Saoirse Downs
LSU Basketball has seen a lot of changes in its roster recently, with key players like Kateri Poole and Sa'Myah Smith no longer on the team. The Tigers also lost one of their best players, Tyrell Ward, who left the program to focus on his mental health. However, there is also some good news for the team, as Jalen Reed, a rising senior forward, will return for the 2025 season after recovering from an injury. The LSU Basketball program is currently in rebuilding mode and is making a strong push for top players in the transfer portal, with coach Matt McMahon expressing confidence in their ability to sign talented players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| LSU Basketball Team's recent losses | Kateri Poole, Tyrell Ward, Vyctorius Miller, Mike Williams, Corey Chest |
| LSU Basketball Team's recent gains | Ronald Dupree, Yasir Rosemond, Jalen Reed, Dedan Thomas Jr., TJ and TK Simpkins |
| LSU Basketball Team's current coach | Matt McMahon |
| LSU Basketball Team's current players | Flau'jae Johnson, Last-Tear Poa, Jasmine Carson, Angel Reese, Sa'Myah Smith, Jalen Reece |
| LSU Basketball Team's current status | In the process of rebuilding for the 2025-26 season |
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What You'll Learn
LSU's Kateri Poole is no longer with the team
LSU Tigers coach Kim Mulkey has confirmed that Kateri Poole is no longer a member of the team. Poole, a 5-foot-8 junior guard, appeared in four games this season for the No. 7 Tigers.
Poole did not play on November 14 against Kent State due to a "coach's decision," and only saw the floor for five minutes in the next game against Southeastern Louisiana. She was last on the bench with LSU against Texas Southern but did not play.
Mulkey declined to comment on whether Poole's departure was a dismissal, a mutual agreement, or Poole's decision. Poole was a key player for the Tigers during their national championship run last season, starting all six NCAA Tournament games and appearing in all 35. She averaged 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 22 minutes per game.
Poole's absence adds to a string of issues for the Tigers this season. The team lost its season opener against Colorado, and there have been reports of "locker room issues." Additionally, star forward Angel Reese, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 women's NCAA tournament, missed four games in November for undisclosed reasons.
Despite Poole's contributions to the team's success last season, LSU has other impactful players in their rotation, including Flau'jae Johnson, Last-Tear Poa, and Jasmine Carson. With these players, LSU still has a strong chance of contending for the national title.
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Jalen Reed to return for senior season
Jalen Reed is set to return to LSU for his senior season in 2025-26, which will be his fourth year with the team. The 6'10" forward from Jackson, Mississippi, has been a key player for the Tigers, starting all eight games he played in the 2024-25 season before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Before his injury, Reed was in excellent form, averaging 11.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and one block per game, with a field goal percentage of 60.4%. His presence on the court helped LSU achieve a strong 7-1 start to the season. Unfortunately, his season was cut short in a game against Florida State on December 3, 2024, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament. Despite this setback, Reed remained dedicated to the team, staying with them throughout his rehabilitation process.
Now, with Reed's return for his senior season, there is renewed optimism for the Tigers. His size, efficiency, and scoring ability will be crucial for the team's performance. Reed's career field goal percentage stands at an impressive 49.4%, with a 3-point field goal percentage of 37.3%, and he has averaged 3.9 rebounds per game over his college career.
However, LSU has faced some challenges with the departure of guards Mike Williams and Tyrell Ward, and forward Corey Chest, who have entered the portal. Despite these losses, the team is determined to improve on their previous season's record, aiming for their first over .500 record in conference play since 2020-21. With Reed's talent and dedication, he will undoubtedly be a pivotal player for LSU in the upcoming season.
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Vyctorius Miller leaves for the transfer portal
Vyctorius Miller, the former LSU Tigers guard, has entered the transfer portal and is now the fourth transfer portal addition for OSU and the third shooting guard listed at 6-foot-5. Miller, a former top-60 recruit from the 2024 class from Arizona, is ranked as the 72nd best transfer in the portal.
