Former McDonald's All-American Daimion Collins Commits to LSU
Matt McMahon and Co. are back at it again on the recruiting trail after landing another big fish via the NCAA Transfer Portal in Kentucky forward Daimion Collins.
The former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American is taking his talents to Baton Rouge.
One of the top prospects in the 2021 class, Collins spent the last two seasons with the Wildcats, but after struggling to find playing time with John Calipari’s squad, he found himself entering the portal.
Fast forward to now and Collins adds to the Tigers’ monster transfer portal haul. The electrifying forward may not have flashy numbers, but a player of his caliber gives McMahon’s program a monster for the future. The upside of Collins is significant, and after reeling in two premier guards who can help him work in the pick and roll, it’s a match made in heaven.
LSU adds another dynamic player with SEC experience as they continue making moves in the portal this offseason.
A dive into who the Tigers have added via the NCAA Transfer Portal:
The Additions
Jordan Wright - Vanderbilt
The Baton Rouge native averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for Vanderbilt last season, leading the Commodores to a big-time turnaround under Head Coach Jerry Stackhouse.
Wright has been surgical during his college career. A player who can score in the blink of an eye while creating for others, he fills an immediate need for the Tigers where he will spend his final year of eligibility.
Jalen Cook - Tulane
LSU also added two-time First Team All-AAC guard Jalen Cook, giving the Tigers a shot-making facilitator for the 2023 season. The former Tulane guard has been spectacular during his time with the Green Wave, looking to bring his playmaking ability back to Baton Rouge after a stint with the Tigers to begin his college career.
Cook is fresh off of a dominant year after averaging 19.8 points and 4.9 assists for the Green Wave. One of the top guards in the portal, McMahon made a huge splash in securing Cook, who received interest from over 40 schools once entering the portal.
Will Baker - Nevada
Baker spent three seasons at Nevada following a stint with Texas during his freshman campaign. The 7-foot, 245-pound post player was a third-team all-conference honoree this season on his way to a career year. A former four-star recruit, his game is coming together rather quickly.
Baker averaged career highs in points (13.6) and rebounds (5.2) this year while adding 26 assists, 18 steals and nine blocks on 56% from the field and 35.5 percent on threes. LSU is in search of bigs, and after an official visit to Baton Rouge in April, it sealed the deal for the high-priority target.
Carlos Stewart - Santa Clara
The Baton Rouge native just finished his second season with the Broncos where he started in 33 games this year. Stewart averaged 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for his squad on his way to a career year.
The shifty 6-foot-1 guard has been efficient during his time out West, but as he returns home to suit up for the purple and gold, it’ll be a homecoming. Stewart attended Dunham School in Baton Rouge with new Tiger Jordan Wright as the two team up once again in different colors.
Hunter Dean - George Washington
The 6-foot-10 big gives this program another piece to their roster moving forward. Dean spent his freshman campaign at Southern Miss before transferring to George Washington for his last three years. Now heading to Baton Rouge, the Louisiana native comes to LSU as a graduate transfer.
In the 2022-23 season, Dean averaged 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds a night on an efficient 64.1% from the field. A true big, Dean gives the Tigers some stability moving forward inside, an area this unit struggled in last season.
A career season last year, Dean nearly doubled his production in points while upping his rebounds as well. With the Tigers looking to add experience to their roster, Dean fits what McMahon is building like a glove.
