The transfer portal costs Kim Mulkey and LSU women’s basketball a key starting guard, which will affect the team’s depth for the upcoming campaign

The NCAA Transfer Portal has become one of the most significant elements in shaping college athletics, particularly in the realm of basketball. In recent years, the portal has revolutionized how teams build their rosters and manage talent. For Kim Mulkey and LSU women’s basketball, the portal has had both positive and negative effects. While the Tigers have been able to bolster their squad with transfers, the departure of a key starting guard has raised concerns for the upcoming season. This loss could impact the team’s depth and its ability to defend its success from previous seasons, leaving Mulkey and her staff with a challenging situation to navigate.

This article delves into the impact of losing a key player to the transfer portal, how it affects the team’s roster and depth, and the broader implications for LSU women’s basketball as they prepare for the next season.

The Role of the Transfer Portal in College Basketball

The Transfer Portal has had a transformative effect on college basketball, particularly since its creation in 2018. The portal allows athletes to transfer between schools without needing to sit out a year, which has drastically increased player movement across the nation. For programs like LSU women’s basketball, this creates both opportunities and challenges. While the portal can be a powerful tool for acquiring talent and improving team depth, it also opens the door for players to leave programs, creating uncertainty for coaches and staff.

For Kim Mulkey, who has built a successful program at LSU following her departure from Baylor, the portal represents both a challenge and a resource. On one hand, Mulkey has used the portal to strengthen her roster, adding key players who can immediately contribute. On the other hand, the portal has also made it harder to predict the stability of the roster, as players may leave unexpectedly, even after committing to a program.

The Loss of a Key Starting Guard

The departure of a key starting guard is always a significant blow to any basketball program, especially when that player has been integral to the team’s success in the prior season. The starting guard, in this case, was a critical piece in LSU’s offense and defense. As a primary ball handler and perimeter defender, this player contributed significantly to both the offensive flow and defensive stability that allowed LSU to remain competitive in the SEC and nationally.

This guard’s skillset made her indispensable in many aspects of the game. Offensively, she was capable of creating her own shot, driving to the basket, and facilitating the offense by setting up plays for her teammates. Defensively, she was a tenacious on-ball defender, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. Her leadership on the floor, coupled with her ability to execute in high-pressure situations, made her a focal point for LSU’s coaching staff.

Losing such a player to the transfer portal is a blow to any program, but it is particularly tough for LSU, given the high expectations for the upcoming season. The loss of a starting guard impacts not only the starting lineup but also the overall team chemistry and depth. LSU now faces the challenge of replacing this player’s contributions and ensuring that their depth doesn’t take a hit as they approach the new campaign.

The Impact on LSU Women’s Basketball Depth

Depth has been one of LSU’s strengths under Kim Mulkey, and the loss of a key starter threatens to disrupt the balance and rotation that the Tigers have worked so hard to establish. A deep roster allows teams to sustain a high level of play throughout the season, especially during grueling conference schedules. The ability to rotate players without losing effectiveness is essential for long-term success, particularly in the SEC, which is one of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball.

Without this key starting guard, LSU will need to rely on the remaining players to step up and fill the void. This could mean that other guards will have to assume greater responsibilities, both offensively and defensively, and the team may have to adjust their rotation and strategies accordingly. Additionally, LSU may be forced to lean on some of their younger or less experienced players, which could be a challenge, especially in high-stakes games.

Kim Mulkey will need to adjust her coaching approach to ensure that the team remains competitive and doesn’t lose its edge. This may involve retooling the offensive system to accommodate the players who remain, shifting defensive assignments, and altering the depth chart to give players new opportunities. Mulkey has a reputation for making quick adjustments and getting the most out of her roster, so it is likely that she will be able to navigate these changes effectively.

The Recruiting and Transfer Portal Response

In the aftermath of the guard’s departure, LSU will likely look to the Transfer Portal to fill the gap left by the player’s exit. The transfer market has become an essential part of building competitive teams in college basketball, and LSU has already demonstrated its ability to attract top-tier talent through this avenue. The Tigers’ coaching staff is likely to target guards who can step into the starting lineup and provide immediate contributions.

Moreover, LSU’s ability to leverage the Transfer Portal may also lead to the addition of players who can bring unique skills to the table. While finding an immediate replacement for a key starter is always a challenge, Mulkey and her staff will likely target players who complement the existing roster, filling any gaps and adding versatility to the team.

The portal can also provide opportunities for younger players who have been waiting for their chance to shine. The loss of a key starter may allow some of LSU’s bench players to step up and prove themselves in a larger role. This can provide valuable experience and growth for the team, particularly for players who may have otherwise been limited in their minutes.

In the short term, LSU’s response to the transfer of a key player could involve both in-house adjustments and external additions. It’s likely that Mulkey’s recruiting staff will be working overtime to evaluate potential portal prospects who can help the team stay competitive in the highly challenging SEC.

LSU’s 2024-2025 Roster: Who Can Step Up?

While LSU will feel the loss of its key starting guard, the program has a talented roster filled with players capable of stepping up and filling the void. Let’s examine some of the key players who may need to elevate their game in response to this loss.

1. Alexis Morris (Guard)

Alexis Morris is a proven scorer and a dynamic playmaker who has already shown flashes of brilliance for LSU. As a leader on the floor, Morris will likely need to take on a larger role in the absence of the departed guard. Her ability to score and facilitate offense will be key as the team adjusts to the loss. Morris has the experience and leadership qualities to rise to the occasion and could become the focal point of LSU’s backcourt.

2. Angel Reese (Forward)

While Angel Reese is not a guard, her ability to impact the game as a dominant presence in the paint could take on even greater importance with the loss of a key perimeter player. Reese is one of the most talented forwards in the country, and her scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities will be crucial for LSU in the upcoming season. As LSU’s most prominent player, Reese’s versatility and leadership will help ensure that the team remains competitive.

3. Flau’jae Johnson (Guard/Forward)

Flau’jae Johnson is another key player for LSU, offering a versatile skill set as a guard-forward hybrid. Johnson has shown the ability to score, defend, and rebound, making her a potential contributor on both ends of the floor. She could see an expanded role with the loss of the starting guard and may be tasked with handling the ball more often, which could elevate her importance to the team.

4. Incoming Freshmen and Transfers

As previously mentioned, LSU may look to incoming freshmen and transfers to fill the gap left by the departing guard. The Tigers have a strong recruiting class, and some of these new players could be ready to make an immediate impact. It will be crucial for Mulkey to identify who among the newcomers can contribute right away and potentially become a key part of the rotation.

The Broader Impact of Player Movement

The departure of a key starting guard underscores the larger issue of player movement in college athletics. The Transfer Portal has added an element of unpredictability to recruiting and roster management, making it harder for teams to maintain long-term stability. This uncertainty has forced coaches like Kim Mulkey to adapt quickly and think creatively about how to build competitive teams in an environment where rosters can change drastically from year to year.

For LSU women’s basketball, this means that Mulkey will need to continue to recruit at a high level, while also working with the players on the roster to develop their skills and ensure the team remains competitive. The Tigers will need to balance short-term adjustments with long-term planning to ensure that they continue to contend for SEC titles and make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.