It’s been a largely up and down offseason for coach Kim Mulkey and LSU women’s basketball, as they’ve lost several key pieces both to the WNBA and transfer portal. Most recently, freshman Janae Kent became the third guard to leave the program over the last few weeks.
LSU women’s basketball freshman guard Janae Kent enters the transfer portal
It was a freshman season filled with plenty of highs and plenty of lows for Illinois-based Janae Kent. After entering college as the No. 73 player overall in the class of 2023, expectations were undoubtedly high for the 6-foot-1 guard, but unfortunately, she was often overshadowed by an elite 2023 recruiting cycle overall for the Tigers.
Along with Kent, coach Kim Mulkey brought in a slew of high-potential players, including five-star recruits Mikaylah Williams and Aalyah Del Rosario, as well as transfer portal additions Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow.
That meant there weren’t a ton of available minutes, which led to a somewhat underwhelming year overall. Even so, in 32 appearances, she managed to log 1.6 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0.2 steals per game, even finding her way into a starting role in one game.
In turn, it should come as little surprise that she likely hopes to get some more meaningful minutes in the future, which as of today, has led her towards the 2024 transfer portal.
Kent is a talented all-around guard, with height that allows her to compete either outside the three-point line or down low against taller competition. Regardless of where she ends up, expect her to end up on the court sooner rather than later thanks in large part to her immediate impact potential.
Remaining guards for 2024-25 season
Unfortunately for coach Kim Mulkey and her LSU women’s basketball roster heading into 2024-25, Janae Kent isn’t the only big-time guard to have left the program this offseason.
Following the Tigers’ heartbreaking loss vs. Iowa in the Elite Eight, both senior Hailey Van Lith and freshman Angelica Velez entered the transfer portal, opening the door to be recruited elsewhere for next season.
While losing three guards is never an ideal situation, it’s important to remember that the purple and gold are also returning plenty of starting-caliber talent, headlined by rising junior Flau’jae Johnson.
Along with Johnson, LSU returns two other players with starting experience, as both freshman Mikaylah Williams and junior Last-Tear Poa are returning, while local phenom Izzy Besselman is entering year-three with the program.
Finally, coach Mulkey is also welcoming in two stellar guards, as Louisiana-based class of 2024 recruit Jada Richard and former Arkansas Razorback Jersey Wolfenbarger will soon be joining the roster ahead of next season.
Yes, the purple and gold have lost plenty thus far in the 2024 offseason. Still, the program is in excellent overall shape, particularly at the guard position, and should once again expect to have one of the better rosters in the conference next season.
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