LSU Lady Tigers guard Hailey Van Lith has entered the transfer portal after the team’s loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight. Despite being eligible to play in the 2024-25 season, she is exploring her options after completing four years of college basketball and having an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Van Lith had previously considered transferring last offseason before committing to LSU, where she played as a point guard and averaged 11.6 points per game, a decrease from her time at Louisville where she averaged 15.4 points per game.
Van Lith’s decision to transfer comes after the Tigers’ disappointing loss to Iowa, where she was tasked with guarding star player Caitlin Clark. Despite the loss, LSU coach Kim Mulkey spoke positively about Van Lith’s contribution to the team, praising her unselfish play throughout the season. Van Lith had until Wednesday to declare for the WNBA Draft but chose not to, despite implying readiness for the league following the loss to Iowa. She cited her professional prospects and partnerships, such as with Adidas, as factors in her decision not to enter the draft class that includes top players like Clark, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Cameron Brink.
After spending three years as the centerpiece of Louisville women’s basketball, Van Lith transferred to LSU last offseason, attracted by the team’s formidable lineup that also included transfer Aneesah Morrow from DePaul. The team referred to the 2023 season as the “free smoke tour,” but their championship hopes were dashed by Iowa in the Elite Eight. Van Lith’s defensive skills were tested against Clark, with Mulkey’s assigning her to guard the star player for most of the game despite her prolific scoring. Van Lith’s performance at LSU saw a decrease in scoring compared to her time at Louisville, where she averaged 15.4 points per game, shooting 42% from the floor.
Van Lith’s decision to enter the transfer portal once again indicates her desire to explore her options and potentially find a better fit for her final year of eligibility. Mulkey expressed pride in coaching Van Lith for a year and commended her for taking a leap of faith by leaving her comfort zone at Louisville to join LSU. While it remains unclear where Van Lith will transfer next or if she will remain at LSU for another season, her talent and potential as a professional player are evident. Despite not declaring for the WNBA Draft this year, Van Lith’s future in basketball looks promising as she continues her collegiate career and prepares for her transition to the professional league in the coming years.
