LSU Women’s Basketball Faces Roster Changes as Aalyah Del Rosario Enters Transfer Portal
The LSU women’s basketball program is undergoing significant roster adjustments as sophomore center Aalyah Del Rosario has officially entered the transfer portal. This development, confirmed on April 7, 2025, marks the departure of a player who was once a highly touted recruit and a key component of the Tigers’ frontcourt depth.
Del Rosario’s decision to transfer comes amid a period of transition for the LSU roster. She becomes the third player from the 2024-25 team to enter the portal, following forward Sa’Myah Smith and senior guard Last-Tear Poa. These moves indicate a reshaping of the team’s composition as they prepare for the upcoming season.
High School Career and Recruitment
Aalyah Del Rosario arrived at LSU with considerable acclaim. As a five-star recruit, she was ranked as the top post player in her class and as high as No. 4 nationally by Just Women’s Sports. During her time at The Webb School in Tennessee, Del Rosario led her team to back-to-back state championships and earned a spot on the Naismith High School All-America team. Her impressive high school career also included participation in the inaugural Women’s Nike Hoops Summit and the BallIsLife All-America Game. Additionally, she secured a gold medal with Team USA at the 2022 FIBA U18 World Cup in Argentina.
Freshman Season at LSU
In her freshman year (2023-24), Del Rosario played an increased role off the bench, especially after teammate Sa’Myah Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury. She appeared in all 37 games, averaging 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Notably, she recorded a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds against McNeese and had multiple games with three or more blocks. Her contributions were recognized with a selection to the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team.
Sophomore Season and Reduced Role
The 2024-25 season saw a reduction in Del Rosario’s playing time. She averaged just over six minutes per game, contributing 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest. This diminished role may have influenced her decision to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Impact on LSU and Future Prospects
Del Rosario’s departure, along with that of Smith and Poa, presents challenges for LSU head coach Kim Mulkey as she seeks to rebuild and strengthen the team’s roster. The Tigers have been active in the transfer market, recently securing commitments from players like Notre Dame transfer center Kate Koval. These additions aim to bolster the team’s competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.
As Del Rosario enters the transfer portal, she brings with her a wealth of experience and potential that could greatly benefit another program. Her size, defensive capabilities, and proven track record as a top-tier recruit make her a valuable asset for teams seeking to enhance their frontcourt presence.
The evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, adds another layer of complexity to player movements. Athletes are increasingly evaluating their collegiate choices based on a combination of playing time, development opportunities, and potential NIL benefits.
For LSU, the focus will be on integrating new talent and developing existing players to fill the void left by these recent departures. Coach Mulkey’s track record suggests a proactive approach to roster management, aiming to position the Tigers for continued success in the highly competitive SEC.
As the offseason progresses, both LSU fans and the broader college basketball community will be keenly observing the movements within the transfer portal and the subsequent impact on team dynamics for the upcoming season.
