Former Kentucky forward transfers to LSU

Former Kentucky forward Daimion Collins announced his intent to transfer to LSU on Thursday.

A former 2021 five-star recruit out of Atlanta, Texas, Collins initially committed to the Wildcats over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and USC, among others, according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-9-inch forward would join a 2021 Kentucky recruiting class that featured two other five-star recruits and four transfers.

Collins entered his name into the transfer portal in late April after two seasons with Kentucky. He ultimately played in 52 games and made two starts with the Wildcats, earning averages in that space of 2.4 points, two rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 7.7 minutes played per-game.

"In the last two years, I have encountered so many amazing people and had some incredible memories that I will cherish a lifetime," he wrote in an April tweet. "To my teammates, thank you for the strong bond and brotherhood."

Collins should make a fantastic addition to an LSU squad looking to regain its footing in the SEC under head coach Matt McMahon. He joins a talented cast of transfers that will look to make up for the lost production of two of the team's top scorers from last season.

LSU forward KJ Williams, who led the team in scoring with 17.7 points per game, declared for the 2023 NBA Draft in early April. Guard Adam Miller, meanwhile, transferred to Arizona State later that month.

The move to the SEC rival will have its effects on the Wildcats, too. The 210-pound forward could have played a more prominent role on Kentucky's roster after it lost center Oscar Tshiebwe, who declared for the NBA draft in April.

But at the same time, Kentucky will welcome a formidable class of its own in 2023, one that includes seven-foot center Aaron Bradshaw and five-star forward Justin Edwards. Bradshaw was ranked the No. 4 player in the nation and the No. 1 center by 247Sports.