Hailey Van Lith, LSU’s star guard, recently made headlines by entering the transfer portal, indicating a potential shift in her collegiate basketball journey.
While she hasn’t finalized her next destination, reports suggest that an intriguing option has emerged on her radar.
According to insights from Talia Goodman of The Next Hoops, Van Lith is slated to visit Mississippi State this upcoming Saturday.
This move raises eyebrows, considering Mississippi State’s status as a rival SEC program. Speculation brews as to whether Van Lith’s interest in the Bulldogs signals a desire to compete against her former team, LSU.
Mississippi State, under the guidance of coach Sam Purcell, capped off the previous season with a commendable 23-12 record. Amidst this backdrop, Van Lith’s potential transfer adds another layer of intrigue to the Bulldogs’ prospects.
For Van Lith, this marks the second consecutive year she’s found herself in the transfer portal. Her basketball prowess was evident during her tenure at Louisville, where she boasted an impressive average of 19.7 points per game.
Subsequently, she ventured to LSU, where her performance saw a dip, averaging 11.6 points per game and grappling with a career-low shooting percentage of 37.8%.
Notably, Van Lith’s struggles were starkly highlighted during LSU’s Elite Eight clash against Iowa, raising questions about her fit within the team’s dynamics. Despite the uncertainties surrounding her future, Van Lith has remained tight-lipped.
However, her candid reflections on her stint at LSU during the Sweet 16 hint at underlying sentiments.
“A lot of people have a lot to say about how this year went for me, but one thing that they can’t argue with is that at this point, I know how to fend for Hailey and I know how to fight for Hailey and that’s going to help me the next level.”
Looking ahead, a potential resurgence in Hailey Van Lith’s performance could significantly bolster her draft prospects. A successful stint with a new team could provide the platform she needs to reclaim her status as a standout player on both ends of the court.
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