As the dust continues to settle from LSU’s seismic coaching change, Matt McMahon, the Tigers’ new basketball head coach, has remained laser-focused on rebuilding the program into a national powerhouse. The 2022-2023 season was a tumultuous one for LSU basketball, marked by the departure of legendary head coach Will Wade, followed by the hiring of McMahon. The latter, who arrived from Murray State, has been faced with the difficult but necessary task of reshaping the roster in his image and establishing his vision for the future.
The program’s off-season has seen a flurry of activity, with McMahon making several key roster adjustments, including adding talent from the transfer portal, as well as welcoming high school recruits that he believes will help lay the foundation for future success.
Alongside the excitement around McMahon’s ambitious efforts to rebuild, one notable player from the previous era has found a new home, continuing the ongoing transformation of LSU’s basketball roster.
A Change of Guard in Baton Rouge
When Matt McMahon took over LSU’s basketball program in 2022, it marked the beginning of a new era in Baton Rouge. He inherited a roster that had suffered a significant amount of turnover due to NCAA sanctions imposed on the program. These sanctions, which stemmed from violations committed during Will Wade’s tenure, had a profound impact on LSU’s recruiting efforts and left McMahon with the challenging task of bringing in fresh talent while maintaining competitiveness in the tough SEC conference.
In his first season, McMahon experienced a lot of change, with several players transferring out of LSU, including former starters. The coach had to work quickly to assemble a competitive roster for the 2023-2024 season, all while dealing with the challenges posed by the transfer portal and NCAA regulations. This pressure to rebuild has required McMahon to be resourceful and strategic in his approach to recruitment.
In one of the most important moves of the off-season, McMahon has leveraged his ties in the transfer portal, an avenue that has become crucial for many college programs, particularly those with new coaching staffs. McMahon’s background at Murray State, where he successfully developed talent and established a winning culture, gave him a strong foundation to recruit players who could contribute immediately.
The ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college basketball, including the role of the transfer portal, will be vital to McMahon’s success at LSU. Through a blend of transfers, JUCO additions, and talented freshmen, McMahon is working hard to ensure LSU remains a competitive program in the ever-tough Southeastern Conference.
The Transfer Portal Shuffle
One of the first steps McMahon made in reshaping LSU’s roster was securing several transfers to bolster the team’s depth and talent. This included welcoming multiple players from the transfer portal who would be expected to step into significant roles right away.
Javonte Brown was one of the top additions in McMahon’s first full off-season. Brown, a versatile forward from UConn, is known for his ability to stretch the floor with a reliable outside shot and contribute on the defensive end. With LSU looking for length and versatility, Brown could become one of the focal points of the Tigers’ lineup in the coming seasons.
In addition to Brown, McMahon has focused on landing players who fit his system—a fast-paced, ball-sharing offense and a defense-first mentality. As LSU is known for its physical style of play, McMahon’s roster additions reflect his desire to build a squad that can compete at the highest level.
Among the key transfers to watch for next season are Myles Stute, a skilled forward with experience at Vanderbilt, and Tariq Jeter, a defensive-minded guard from South Carolina. Both players bring valuable SEC experience to Baton Rouge and should be able to contribute right away. These additions strengthen LSU’s bench and provide immediate depth for a team that will need to find its identity after several key departures.
The Return of Talented Freshmen
While McMahon has prioritized transfers, he hasn’t overlooked the importance of recruiting talented high school players. With the Tigers’ basketball program still reeling from the losses caused by sanctions, McMahon has placed a premium on identifying young talent that can be developed over time.
One of the shining stars of McMahon’s first recruiting class is Cameron Brown, a 6’9″ forward out of Texas. Brown was one of the most sought-after prospects in the state and brings a blend of athleticism, rebounding, and scoring ability to the Tigers. As a potential starter, Brown is expected to be one of the cornerstones of McMahon’s future roster and could contribute right away.
Also, LSU added a promising guard in Jonas Clark, a 6’4″ combo guard who can both score and facilitate. Clark’s ability to stretch the defense and his playmaking skills could be invaluable for McMahon’s offense. As a freshman, Clark has the potential to emerge as a key figure in LSU’s rebuilding effort.
In a tough conference like the SEC, where competition is fierce, McMahon’s emphasis on bringing in promising freshmen ensures that LSU will continue to build its future while remaining competitive in the present.
Former Tiger Finds New Home
As LSU’s basketball program looks toward the future, it is important to note that some of the players from the previous regime have found new homes. One of the most significant departures from last season was KJ Williams, who transferred from LSU to Murray State, reuniting with Matt McMahon.
Williams, a former standout for LSU, was a key contributor to the Tigers’ offense during the previous season. He was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and versatility on the court. Williams’ decision to transfer to Murray State was both a personal and professional one, as he had a close relationship with McMahon from their time together at LSU. Williams’ decision to reunite with his former coach provides a glimpse into McMahon’s strong recruiting ties and his ability to maintain positive relationships with former players.
The transfer of Williams to Murray State marked one of the most significant moves of the off-season for LSU, as it sent a clear message about the ongoing transition under McMahon’s leadership. While it was difficult to lose a talented player like Williams, it also represented an opportunity for the program to move forward and focus on developing new talent for the future.
Williams’ departure from LSU is part of a broader trend in college basketball, where players are increasingly making decisions based on personal connections, the chance to reunite with former coaches, and the desire to maximize their playing opportunities. While LSU’s roster is undergoing significant changes, McMahon’s ability to maintain positive relationships with his former players is an important asset in the long-term success of the program.
The Future of LSU Basketball
While the 2023-2024 season will likely be a work in progress for LSU, the foundation is being laid for a successful future under Matt McMahon’s leadership. The continued emphasis on recruiting talented players through the transfer portal, as well as developing high school talent, has the potential to pay dividends in the coming seasons.
As McMahon’s LSU roster takes shape, the team will face stiff competition in the SEC, where top-tier programs such as Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee will challenge the Tigers at every turn. However, McMahon’s track record at Murray State shows that he has the skills and expertise necessary to compete at the highest level, and with the right blend of players, LSU could soon find itself back in contention for conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
Moreover, McMahon’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college basketball, including the influence of the transfer portal, positions LSU for long-term success. While the Tigers may be in a rebuilding phase, the future remains bright, and Baton Rouge can expect a competitive, hard-nosed basketball team led by one of the sharpest minds in the game.
As Matt McMahon continues to navigate the complexities of roster reconstruction at LSU, the signs point to a promising future for the Tigers. His strategic moves in the transfer portal, as well as his ability to bring in talented freshmen, have set the stage for LSU to rise from the ashes of a difficult transitional period.
With a focus on rebuilding the program’s culture and adding players who fit his vision, McMahon’s efforts should soon pay off in the form of a competitive, well-rounded team capable of challenging for championships in the SEC and beyond. As the Tigers move forward, their success will depend on how well McMahon is able to shape this new roster, while keeping the legacy of LSU basketball alive in Baton Rouge.
