In a stunning move that has college basketball fans buzzing, the queen of the transfer portal, Coach Kim Mulkey, has done it again. Just weeks after leading her team to a national title, Mulkey has managed to secure the commitment of transfer guard Hailey Van Lith to Louisiana State University (LSU).
Van Lith, a 5-foot-7 guard with a stellar record at Louisville, is coming off back-to-back All-ACC first team seasons. Her performance during the 2022-23 season was particularly impressive, with an average of 19.7 points per game on 41.1 percent shooting. This elite scorer is expected to step in and immediately fill the shoes of All-SEC guard Alexis Morris, with two years of eligibility still remaining.
Both Van Lith and LSU forward Angel Reese are projected to be top six picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Out of high school, Van Lith was named a McDonald’s All-American and ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the nation by ESPN.
During the 2022-23 season, Van Lith had to carry the Cardinals on offense, attempting 16.8 field goal attempts per game and 4.9 free throws. She finished the year with a 29.6 usage percentage, earning her an All-American Honorable Mention. In addition, Van Lith averaged 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals, and set a new Louisville record for free throw percentage in a season at 87.4.
Despite her increased usage, Van Lith’s 3-point shooting percentage dipped to 29.3 percent, although she had shot 36.3 percent on 124 attempts in her sophomore year. This demonstrates her potential to improve her shooting efficiency once again.
With Van Lith’s addition to the team, Coach Mulkey has begun the process of reloading after her first national title at LSU. This move immediately places the Tigers at the top of preseason rankings, with ample spots still to fill. Mulkey will now be seeking a post and a wing shooter to round out the roster. With Kateri Poole and Last-Tear Poa returning, the backcourt is well-stocked with ball handlers, so the focus will be on adding veteran pieces to other positions.
The commitment of Hailey Van Lith to LSU is a testament to the power and influence of Coach Kim Mulkey, the reigning queen of the transfer portal. This move solidifies LSU’s position as a top contender in the college basketball landscape and raises expectations for the upcoming season.