Miller had a solid freshman season with the Tigers, averaging 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, while shooting 44.7% from the field, 31.8% from the three-point line, and 72.9% from the free-throw line. He is a highly-rated prospect with his ability to shoot and handle the ball, coupled with his solid length.
Miller had initially attracted interest from several top programs, including Georgia Tech, Memphis, Kentucky, Iowa, UCSB, Washington, USC, UCLA, Tennessee, Houston, Providence, and Michigan State. He had even participated in Zoom calls with Georgia Tech and Kentucky. However, it was Oklahoma State that eventually secured his services.
Miller's departure from LSU is part of a broader trend of players leaving the program. Tre Holloman, Gehrig Normand, and Xavier Booker are among those who have recently decided to transfer, marking a significant shift in the team's dynamics.
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LSU loses Tyrell Ward before the 2024-25 season
LSU basketball has recently undergone some significant changes, with former player and NBA Executive Ronald Dupree returning to the fold as the new Basketball General Manager. In addition, Coach Matt McMahon has brought in a new assistant coach, Yasir Rosemond. With these developments, it's unclear what the future holds for LSU basketball, but the team is certainly making moves to strengthen its position.
However, LSU now faces a new challenge as they will be without Tyrell Ward for the 2024-25 season. This loss could significantly impact the team's performance and strategy, especially considering the timing of his departure. Ward's absence will likely force Coach McMahon to make last-minute adjustments to the starting lineup and rethink the team's overall game plan.
The reasons for Ward's departure are not immediately clear, and it is unknown whether this was a planned decision or an unexpected event. Regardless, the impact on the team's dynamics and chemistry could be substantial. With the season fast approaching, LSU must quickly adapt to this new development and find ways to mitigate the loss of Ward's contribution, both on and off the court.
The focus will now shift to the remaining players, who will need to step up and fill the void left by Ward. It is also possible that the team will look to bring in new talent, either through recruitment or trades, to bolster their roster and address any gaps that Ward's departure may have created. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be a test of the team's resilience and ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
LSU basketball will need to demonstrate a strong response to this setback, and the coming months will be crucial in shaping the team's performance and overall standing in the highly competitive world of college basketball. The loss of Ward is sure to be felt, but the team must now rally together and focus on the road ahead as they navigate this unexpected challenge.
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LSU shows interest in several transfers
LSU has been busy in the transfer portal, adding several impact players to its 2024 roster. Daniels, a highly sought-after prospect who has been courted by top programs across the country, has committed to LSU. In the 2023 season, he tallied 55 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional talent. The Tigers have also added Thomas, who will be a key piece for the team in the upcoming season. Thomas, a Louisiana native, is a coveted wideout and return specialist, with 503 yards on 40 receptions last season.
Another notable addition is Swann, who started all six games he played in 2023, accumulating 1,457 passing yards and 12 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. Entering the season as Vanderbilt's starting signal-caller, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder offers valuable experience and talent. The Tigers have also bolstered their secondary with the addition of a prized safety, who returns home to Louisiana to represent the Bayou Bengals.
With these transfers, LSU is positioning itself for a strong season, addressing key areas of need and bringing in talented players who will make an immediate impact on the court. The program's active recruitment strategy, led by Brian Kelly, is paying off, and the Tigers are poised to make a statement in the upcoming basketball season.
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Frequently asked questions
Kateri Poole is no longer on the LSU basketball team, and her departure, along with that of Sa'Myah Smith due to injury, has caused some to question the team's future. However, LSU has signed several new players, including elite guard Dedan Thomas Jr, and coach Kim Mulkey remains optimistic about the team's prospects.
The LSU men's basketball programme is currently in a rebuilding phase, with coach Matt McMahon expressing confidence in the team's ability to sign players through the transfer portal. The team has already added several new players, including Mis TJ and TK Simpkins, and is targeting NDSU shooting guard Treysen Eaglestaff.
LSU's basketball team has recently lost players Vyctorius Miller and Mike Williams to transfers, while also gaining players like Vlad Goldin, Danny Wolf, and Tre Donaldson through the transfer portal.
