LSU Men’s Basketball, under the leadership of head coach Matt McMahon, has been active in the transfer portal since his arrival in Baton Rouge. The transfer portal has become an integral part of college basketball, providing programs with an opportunity to strengthen their rosters and fill critical gaps. LSU’s approach to roster building has been one of rejuvenation, focusing on bringing in experienced talent from around the country to rebuild the program after the departure of key players and the fallout from the previous coaching regime.
In this article, we will rank LSU’s portal additions so far based on their expected impact, skill set, and fit within Coach McMahon’s system. We will evaluate each player’s potential contribution to the team in the upcoming season and how they complement the Tigers’ current roster. The rankings will also consider their experience, position, and the specific needs of LSU basketball.
1. KJ Williams (Forward, Murray State)
KJ Williams has arguably been LSU’s most significant and impactful addition from the transfer portal. As a former standout at Murray State, Williams brings a wealth of experience, skill, and production to Baton Rouge. Under Matt McMahon’s tutelage at Murray State, Williams was a dominant force in the OVC (Ohio Valley Conference), earning First-Team All-Conference honors and leading the Racers to a successful season.
What stands out about Williams is his versatility. Standing at 6’9″, Williams is a strong, athletic forward who can both score in the post and stretch the floor. His ability to pull up for mid-range jumpers and even hit three-pointers gives LSU a significant weapon on offense, while his physicality on defense makes him a tough matchup for opponents.
In McMahon’s system, which emphasizes positionless basketball and versatility, Williams will likely be the focal point of LSU’s offense. He will play a key role in scoring, rebounding, and providing leadership for a relatively young and new-look team. His proven ability to perform in big games makes him the centerpiece of the team’s rebuilding efforts.
2. Mwani Wilkinson (Guard/Forward, LSU)
Although he was already a member of the LSU Tigers last season, it’s important to highlight Mwani Wilkinson as one of the key returning players who will have a crucial role in McMahon’s system. The 6’6″ junior guard/forward is known for his elite defensive capabilities and athleticism. His ability to guard multiple positions—ranging from small forward to power forward—will be vital to LSU’s defensive strategy.
While Wilkinson’s offensive game is still developing, his ability to score efficiently when needed and contribute as a playmaker makes him an invaluable asset. As one of the more experienced players on the team, Wilkinson will be expected to take on a leadership role, particularly on defense, and provide the Tigers with stability in key moments.
What sets Wilkinson apart is his length and agility, which will allow him to be a disruptive force both on and off the ball. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court makes him a potential X-factor for LSU.
3. Tyrell Ward (Forward, La Salle)
Tyrell Ward is a highly regarded forward who should provide LSU with significant scoring ability and rebounding. Standing at 6’7″, Ward is a smooth scorer who can attack the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and even stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His ability to contribute as both a scorer and a rebounder will make him a valuable piece in LSU’s rotation.
Ward’s impact will largely depend on how quickly he adjusts to the SEC’s physicality and speed. However, his skill set and versatility should make him a good fit for McMahon’s offense, which favors perimeter shooting and spacing. He can play multiple positions, which will allow LSU to experiment with different lineups and matchups throughout the season.
His solid all-around game will help provide depth in the frontcourt, an area where LSU could use some consistency. Ward’s ability to score efficiently will also be vital in complementing KJ Williams, who will likely draw the most defensive attention.
4. Jalen Cook (Guard, Tulane)
Jalen Cook is another huge get for LSU from the transfer portal. The 6’0″ point guard had an outstanding season at Tulane, leading the Green Wave in scoring and showcasing his ability to be a dynamic playmaker. Cook’s ability to create offense for both himself and his teammates will be invaluable for LSU’s backcourt, which is expected to be one of the areas of concern heading into the season.
What stands out about Cook is his scoring ability. He has deep range on his jump shot, and his ability to break down defenses with his ball-handling skills and quickness makes him a tough player to guard. Cook’s experience at a high level of play in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) should help him transition well to the SEC, where the competition is fierce.
While he will need to improve his consistency and playmaking in order to thrive in McMahon’s system, Cook has the potential to be one of the Tigers’ most effective offensive players. His ability to provide scoring and leadership from the guard position will be crucial for LSU’s success.
5. Jordan Wright (Forward, Vanderbilt)
Jordan Wright is another important addition to LSU’s frontcourt. Standing at 6’6″, Wright is a physical forward who brings scoring, rebounding, and toughness. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will provide LSU with depth in the forward spots, which is essential for the Tigers as they look to balance their roster. Wright has the versatility to play both the small and power forward positions, which will give Coach McMahon the flexibility to utilize him in various lineup combinations.
Wright’s experience in the SEC with Vanderbilt will also help him adjust to the high level of competition in the conference. He is known for his strong motor and defensive prowess, making him an ideal fit for LSU’s defensive philosophy. If Wright can improve his consistency and shooting range, he could become a valuable two-way player for the Tigers.
6. Javonte Brown (Center, Houston)
Javonte Brown, a 6’10” center, will provide LSU with much-needed size and rim protection. Although his numbers at Houston weren’t eye-popping, Brown’s potential lies in his ability to alter shots, rebound, and protect the paint. His size and physicality make him a formidable presence in the low post, both offensively and defensively.
Brown is still developing his offensive game, but his primary role will likely be as a rim protector and rebounder. LSU’s defense, which is expected to emphasize pressure and length, should benefit greatly from Brown’s shot-blocking and rebounding. While Brown’s offensive contributions may be limited initially, his defensive presence will make him a valuable rotational piece for LSU, especially in SEC play.
7. Adam Miller (Guard, LSU)
Adam Miller returns to LSU for his second season after transferring from Illinois. Although his stats weren’t as impressive in his first year with the Tigers, Miller has shown flashes of the dynamic playmaking ability that made him a highly regarded recruit out of high school. At 6’3″, Miller can score, distribute, and provide solid defense in the backcourt.
Miller’s experience and familiarity with McMahon’s system will help him improve this season. With another year of seasoning, he has the potential to emerge as a reliable scoring option, and his perimeter shooting could provide the Tigers with much-needed spacing. Miller’s development will be key to LSU’s success, particularly as they look to solidify their guard play.
LSU’s transfer portal additions for the 2023-2024 season are a blend of proven talent and high-potential players who could make a significant impact. KJ Williams and Tyrell Ward are likely to be the top contributors in terms of scoring and leadership, while players like Mwani Wilkinson and Jalen Cook provide critical support on both ends of the floor. Coach McMahon has done well to fill immediate needs, particularly in the frontcourt and guard positions, and LSU looks to have a well-rounded team that could make waves in the SEC this season.
As the season progresses, LSU’s success will depend on how quickly these transfers mesh together, but on paper, McMahon has assembled a group that offers a combination of experience, skill, and versatility that should help the Tigers return to the NCAA Tournament conversation.
