Northwestern State transfer Kendal Coleman commits to LSU
LSU landed the first commitment of the Matt McMahon era when Northwestern State transfer forward Kendal Coleman committed to the Tigers on Monday. The Shreveport, La. native wanted to stay home to play for McMahon.
“It just felt right for me and I felt like it was the right situation for me,” Kendal Coleman told The Bengal Tiger. “I got a good vibe from coach plus, I’m a Louisiana boy. He was real with me he gave me the rundown and was 100 from the jump.
“His plan is to bring in some good players and build a championship team. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be the first one to sign.”
In 2021-22, Coleman averaged a double-double. He averaged 15.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting 54.6 percent from the floor. Against LSU, Coleman notched 16 points and 13 rebounds while going 8-of-11 from the floor.
In 2020-21, Kendal Coleman was of five Demons to appear in all 29 games. He led Northwestern State in blocks with 33 and had three four-block games and two more with three. Coleman also topped the team in rebounds (188) and rebounding average (6.5).
McMahon starts rebuilding roster with Kendal Coleman
McMahon is also prioritizing keeping the players on the roster that want to be at LSU. There have been a few enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, but he’s still working to build relationship right off the bat.
“Oh, it’s top priority,” McMahon said. “Hit the ground running from the second I got the job, so I think that’s very important. It’s all about getting the right people in the bus, and we’re going to work to establish those relationships. I don’t expect someone to walk in and shake my hand in 30 seconds and have trust established, but we’re going to work to do that.
“I’m going to lay out a vision for how we’re going to run our program and how it’s going to benefit these young men on and off the basketball court. I have great confidence in that. I want people who want to be here.”
Forward Shareef O’Neal and guards Xavier Pinson and Brandon Murray entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Forward Tari Eason, the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year, is headed to the NBA Draft.
Kendal Coleman is the start to what’ll be a busy offseason in Baton Rouge for McMahon.
