LSU guard Hailey Van Lith enters NCAA transfer portal

LSU guard Hailey Van Lith has entered the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. She spent just one season in Baton Rouge under head coach Kim Mulkey. But now, in what could be her final season of college basketball, Van Lith will be looking to play elsewhere.

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Van Lith could have declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft but was not on the list of entrants released on Thursday. Once LSU lost in the Elite Eight on Monday, she had just 48 hours to declare officially. And while her former teammate, Angel Reese, did, Van Lith will continue on in college thanks to the COVID-19 eligibility rules.

Following the Iowa loss, Mulkey stated she hoped Van Lith decided to come back for another season. However, she understood Van Lith needed to “take care” of herself. While Mulkey was likely talking about the WNBA Draft there, it remains true with the transfer portal.

“I hope it’s not her last game,” Mulkey said. “But if it is, I’m proud to have been her coach for a year. She’s got another year if she wants to come back. So does Angel. I know they have to make decisions.

“But the thing that we talk about a lot, on the men’s side, we talk about one-and-dones and how terrible that is. You go through a period, you can’t have these players for long periods of time, they’re selfish, they’re going to take care of themselves. Look, everybody is different and everybody has to do what they’re going to do.”

Hailey Van Lith leaving LSU after just one season

When Van Lith entered the transfer portal last offseason, she was one of the most coveted players out there. LSU was able to secure her commitment and fresh off a national championship, the hype surrounding the Tigers was through the roof.

In 33 games, Van Lith averaged 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Her scoring numbers were significantly down compared to her previous two years with the Louisville Cardinals but Van Lith’s assists were at a career-best rate.

Now on the open market, coaches across the country will be recruiting Van Lith to their program. The 2023-2024 season may have ended on a sour note but the talent is still there. One final ride of Van Lith before likely declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft.