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Matt McMahon & the LSU Tigers land another big recruit in the transfer portal

By Charlie Hubbard

Mar 15, 2023; Dayton, OH, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack center Will Baker (50) is introduced before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2023; Dayton, OH, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack center Will Baker (50) is introduced before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boom! The LSU Tigers and Matt McMahon pick up yet another big addition in the transfer portal, adding seven-footer Will Baker from Nevada.

The Tigers made another big splash, picking up Will Baker, center from Nevada in the transfer portal. The big man was a top-30 recruit coming out of high school and originally signed with Texas.

Baker was ranked as 247’s 61st best transfer portal prospect in the 2023 class. McMahon pairs him with Jordan Wright and Jalen Cook, giving them three top-100 players in this transfer class so far.

Baker began his career at Texas, but after seeing only 8 minutes of playing time per game his freshman season, he hit the portal and transferred to Nevada. In two seasons at Nevada, he started in 59 of the Wolf Packs 63 games, including their First Four game against Arizona State this year.

The seven-footer averaged 13.5 PPG this year on 56% shooting to go along with 5.2 RPG. These numbers don’t blow anybody away, but for a team who lost centers Sean Philips and Cornelius Williams to the portal, he will play a big role for LSU this season.

Baker isn’t just a big man who will back you down in the paint. Through his three collegiate seasons, he’s seen his three point percentage jump from 15% his freshman year, to nearly 36% this past season. His ability to space the floor as a big will help fill the void left by KJ Williams.

Ideally, McMahon will be able to pair Baker with another defensive big to be able to pair with Baker. BJ Mack, a transfer from Wofford who visited with LSU earlier this week, would be an amazing compliment to Baker. His size and length allows him to go toe-to-toe with any big in the nation. Combine that with his 16.6 PPG on 49.2% shooting, and the Tigers might find themselves with an elite front court.

Next. LSU Tigers Football: Top Five Defensive Players to Watch in 2023. dark

Matt McMahon and LSU are slowly but surely rebuilding the program back into a contender. It won’t happen over night, but it’s a good sign to see three of the top 100 transfers finding their way to Baton Rouge this winter.

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