Heartbreak in Baton Rouge: LSU Women’s Basketball Loses Two Star Players to Transfer Portal
The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team is facing significant roster changes as two of their standout players, Hailey Van Lith and Janae Kent, have announced their departure from the program.
Hailey Van Lith’s Unexpected Exit
Hailey Van Lith, a senior point guard who transferred to LSU for the 2023-24 season, has entered the transfer portal after just one season with the Tigers. Van Lith, known for her dynamic play and leadership on the court, averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists per game during her tenure at LSU. Her decision to transfer comes on the heels of the team’s Elite Eight loss to Iowa, a game in which she played a pivotal role. Prior to joining LSU, Van Lith was a standout at Louisville, where she earned first-team All-ACC honors and led the Cardinals to a Final Four appearance in 2022. Her departure leaves a significant void in the Tigers’ backcourt.
Janae Kent Seeks New Opportunities
Freshman guard Janae Kent has also decided to explore opportunities elsewhere by entering the NCAA transfer portal. Kent, a 6-foot-1 guard from Oak Forest, Illinois, was a key component of LSU’s top-ranked 2023 recruiting class. Despite limited playing time in her freshman season, averaging 1.6 points per game, Kent’s potential was evident. Her departure marks the third transfer portal exit for the Tigers this offseason, following Van Lith and fellow freshman guard Angelica Velez.
Implications for the Tigers
These unexpected departures pose challenges for head coach Kim Mulkey as she looks to rebuild and strengthen the roster ahead of the upcoming season. The backcourt, in particular, will require attention, with the loss of two talented guards. However, the Tigers have a history of attracting top talent, as evidenced by the recent addition of All-America forward Aneesah Morrow from DePaul. Morrow, who averaged 25.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s future success.
As the offseason progresses, LSU fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to these changes and what new talent Coach Mulkey and her staff can bring to Baton Rouge to maintain the program’s competitive edge.
