On Thursday Night, LSU Guard Cam Carter returned to Manhattan, Kansas to take on the Wildcats. Carter was returning to the place where he played for two seasons including a run to the Elite Eight two seasons ago. Cam Carter was met with a standing ovation when he was introduced as the fans thanked him for his contributions to the program.
Kansas State fans gave Cam Carter a standing ovation during starting lineups now that he’s back in town with LSU. pic.twitter.com/rauMwLQZFD
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) November 15, 2024
LSU Head Coach Matt McMahon gave the fanbase a ton of credit for the ovation as it was an awesome moment for Cam Carter.
"One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen in my time in coaching was when he was announced in starting lineups and the whole place gave him a standing ovation I think that’s a great credit to this fan base here in Manhattan. It really was one one of the best things I’ve seen."Matt McMahon
From that point on, it wasn't all love as Carter was dominating his former team putting up 20 points in his return. As LSU dominated this game they shutdown Coleman Hawkins who took his frustrations out running right through Cam Carter as LSU tried to dribble the clock out.
Coleman Hawkins was ready to start the Malice in Manhattan @MarkTitusShow
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 15, 2024
pic.twitter.com/UKnNPSsg7g
After the game Carter spoke on the moment and took some of the blame even though Hawkins should've let LSU dribble the game out.
"I heard him saying he was going to steal the ball, and I was trying to stop him from stealing the ball. I wasn’t trying to intentionally foul him. I was trying to give him a little bump to stop his path."Cam Carter
The moment on the court carried into the Post Game as Hawkins charged at Carter taking exception for something Carter did.
WATCH:
— Landon Reinhardt (@landonian87) November 15, 2024
K-State's Coleman Hawkins and LSU's Cam Carter had to be restrained after the Tigers knocked off the Wildcats
The two were jawing at each other at the end of the game and it carried over after handshakes pic.twitter.com/e0AmK40r7W
"It was a foul. It’s all good, though. I guess he felt some type of way. It was kind of a dirty play on my part, so I apologize."Cam Carter
Carter's former Coach Jerome Tang didn't see the moment so he didn't speak on it but, he did share his love for Carter with the media.
"I love Cam Carter and I am so thankful for him and what he gave to K-State. I was a little more emotional than I thought I would be seeing him. But then it stunk watching him play"Jerome Tang
Cam Carter is leading LSU to a turnaround
Heading into the season, LSU was predicted to finish at ot near the bottom of the SEC by nearly everyone that shared their opinion. Games like Thursday Night show you how LSU can exceed expectations and return to the NCAA Tournament. LSU has a true number one in Carter who can close out games for LSU which will play a massive role in winning some tough SEC games.