BREAKING: Louisville Star Hailey Van Lith Commits to LSU
Louisville star Hailey Van Lith is taking her talents down South after committing to Kim Mulkey and the reigning National Champion LSU Tigers.
Once entering the portal, it sent shockwaves across college basketball with the attention immediately going towards LSU.
The All-American guard was in Baton Rouge for an official visit with Mulkey and her coaching staff a week and a half ago before making her decision to team up with Angel Reese in the purple and gold.
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 bucket-getter led the Cardinals in scoring over the last two seasons in an efficient way, which paved the way as making her such a sought-after player in the portal.
How did this come together?
“Do-Not Contact” Transfer
Once Van Lith entered the portal, she included a “no-contact” clause. It simply meant Van Lith can reach out to coaches, but coaches can’t initiate the contact.
Did this mean Van Lith already knew where she wanted to go? Or did this mean she wanted complete control of the process? Both could have been true, but fast forward to now, and all signs pointed to her wanting to be a Tiger.
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 became key in evaluating Van Lith’s transfer portal decision.
Coach Mulkey was at the helm of the Baylor program during Van Lith’s recruitment process, which meant the two already had a positive relationship off the court.
Mulkey is a recruiting guru and Van Lith was in control of her own process, not necessarily looking to move at a snail's pace, which expedited the process.
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 fits 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 is the answer.
The Angel Reese/NIL Effect
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. Factor in that she’ll join forces with All-American forward Angel Reese and the two can shine both on and off the floor.
Both Reese and Van Lith have already taken over the NIL space with Reese proving LSU has the resources to ball off the court as well.
The addition of Van Lith is monstrous moving forward as the Tigers look to repeat as National Champions after doing the improbable in Kim Mulkey’s second season at the helm of the program.
