LSU Transfer Portal: Could Kim Mulkey Target Hailey Van Lith?

Van Lith shocked the country with her decision, Tigers could look to push for her in the portal.

Louisville star Hailey Van Lith entered the NCAA Transfer Portal over the weekend after a dominant career with the Cardinals. After announcing her departure, it sent shockwaves across college basketball with the attention immediately going towards LSU.

As a junior during the 2022-23 season, Van Lith averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists on her way to another All-ACC season.

The elite-level scorer has led the Cardinals in scoring over the last two seasons in an efficient way, making her one the most highly sought-after players in the portal whether it be men’s or women's.

Where do the Tigers fit into the equation?

Van Lith has ties to Kim Mulkey with many wondering what her next move could be. Could she be gearing up to become a Tiger? Head to Iowa and team up with Caitlin Clark? Back to the West coast?

We dove into a few details surrounding her transfer, the Mulkey connection and more:

“Do-Not Contact” Transfer

Once Van Lith entered the portal, she included a “no-contact” clause. It simply means Van Lith can reach out to coaches, but coaches can’t initiate the contact.

Could this mean Van Lith already knows where she wants to go? Or could this mean she wants complete control of the process? Both could be true, but as for now, Van Lith has been silent over the last 48 hours ever since entering.

The Mulkey Connection

When coming out of high school, Van Lith’s final two schools included both Louisville and Baylor. Ultimately committing to the Cardinals, this is key in evaluating Van Lith’s transfer portal options.

Clearly Coach Mulkey was at the helm of the Baylor program during Van Lith’s recruitment process, which means the two already have a positive relationship off the court. 

How will this help LSU in their pursuit of Van Lith? Well it’s obvious. Mulkey is a recruiting guru and Van Lith is in control of her own process, not necessarily looking to move at a snail's pace.

Mulkey allows her players to be passionate on the floor. It’s a trait her players have praised over the last decade plus. When it comes to Van Lith, she’s about as loud and energetic on the floor as they come at the college level. At first glance, it’s a match made in heaven.

Alexis’ Morris’ Departure

LSU lost star point guard Alexis Morris to the WNBA Draft. A fearless leader, her production will be hard to make up for, which immediately points to Van Lith. A 20 point per game scorer who makes those around her better, she could fit like a glove.

The Tigers have Flau’jae Johnson, the SEC’s Freshman of the Year, but she’s played more of a two-guard slot. In need of a true point guard once again, Van Lith could be their player.

What About NIL?

Van Lith is one of the top targets in the NIL space. She’s already signed a deal with Adidas, Dick’s Sporting Goods and more. Will this be a factor in where she makes her decision? It’s up in the air.

There’s an All-American in Baton Rouge who goes by the name of Angel Reese. THE Angel Reese. She’s taken over the NIL space and proven LSU has the resources to ball off the court as well.

A school so ahead of the curve in the NIL realm, this could also help the Tigers’ chances when it comes to landing one of the top hoopers in the NCAA Transfer Portal as they continue revamping their roster for the 2023-24 season.