Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Following LSU’s loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight, star guard Hailey Van Lith has made the decision to enter the transfer portal, per reports Thursday. Van Lith, who played four years of college basketball, has an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having been a standout player for Louisville women’s basketball, Van Lith transferred to LSU last offseason after considering Stanford and South Carolina. Her addition to the Tigers, along with the acquisition of DePaul’s Aneesah Morrow, bolstered the team’s lineup. Unfortunately, their run in the 2023-24 season, dubbed the “free smoke tour,” was cut short by a stellar performance from Iowa’s Caitlin Clark in the Elite Eight.
Throughout the season, Van Lith primarily played as a point guard for LSU, averaging 11.6 points per game – a decrease from her time at Louisville. Despite the shift in scoring, Van Lith’s impact on the team was praised by LSU coach Kim Mulkey following their exit from the tournament.
Looking ahead, Van Lith had until Wednesday to declare for the upcoming WNBA Draft, where it was speculated that she would pursue a professional career. She hinted at her readiness for the next level during a post-game interview, mentioning her existing partnership with Adidas among other NIL deals.
When the list of players formally filing for the WNBA Draft was released, Van Lith’s name was notably absent. This decision means she will not be part of a draft class that includes notable players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, indicating a possible return to college basketball or different career path for Van Lith.
Overall, Van Lith’s journey from Louisville to LSU and her potential choices moving forward highlight the complexities and decisions faced by student-athletes navigating collegiate sports and professional aspirations.