One of the biggest names in the transfer portal has picked her new program: Hailey Van Lith has announced she will be joining the reigning champs at LSU.
It’s hard to think of a better fit. Van Lith shone in three years at Louisville, a crafty, playmaking guard who showed marked improvement each season. (She received her degree and is transferring as a graduate student with two seasons of eligibility remaining.) LSU, meanwhile, will be returning much of its champion core from last season, led by Angel Reese, who will remain a double-double machine in the post, and Flau’jae Johnson, who should continue to develop on the perimeter. But the Tigers lost their top guard, Alexis Morris, who was drafted by the Sun with the 22nd pick. That lays the groundwork for a perfect match here. After three consecutive Elite Eight runs with the Cardinals, Van Lith will get a chance to go for a championship with the Tigers, and fresh off the first title in program history, LSU will be able to fill their biggest need by adding a brilliant guard in Van Lith.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey had already shown the ability to integrate transfers into her program quickly. (Nine of the players on her championship squad were in their first year with the team.) Now, she gets to do it again with one of the most dynamic players in the college game.
