Five LSU women’s basketball players have departed through the transfer portal, marking a significant roster shift under Kim Mulkey.

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has been on an upward trajectory since the arrival of head coach Kim Mulkey. Mulkey, one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in college basketball history, took over the program in 2021 and immediately began transforming it into a national powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Tigers have reached unprecedented heights, culminating in a national championship victory in 2023.

However, as with any major program, roster turnover is inevitable. In the midst of all the success, LSU has been hit with some unexpected changes in its roster for the 2024 season. Five key players have entered the transfer portal, signaling a shift in the makeup of the team as Mulkey looks to continue building for the future. While roster changes are not uncommon, the departure of these players raises questions about the program’s future and the direction Mulkey intends to take moving forward.

In this article, we’ll examine the departures, the reasons behind them, and what it means for LSU women’s basketball as they prepare for the upcoming season. We’ll also take a look at the broader trends in women’s college basketball, where the transfer portal has become a prominent factor in shaping rosters across the country.

The Departure of Five Key Players

The five LSU women’s basketball players who have departed the program through the transfer portal are significant names in the program. Each player has had a notable impact during their time with the Tigers, and their departures have left fans and analysts alike wondering about the future of the team.

While the exact reasons behind each departure remain somewhat unclear, several common themes have emerged. Players leaving LSU have cited a mix of personal and professional reasons for their decisions, and there has been speculation about how the team’s evolving culture under Kim Mulkey might have influenced their choices.

Here’s a breakdown of the five players who have entered the transfer portal:

1. Guard/Forward Hailey Van Lith

One of the most notable departures is Hailey Van Lith, a guard/forward who had played a crucial role in the Tigers’ offense during her time at LSU. Van Lith, who transferred to LSU from the University of Louisville, had an immediate impact on the team, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership on the court. Her departure has shocked many in the LSU fanbase, given her significant contributions to the team’s success.

Van Lith was a standout player who averaged 14.2 points per game in the 2022-2023 season, playing a pivotal role in the Tigers’ national championship run. Her versatility on both ends of the floor made her one of the most dynamic players in the NCAA tournament. However, as the 2024 season approached, Van Lith’s departure raised some eyebrows.

Sources close to the team have suggested that Van Lith’s decision to transfer was driven by a desire for a new opportunity, both personally and professionally. It appears that she wanted to explore a new environment where she could further her development and perhaps find a role that better aligned with her long-term goals.

2. Guard Alexis Morris

Alexis Morris, another key player on the LSU roster, has also decided to enter the transfer portal. A veteran presence on the team, Morris was known for her ability to lead the Tigers on both ends of the floor. As the starting point guard for much of the 2023 season, she was a critical part of LSU’s success in reaching the pinnacle of women’s college basketball.

Morris, who had previously played for Mulkey at Baylor, joined LSU as a graduate transfer and immediately became an integral part of the team. She was known for her leadership, tenacity, and ability to score when needed. Her departure from the team has left some wondering about the stability of LSU’s backcourt and how the coaching staff plans to replace her leadership.

Speculation surrounding Morris’ departure has suggested that she may be seeking a different challenge as she prepares for her professional career. There’s also a possibility that Morris felt her role had become less defined as the team continued to evolve, leading her to explore other options.

3. Forward Angel Reese

Angel Reese, widely regarded as one of the top forwards in the country, also made the decision to leave LSU. Reese had a breakout year in 2022-2023, earning All-American honors and being a key contributor to LSU’s national championship victory. Her rebounding prowess, shot-blocking ability, and overall tenacity in the paint made her a standout performer for the Tigers. Reese was expected to be one of the cornerstones of LSU’s program for years to come.

However, despite her success on the court, Reese’s departure came as a surprise to many. It is believed that her decision to transfer was influenced by a desire to explore opportunities at other programs that could better suit her style of play and future aspirations. Additionally, there were some reports suggesting a potential disagreement with the coaching staff, but this has yet to be fully confirmed.

The loss of Reese is significant for LSU, as she was seen as a potential future leader of the team. Replacing her presence in the post will be one of the major challenges for Mulkey and her staff moving forward.

4. Guard Jasmine Carson

Jasmine Carson, a guard known for her shooting ability and quickness, has also left the Tigers through the transfer portal. Carson, who had been a regular contributor off the bench, was a key piece for LSU’s depth and scoring. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting range made her a valuable asset to the Tigers’ offense.

Carson’s departure, while less surprising than some of the other transfers, has raised questions about the team’s perimeter play heading into the next season. The Tigers’ backcourt will undoubtedly need to fill the void left by Carson, especially as the program continues to look for balance and depth in its rotation.

Sources suggest that Carson’s decision to transfer was influenced by a combination of factors, including the increased competition for playing time and her desire to find a role where she could be more of a focal point in the offense.

5. Center LaDazhia Williams

LaDazhia Williams, a talented center for LSU, has also chosen to enter the transfer portal. Williams had been a solid contributor to LSU’s frontline, providing valuable minutes and serving as a key rebounder. While she wasn’t as highly touted as some of her teammates, Williams was still a vital part of LSU’s defensive efforts and gave the team a reliable presence in the paint.

Williams’ departure further complicates LSU’s post play, as the team now finds itself in need of a more experienced presence down low. Her decision to transfer seems to have stemmed from a combination of factors, including the team’s evolving roster and a desire to explore opportunities at other programs that could better utilize her skills.

The Impact of the Departures on LSU’s Program

The loss of these five players leaves LSU with a significantly different roster heading into the 2024 season. While Mulkey and her staff have already shown an ability to recruit top-tier talent, the departures will undoubtedly affect the team’s depth, experience, and overall composition.

Mulkey has built LSU into a national championship contender in a short period, and the departures of these key players raise questions about how the program will maintain its momentum. The loss of Angel Reese in particular is a blow to LSU’s frontline, as she was seen as one of the most dominant players in college basketball. Similarly, the departures of Alexis Morris and Hailey Van Lith leave LSU with gaps in its backcourt, which could impact the team’s ability to generate offense and control the pace of play.

However, Mulkey has proven that she is adept at rebuilding and reshaping teams, having done so throughout her coaching career. She has an excellent track record of developing players and attracting top-tier talent through recruiting, so there is little doubt that LSU will remain competitive despite these changes.

The transfer portal will likely become an avenue for LSU to replenish its roster and address the areas where it has lost depth. It is expected that the Tigers will look to add more players with experience to replace the void left by the departing athletes. With Mulkey at the helm, LSU will likely continue to be a force in women’s college basketball.

The Broader Impact of the Transfer Portal on Women’s Basketball

The transfer portal has become a major force in women’s college basketball, offering players more freedom and flexibility than ever before. While it has provided opportunities for athletes to find better fits for their skills and playing styles, it has also created challenges for programs like LSU, who must constantly adapt to roster changes and competition from other schools.

The departures from LSU highlight the growing trend of player movement in the sport, and it is clear that the transfer portal will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of women’s basketball.

As LSU navigates these changes, the future of the program remains bright under Kim Mulkey’s leadership. The departures of five players through the transfer portal are undoubtedly challenging, but they also present an opportunity for new talent to emerge and for Mulkey to continue building a program that is capable of competing for national championships. The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team may look different in 2024, but one thing remains certain: they will remain a force in college basketball for years to come.