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Matt Leinart calls for Hailey Van Lith to transfer to USC

Wade-Peeryby: Wade Peery04/05/24
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USA Today Network

Hailey Van Lith of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team officially hit the transfer portal on Thursday. And there were no shortage of suitors across the internet trying to recruit her to their prospective programs, including former Heisman Trophy winner and former USC football legend, Matt Leinart.

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On3’s Pete Nakos recently explored her options in the transfer portal. USC women’s basketball star Juju Watkins is expected to return to the Trojans for next year. Pairing the former LSU star with Watkins would make for one of the top backcourts in America.

The former LSU star hitting the portal

LSU guard Hailey Van Lith has entered the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos 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.

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.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.