The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team has experienced significant roster changes during the 2024–2025 offseason, with three key contributors entering the NCAA Transfer Portal: freshman guards Angelica Velez and Janae Kent, and senior guard Hailey Van Lith. These departures have prompted head coach Kim Mulkey to seek reinforcements, resulting in the addition of guards Mjracle Sheppard, Kailyn Gilbert, and Shayeann Day-Wilson. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding these departures and arrivals, analyzing their impact on the team’s dynamics and performance.
Departures
Angelica Velez
Angelica Velez, a 5-foot-7 guard from the Bronx, New York, joined LSU as a four-star recruit in the 2023 class. In her freshman year, she played 111 minutes across 23 games, averaging 1.6 points, 0.6 assists, and 0.8 turnovers per game. Her most notable performance was a 10-point, 5-assist game against McNeese. Despite her potential, Velez entered the transfer portal in April 2024, seeking a fresh start. She subsequently transferred to Syracuse University, where she aims to secure more substantial playing time and contribute significantly to the Orange’s backcourt.
Janae Kent
Janae Kent, a 6-foot-1 guard from Oak Forest, Illinois, also joined LSU as a four-star recruit in the 2023 class. During her freshman year, she averaged 1.2 points per game, playing sparingly in her lone season under Coach Mulkey. In April 2024, Kent announced her intention to enter the transfer portal, aiming to find a program where she could secure more consistent playing time and further develop her skills. Her departure marked the third transfer portal exit for LSU that offseason, following Velez and Van Lith.
Hailey Van Lith
Hailey Van Lith, a 5-foot-7 guard from Wenatchee, Washington, transferred to LSU from the University of Louisville in April 2023. In her senior season, she averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists per game, with a season-high 26-point performance against Tennessee. However, her scoring volume and efficiency declined compared to previous seasons, leading to scrutiny from analysts. In April 2024, Van Lith entered the transfer portal after one season with the Tigers. She subsequently transferred to Texas Christian University (TCU), where she aims to make a significant impact in her final collegiate season.
Arrivals
Mjracle Sheppard
Mjracle Sheppard, a 5-foot-10 guard from Kent, Washington, transferred to LSU from Mississippi State University. In her freshman year at Mississippi State, she averaged 5.1 points, 2.1 assists, and 48 total steals. Sheppard is expected to bolster LSU’s perimeter defense and provide valuable depth in the backcourt.
Kailyn Gilbert
Kailyn Gilbert, a 5-foot-8 guard from Tampa Bay, Florida, joined LSU from the University of Arizona. Over the past two seasons, she played in 55 games, starting 19, and averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Gilbert’s scoring prowess and experience are anticipated to strengthen LSU’s backcourt and provide leadership on the court.
Shayeann Day-Wilson
Shayeann Day-Wilson, a 5-foot-6 guard from Toronto, Ontario, transferred to LSU from the University of Miami. In her previous season, she averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. Day-Wilson’s playmaking abilities and scoring consistency are expected to enhance LSU’s offensive dynamics and offer strategic options in the backcourt.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The departures of Velez, Kent, and Van Lith have created gaps in LSU’s roster, particularly in the guard positions. Velez and Kent’s exits open opportunities for increased playing time for returning guards and the incoming transfers. Van Lith’s departure, while significant, has been mitigated by the addition of experienced guards like Sheppard, Gilbert, and Day-Wilson. These new additions bring a wealth of experience and skill, potentially elevating LSU’s backcourt performance in the upcoming season.
Coaching Strategy
Coach Kim Mulkey’s proactive approach in the transfer portal reflects a strategic effort to maintain competitiveness and depth within the team. By securing experienced guards, she aims to address the void left by departing players and strengthen the team’s overall structure. The integration of Sheppard, Gilbert, and Day-Wilson is expected to complement the existing roster and contribute to LSU’s pursuit of excellence in the forthcoming season.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–2026 season approaches, LSU’s women’s basketball team is undergoing significant transitions. The departures and arrivals have reshaped the roster, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The effectiveness of integrating new players with returning talent will be crucial in determining the team’s success. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these changes influence LSU’s performance in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The LSU women’s basketball team’s offseason has been marked by notable roster changes, with key players departing and new talent joining the ranks. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of collegiate basketball, where strategic decisions in the transfer portal can significantly impact a team’s trajectory. As the Tigers adapt to these changes, the upcoming season promises to be both challenging and exciting, with high expectations for the team’s performance.
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