Jalen Cook transfers back to LSU Tigers as men’s team rebuild continues

Jalen Cook is returning to Death Valley. After a pair of stellar seasons at Tulane, the point guard is transferring back to the LSU Tigers.

LSU Tigers fans can expect Jalen Cook to play a significant role on Matt McMahon’s roster next season. Cook averaged nearly 20 points and five assists per game while starring at Tulane. Reports indicate he considered entering the NBA Draft but opted to extend his college career. But, of course, Cook’s transfer to LSU is a return to where his college career started.

Jalen Cook committed to the LSU Tigers as a three-star recruit out of Walker (La.) High School. He appeared in 20 games as a true freshman, averaging about 3.1 points in 7.5 minutes per game. Moreover, the 6-foot shooter flashed his potential in an 11-point performance against Georgia in late February 2021.

Suffice it to say; Cook’s decision to leave LSU after the 2020-21 season disappointed Tiger fans. However, such fans can rejoice now that Cook is back and is a better player than when he left.

Adding Cook to LSU’s roster is an outstanding move for McMahon, who is currently prioritizes recruiting in-state talent. McMahon also landed Baton Rouge native Jordan Wright from the transfer portal. Wright is a 6-6 guard that averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists with Vanderbilt last season.

The additions of Cook and Wright come at an excellent time for the LSU Tigers.

Just recently, guards Justice Hill and Justice Williams entered the transfer portal with the intent to depart Death Valley. Hill followed McMahon from Murray State but struggled with personal issues and failed to find his footing with LSU. Conversely, Williams was a Will Wade-era holdover who could not earn significant playing time in Baton Rouge.

Regardless, few LSU Tigers fans will gripe that players from the 2022-23 men’s basketball team are leaving. The men’s season was an utter disappointment. However, such was expected due to the circumstances and timing of McMahon’s hire following Wade’s dismissal. As a result, LSU put a makeshift, disjointed roster on the court.

LSU Tigers fans must expect McMahon to continue working the transfer portal while assembling his 2024 recruiting class. Nevertheless, we’re confident the LSU head coach will build a program capable of competing for the SEC Championship within the next two seasons.

Bringing Jalen Cook back to Baton Rouge is an excellent start.