LSU guard Curtis Givens made the decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal in April after one season in Baton Rouge under Matt McMahon..

In a landscape where roster turnover has become a regular part of college basketball, one significant move this offseason has come from LSU guard Curtis Givens. After just one season in Baton Rouge, Givens has decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, signaling a key moment in both his collegiate career and in the ongoing rebuild of LSU’s basketball program under head coach Matt McMahon. His departure raises several questions—why did Givens leave, how does it impact LSU’s roster moving forward, and what does this mean for McMahon as he continues to shape the program?

Curtis Givens’ Arrival at LSU: Expectations and Promise

Curtis Givens’ journey to LSU began with high expectations. A talented guard who had showcased his skill and athleticism throughout high school, Givens was considered a significant addition to Matt McMahon’s first recruiting class at LSU. McMahon, who took over the program following Will Wade’s departure, was looking to establish a new era for the Tigers, one built around tough defense, fast-paced offense, and player development. As a player capable of scoring from all three levels, creating opportunities for teammates, and defending, Givens was seen as a potential building block for the future of LSU basketball.

The Tigers’ roster heading into the 2022-2023 season was filled with both veteran players and newcomers, and Givens was expected to be one of the promising young guards who could contribute immediately. His blend of athleticism and playmaking ability made him an ideal candidate for McMahon’s system, one that values versatile guards who can handle the ball, create shots for others, and make an impact on defense.

However, like many freshmen, Givens faced the challenge of adjusting to the intensity and physicality of Power Five basketball. His skill set was evident, but the consistency required at the highest level of competition was something he would need to develop over time. While he played in significant minutes throughout the season, Givens showed flashes of potential but also struggled with the consistency needed to secure a more prominent role in LSU’s lineup.

Challenges Faced in Year One

Givens’ first season in Baton Rouge wasn’t without its challenges. As a freshman in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which is one of the most competitive basketball leagues in the country, Givens had to adjust to a much faster and more physical brand of play. The SEC is home to some of the most talented athletes in college basketball, and as a freshman, Givens found himself facing defenses that could quickly exploit weaknesses in his game.

While his offensive game showed promise, with the ability to score in transition and hit jump shots from the perimeter, he struggled at times with his decision-making. Givens was still learning to read defenses, make quicker decisions with the ball, and find his rhythm in McMahon’s system. In a program undergoing a significant transition, where leadership and cohesiveness were still developing, Givens’ role was often fluctuating. At times, he was asked to step up and play big minutes, and other times, he found himself in a more limited role. This lack of consistency likely contributed to his decision to enter the transfer portal.

Defensively, Givens had moments of brilliance, showing the ability to lock down opposing guards and use his athleticism to disrupt passing lanes. However, defense in the SEC requires not only individual talent but also great awareness and the ability to execute within a system. The adjustment to this level of play was another factor in Givens’ need to grow. While the promise was there, the development and understanding of the nuances of college basketball are often a gradual process, and Givens may have felt that he needed a fresh start to reach his full potential.

Reasons for Entering the Transfer Portal

While it may have come as a surprise to some, Givens’ decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal makes sense when considering several factors. The landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically in recent years, with the NCAA Transfer Portal allowing players more flexibility to move between programs. This increased mobility has led to more frequent player movement, as athletes seek to find situations where they can play a more prominent role, develop their skills, or be part of a program that better aligns with their goals.

1. Seeking More Playing Time and a Defined Role

One of the primary reasons players transfer is the search for more playing time. Givens, while talented, may have found himself in a situation where his role at LSU was uncertain. As LSU continued to recruit players and shape the roster, Givens’ minutes fluctuated, and his role on the team remained undefined. For a player like Givens, who entered college with high aspirations, not having a clear or consistent role could have led him to explore other opportunities.

The NCAA Transfer Portal allows players to find programs that will provide them with a more significant opportunity to contribute, and for Givens, that could have been an essential factor in his decision to leave LSU. The chance to play a more prominent role on a new team and continue his development as a player may have been too appealing to pass up.

2. Fit within Matt McMahon’s System

Another factor in Givens’ decision could have been how well his skill set aligned with McMahon’s system. McMahon’s style of play is focused on an up-tempo offense, strong defensive principles, and positionless basketball. While Givens showed flashes of his ability to contribute to these aspects, McMahon may have preferred a player who fit more naturally into his vision for the program. This dynamic can sometimes lead to players looking for a better fit at another school, where they may be able to thrive within a system that plays to their strengths.

Additionally, Givens’ departure could signal McMahon’s effort to recalibrate and focus on recruiting players who are more in line with his long-term vision for the program. McMahon may want to build around certain types of players who can fulfill specific roles within his system, which could explain why Givens decided to explore other options.

3. The Appeal of the Transfer Portal and Immediate Eligibility

The NCAA’s decision to allow players to transfer without sitting out a season has changed the entire landscape of college athletics. With the immediate eligibility rule, players can leave a program and compete right away at their new school, which gives them more freedom and control over their collegiate careers. Givens, knowing that he could have the chance to make an immediate impact at a new program, likely saw this as an opportunity to find a better fit for his development and future aspirations.

4. Personal Growth and Development

Beyond the tangible aspects of playing time and system fit, the decision to transfer is often about personal growth. As a young athlete, Givens may have felt that his trajectory at LSU was stalling, and moving to a new program could offer him the chance to continue growing as both a player and a person. Transfers are often seen as opportunities for players to reassess their careers and find environments that foster their growth, both on and off the court.

What This Means for LSU Basketball

While Givens’ departure is undoubtedly a loss for LSU’s roster, it is not necessarily a blow to Matt McMahon’s rebuilding efforts. McMahon, in his first season with LSU, has shown a keen understanding of how to build a program from the ground up. He will have the opportunity to adjust his roster, recruiting strategy, and player development approach accordingly. McMahon is known for his success at Murray State, where he built strong, competitive teams despite not always having the same level of resources as larger programs. His ability to identify talent and develop players will be crucial moving forward.

The loss of Givens does create a void in LSU’s backcourt, but the transfer portal remains a valuable tool for McMahon to reload his roster. LSU will likely target guards who can contribute right away, as well as players who align with McMahon’s system. Additionally, the Tigers will look to develop their existing players and build a more cohesive, experienced unit moving into the future.

Curtis Givens’ Future

As for Curtis Givens, his future in college basketball is bright. Despite his relatively short time at LSU, he displayed enough potential to warrant interest from multiple programs. Givens’ decision to enter the transfer portal opens up numerous possibilities for him, as he seeks a program where he can make a significant impact. His scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive upside make him a valuable asset to any team looking for an impactful guard.

Givens will undoubtedly be a sought-after transfer, and his decision to leave LSU may ultimately benefit both him and the Tigers. For Givens, this move could be the key to unlocking his full potential and furthering his basketball career.

Curtis Givens’ decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after just one season at LSU underscores the realities of modern college basketball, where player movement has become an integral part of roster construction. While Givens’ time at LSU was relatively brief, his talent and potential were clear, and his decision to leave opens the door for new opportunities for both him and LSU.

For LSU, the departure of Givens presents challenges but also offers a chance to retool and continue the process of rebuilding under Matt McMahon. The transfer portal will play a critical role in McMahon’s efforts to shape the program, and while Givens’ exit stings, it may ultimately prove to be a stepping stone for both the player and the program. For Givens, this is a pivotal moment in his career, and his next destination could be the place where he takes the next step toward realizing his potential as a college basketball star.