Corey Chest, a former forward for LSU, is moving to Ole Miss.
Former LSU Forward Corey Chest Transfers to Ole Miss: What It Means for Both Teams
The world of college basketball transfers has become one of the most closely watched aspects of the sport, with players moving from one program to another at an increasing rate. The latest headline in the world of college hoops comes from the LSU Tigers, as Corey Chest, a former forward for the program, has officially announced his decision to transfer to Ole Miss for the upcoming season. This move comes as a surprise to many, as Chest had shown potential at LSU but ultimately decided to make a change in his basketball career.
For LSU, this transfer marks another chapter in their ongoing rebuild, while for Ole Miss, it represents a potential boon for their roster as they look to improve their depth and compete at a higher level in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The decision of Chest to leave one SEC program for another has significant implications for both schools and the player himself. In this article, we’ll break down what led to Chest’s decision, what his transfer means for both LSU and Ole Miss, and what fans can expect from the talented forward as he moves forward in his basketball career.
The Journey of Corey Chest at LSU
Corey Chest, a highly touted recruit from Atlanta, Georgia, committed to LSU in 2022 as part of their recruiting class. Chest was regarded as one of the top players in his class, a versatile forward capable of contributing in multiple areas. At 6-foot-8, Chest’s combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him an intriguing prospect for LSU’s program under then-head coach Will Wade. LSU was looking to build around a strong core of incoming freshmen, and Chest was expected to make an immediate impact.
However, Chest’s time at LSU didn’t go as planned. While his potential was clear from the start, he struggled to consistently find his footing in the highly competitive SEC environment. Over his two seasons with LSU, Chest showed flashes of brilliance but also faced challenges with consistency. In his freshman year, he played in 21 games, averaging 5.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. These numbers indicated that while Chest had the tools to be a contributor, he hadn’t yet fully developed into the player LSU had hoped he would become.
During the 2023-2024 season, Chest faced additional challenges with LSU’s overall struggles as a team. The Tigers were in the midst of a coaching transition, with Matt McMahon taking over as head coach after the departure of Will Wade. McMahon’s system, which differed from Wade’s in several ways, required a period of adjustment for many of the players, including Chest. With LSU dealing with growing pains as they looked to establish a new identity, Chest was one of many players who was caught in the middle of the transition.
As LSU’s season unfolded, Chest’s role fluctuated, and he saw inconsistent playing time, making it more difficult for him to develop the way he might have hoped. Despite his obvious talent, the playing time and opportunities for growth simply weren’t there for him at LSU. When the season came to an end, it was clear that Chest would need to evaluate his options in order to reach his full potential.
Why Ole Miss?
When Corey Chest announced his decision to transfer to Ole Miss, many people in the basketball community took note. For Chest, the decision to transfer to an SEC rival represents a new opportunity and a fresh start. But why Ole Miss?
First and foremost, Ole Miss offers Chest a situation where he can likely make an immediate impact. Kermit Davis, the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, has long been known for his ability to develop talent and give players opportunities to play significant roles in his system. For Chest, who has shown the ability to play both forward positions, this represents a chance to enter a program where his skill set will be needed. With the Rebels looking to improve their roster after a somewhat disappointing 2024 campaign, adding a versatile player like Chest could provide an instant upgrade.
Additionally, Chest’s transfer to Ole Miss can be seen as an attempt to revive his college career. In some ways, Ole Miss presents an ideal environment for a player like Chest. With fewer expectations than a powerhouse program like LSU, Chest will have the freedom to develop his game at his own pace and contribute to a team that is building for the future. The opportunity to be a leader on a young and improving team might be exactly what Chest needs to reignite his confidence and put his skill set on full display.
It’s also worth noting that Ole Miss has been steadily building a strong recruiting class in recent years, and the addition of Chest further strengthens their roster. The Rebels have made a push for SEC relevance under Davis, and bringing in an experienced player from another SEC school could provide them with the depth and talent needed to take their program to the next level. Chest’s decision to transfer within the same conference is a bold move, but it could ultimately pay off if he is able to seize the opportunity.
What Corey Chest Brings to Ole Miss
So, what exactly does Corey Chest bring to Ole Miss? The 6-foot-8 forward has a versatile game that can translate well into the Rebels’ system. During his time at LSU, Chest showcased his ability to be a dynamic forward, capable of scoring both inside and on the perimeter. His size and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for defenders, as he can overpower smaller players and outmaneuver bigger ones.
One of Chest’s most impressive attributes is his rebounding ability. Despite not always being the primary focus of LSU’s offense, Chest consistently showed an aptitude for chasing down boards. He has a strong motor and isn’t afraid to get physical in the paint. For Ole Miss, his ability to crash the glass will be a welcome addition, as the Rebels look to improve their team rebounding stats.
Another area where Chest can help Ole Miss is as a versatile scorer. While he has yet to become a consistent outside shooter, Chest has shown flashes of the ability to knock down mid-range jumpers and even some three-pointers. His ability to space the floor will be crucial for Ole Miss as they look to open up opportunities for their guards and forwards. His scoring versatility gives Coach Kermit Davis another weapon to work with in terms of offensive execution.
Defensively, Chest has the size and athleticism to be an impactful presence in the paint. His ability to alter shots and contest around the rim makes him a potential difference-maker on that side of the floor as well. With his combination of length and mobility, he has the tools to guard multiple positions, which will make him a valuable asset for Ole Miss as they look to improve defensively.
The Impact of the Transfer on LSU
While Corey Chest’s departure is a blow to LSU, it’s important to understand that his decision was likely influenced by a variety of factors. LSU has undergone significant changes since Coach Matt McMahon’s arrival, and the program has faced some growing pains as they adjust to his coaching philosophy. For Chest, it may have been a case of finding a better fit with a program that could offer more immediate playing time and the chance to develop further.
The loss of Chest leaves a gap in LSU’s frontcourt depth, but Coach McMahon and the Tigers are no strangers to rebuilding. McMahon has already shown his ability to bring in talented players via the transfer portal, and the program is still focused on bringing in top-tier talent to bolster their roster moving forward. While LSU will miss Chest’s potential and versatility, the Tigers have other forwards and big men who will be ready to step up in his absence.
It’s also important to note that LSU’s recruiting efforts have remained strong, and the Tigers have several promising prospects coming into the program. Although Chest’s departure may feel like a setback, LSU remains a program with a strong future, and Coach McMahon will look to replace him with other talented players who can contribute immediately.
