LSU WBB: Transfer Portal Targets Kim Mulkey and the Tigers Could Add This Offseason
Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers enter an important offseason with her program looking to reconstruct the roster via the NCAA Transfer Portal once again.
With Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith entering a new chapter of their basketball careers, LSU will have to add talent through the free agency market as they did a season ago.
Now, with the offseason in full swing, who could the Tigers pursue?
The Rundown on Potential Targets:
The Signee: Arkansas Transfer Jersey Wolfenbarger
The former McDonald’s All-Americam and SEC All-Freshman team member signed to play for LSU for Coach Kim Mulkey last month.
“Having recruited Jersey out of high school, I am very familiar with the skillset she brings to Baton Rouge,” Coach Mulkey said. “She will bring size to our frontcourt combined with the ability to stretch the floor with her perimeter game. I can’t wait to get Jersey to Baton Rouge and get to work!”
Wolfenbarger played two seasons at Arkansas before sitting this year out with the intention to enter the transfer portal. The Fort Smith, Arkansas native played in 65 games as a Razorback and averaged 5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. She comes to LSU with two remaining years of eligibility.
“Coach Mulkey and her staff offered me a second chance to turn my dreams into reality,” Wolfenbarger said. “That’s an opportunity you can’t say no to.”
During her sophomore season, she had two double-digit scoring games, eight 6+ rebound contests and three games with 3+ blocks. She averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds. Wolfenbarger was named the SEC All-Freshman team the year prior, averaging 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. She recorded two double-doubles as a freshman.
Wolfenbarger, who stands at 6-5, was a top recruit coming out of Northside High School as a consensus five-star prospect. She was rated as the top wing player in her class and the No. 7 player overall by ESPN HoopGurlz. She earned a spot on the McDonald’s All-America team and was a finalist for Naismith High School Player of the Year. Wolfenbarger hit a buzzer beater to win the 2019 6A State Championship and then led Northside to a 26-2 record and a Class 6A State Championship in 2020-21.
The Targets: Ruby Whitehorn and DeeDee Hagemann
Ruby Whitehorn... Mulkey remains active on the recruiting trail despite her program just completing its season a week ago.
Now, a visitor in expected in town.
LSU will bring in Clemson transfer Ruby Whitehorn for an official visit to Baton Rouge in April, sources tell LSU Country.
Whitehorn averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Tigers during her second season with Clemson and LSU clearly sees the former five-star recruit as a piece to this rotation if able to land her services.
A no-contact transfer, Whitehorn will be in control of her process as she navigates her recruitment, but LSU will certainly be getting a visit in early April.
DeeDee Hagemann... The Michigan State transfer guard will be one of the more coveted guards on the market this offseason with LSU set to make a push of their own.
The Tigers will get Hagemann in town, sources tell LSU Country, with a visit date set to be locked in sooner rather than later.
The 5-foot-7 guard out of Detroit averaged 12.3 points and 5.2 assists per game as a junior for the Spartans as a lead guard for her program.
The Tigers are in need of experienced depth at the point guard position with Whitehorn and Hagemann appearing to be two candidates as we look ahead.
LSU will return Mikaylah Williiams, Flau'jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow as starters, but adding key pieces to the rotation is imperative.
The Need: An Experienced Forward
LSU will be in the market for a prized forward this offseason and this program will be eyeing a few as the offseason ramps up. The goal over the next few months will be to bring in at least three players via the portal.
The needs are a true point guard, experienced wing and versatile forward for the 2024-25 season, and as the offseason continues, look for Mulkey and Co. to be active in the Transfer Portal market.