Don't hold your breath that Renardo Sidney will be in shape

Last week, it was Jared Sullinger.

Reports started to leak out of the Lebron James Skills Academy that the hefty Buckeye was cutting some of the baby fat he had last season. There was some dissent around the blogosphere as to whether or not this was a good idea. Sullinger was an all-american last season with the extra weight, and the size of his behind was a large reason he was so effective in the post.

This week, its Renardo Sidney who is reportedly shedding the pounds.

He's been down in Houston for the summer, working out with John Lucas, a man that specializes in helping kids with baggage. Sidney spoke with reporters yesterday, telling them that he has lost 23 pounds from the 320 that he played at last season and that he still has more than 20 to go.



Don't get your hopes up, Mississippi State fans.

We've heard this before. We've been down this road. We've heard Sidney say that he is getting in shape during the offseason. That didn't turn out too well last year, when he struggled to get up and down the court once he finally got eligible.

Look, I'm rooting for Sidney. I don't want to see him fail. I can honestly say that I am rooting for every kid around the country that plays hoops to find personal success and happiness, both on and off the court. The same is true for Sidney. The kid is a product -- and in some ways a victim -- of the AAU culture and summer camp basketball. He's a mega-talent that has never learned how to tap into his ability.

It would be a great story if he could bounce back from the issues that have plagued him since his family decided to move from Mississippi to Southern California, but I'm not expecting anything. We've heard he's changed his ways before with no results, why should we be excited that Sidney is talking a good game again this offseason?

In other words, I'll believe he's getting in shape and taking basketball seriously when I see it.