Hello, Joe

Joe Alleva has already been at work at LSU. But today, July 1, is the official start of the Alleva Era.

And how does that era look so far?

Well, on paper, you have got to like the only major hire he's had to make so far -- men's basketball coach Trent Johnson.

The last time LSU had an opening in men's basketball, the Tigers settled for a coach from Samford (John Brady). This time, they hired the reigning Pac-10 Coach of the Year (Johnson).

So I'd say he's off to a better start.

The real key for Alleva, though, may not be in hiring coaches. He's been brought to Baton Rouge to get dollars pumping into the athletic department. There are construction projects and facility projects that have to be paid for and Alleva was brought in to make sure that happens.

We'll learn more about Alleva in the coming years. He certainly has big shoes to fill from Bertman. But he's off to a good start.