| Good Tuesday morning, everyone. I know we're virtually on the eve of LSU preseason football practice beginning Thursday, but a moment please to tip the hat (or football helmet) to an amazing former Tiger: Garrett Temple. The 37-year old Temple has just signed with the Toronto Raptors, our Christian Clark tells us, a $3.2 million deal that may seem modest by NBA salary standards. But the fact that this will be his 14th season in The Association is not insignificant. Yes, he's been a journeyman. Toronto will be his 12th NBA franchise, including a just-completed two-year stint with the Pelicans. He's averaged only 6.2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game for his entire career. But Temple has put in the time. Only the great Shaquille O'Neal lasted more seasons than Temple (19) among LSU players to make it to the NBA. In terms of games played among former Tigers, only O'Neal (1,207), Bob Pettit (792 in 11 seasons) and Brandon Bass (758 in 12 seasons) logged more. The secret to his success? Temple once put it this way. "Professionalism," he said. "That’s the number one thing I say, man. If you’re a role player, you can’t be a headache. Because you’re a dime a dozen. They can find another one of you. Professionalism will make you stand out from the bunch." Well said, sir. Here's to Garrett Temple and his continuing journey through his profession. Back to football, where Wilson Alexander tells us LSU has added a pair of commitments in the past couple of days. We tell you who and what they do here. Next, Wilson and Patrick Magee check in with five freshmen most likely to make an impact in 2023. Our countdown to kickoff marked 34 days until LSU's Sept. 3 season opener against Florida State in Orlando. So our excerpt from my book, "LSU By The Numbers" focuses on the Tigers' best No. 34, Pro Football Hall of Famer Johnny Robinson. Finally, moment please for another pat on the back to our own Wilson Alexander. The Football Writers Association of America on Monday named him winner of the fourth annual Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award, named after the late, well-liked and well-respected ESPN reporter. Wilson, who won the LSWA Story of the Year award this past weekend for his excellent feature on LSU quarterback David Woodley, is a great talent and a great colleague. And, if you press him, he will share with you the tale of catching a foul ball on the fly while watching his beloved Atlanta Braves this summer. OK, that's enough back slapping for one newsletter. Have a great day, stay hydrated (these sizzling temperatures will start to simmer down eventually) and join us again Thursday. Scott Rabalais | 