The LSU men’s basketball team opens its 2024-25 season on Wednesday against UL-Monroe, looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
Three transfers led the Tigers in scoring last season, helping them improve from a last-place finish in the 2022-23 Southeastern Conference standings to seventh place in 2023-24. All three have moved on, meaning third-year coach Matt McMahon is hoping a new crop of transfers — and some under-the-radar returnees — can lead to another jump.
Returnees
15. Tyrell Ward
F (6-6, 195, Jr.) Washington, D.C.
THE WORD: LSU’s leading returning scorer had 9.1 points per game but went for double figures in seven of the last nine regular-season games. He shot 41.3% from 3.
9. Jalen Reed
F (6-10, 240, Jr.) Jackson, Miss.
THE WORD: Averaged 7.9 ppg with solid shooting. After starting 20 of the first 23 games last season, he came off the bench for the final nine.
20. Derek Fountain
F (6-10, 220, Sr.) Holly Springs, Miss.
THE WORD: Lost his starting spot from 2022-23 season but earned it back by end of last season. He averaged 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds as a junior.
2. Mike Williams
G (6-3, 180, So.) Baltimore
THE WORD: Averaged 7.2 points as a freshman with 41 assists and 41 steals as part-time starter. He hit six 3-pointers vs. Northwestern State and scored 16 at Alabama.
10. Daimion Collins
F (6-9, 200, Jr.) Atlanta, Texas
THE WORD: Kentucky transfer dislocated his shoulder last November and played in only one game for LSU after that. He was deemed an injury redshirt.
11. Corey Chest
F (6-8, 210, Fr.) New Orleans
THE WORD: Redshirted as true freshman last season after helping Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, to a national high school title. Originally starred at McMain High.
Transfers
5. Cam Carter
G (6-3, 190, Sr.) Donaldsonville
THE WORD: East Ascension alumnus went to Oak Hill (Va.) Academy and then Kansas State, where he was second on the team in scoring (14.6 ppg) last season.
1. Jordan Sears
G (5-11, 185, Sr.) Daytona Beach, Fla.
THE WORD: All-Ohio Valley Conference player the past two years at UT-Martin. He was ninth in the nation with 21.6 points per game last season.
4. Dji Bailey
G (6-5, 195, Sr.) Wilson, N.C.
THE WORD: Richmond transfer was Atlantic-10 Conference’s Most Improved Player last year after averaging 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds on 59.4% shooting.
7. Noah Boyde
C (7-0, 245, Jr.) Monchy, St. Lucia
THE WORD: No. 4-ranked junior-college prospect in class, according to 247Sports. He averaged 11.2 points, 8.5 rebounds at McCook (Neb.) CC.
Freshmen
0. Vyctorius Miller
G (6-5, 185, Fr.) Los Angeles
THE WORD: Nephew of New Orleans rapper Master P is known for his scoring and shooting. He goes by VJ and will look to add weight to his frame.
3. Curtis Givens
G (6-3, 185, Fr.) Memphis, Tenn.
THE WORD: His Montverde Academy (Fla.) team won high school national title last season, with Givens hitting six of nine 3-pointers in championship game.
6. Robert Miller III
F (6-10, 220, Fr.) Houston
THE WORD: Averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks as a senior. His father, Robert Miller II, was an LSU football player. His mother, Teana McKiver, played at Tulane and in WNBA.
8. Trey’Dez Green
F (6-7, 245, Fr.) Jackson
THE WORD: Two-sport star at Zachary High School already has made an impact for LSU football team, catching two touchdown passes as a tight end.
Walk-ons
14. Trace Young
G (6-3, 185, Sr.), Austin, Texas
THE WORD: Walk-on originally played at Colorado State and saw action in two games last season, bringing his career total to 24 games.
25. Adam Benhayoune
F (6-4, 235, Sr.), Helotes, Texas
THE WORD: After appearing in just three games over two seasons, he scored his first career points with two 3-pointers against Mississippi Valley last season.
