage for an SEC title on Saturday vs. Vanderbilt.
On today's show, we recap that road resurgence, hear from Tremont Waters, Skylar Mays, and Emmitt Williams on the Florida win and the task at hand vs. Vanderbilt, and finish with a scouting report of the Commodores.
Here's a link to the story I reference in today's long introduction.
Mailbag: Conference Title Talk, NCAA Seeding, Bama Recap, Florida Preview, and more
Lots to talk about today. We recap LSU's 74-69 win over Alabama, talk about the return of Tremont Waters and the growth of Javonte Smart, and touch on Skylar Mays and Naz Reid's consistency and just how damn good this team has been in the final five minutes of games.
We then preview Florida, the type of "gritty, grimy" team that Will Wade said earlier this season would end the Tigers' season. A win, and LSU plays for an SEC title on Saturday.
Finally, we get to your mailbag questions, where we talk NCAA Tournament seeding, Achilles heels, Emmitt Williams, and more.
Here's a link to the Eye on College Basketball podcast, which we excerpt from to discuss seeding.