After only losing players during the first week of the transfer portal, the LSU Basketball team finally went on the offensive during the second week making for an exciting time for LSU fans. The Tigers to this point have gone out and practically landed a starting five with commitments from PG Dedan Thomas Jr, SG Rashad King, SF Max Mackinnon, PF Marquel Sutton, and Center Mike Nwoko.
When you look at each of LSU's transfer portal additions, they clearly check a unique box for the LSU Basketball. Some players check more straight forward boxes such as size while others check unique play style boxes.
Dedan Thomas Jr has the ability LSU lacked at PG under Matt McMahon
During Matt McMahon's tenure as LSU's Head Coach, the Tigers point guards have been score first players. While that's not always a bad thing, the Tigers offense at times looked like it could use a point guard with the ability to run the offense and create more open looks for others. In Dedan Thomas Jr, the Tigers are getting a floor general that will get himself and everyone around him advantageous looks.
Thomas Jr's 4.7 assists per game number is a bit misleading as assists don't always indicate the level of looks the shooter got. Where Thomas is at his best is when he drives to the basket drawing attention before kicking it out which makes surrounding him with talent ideal. If LSU can build the roster out with solid spot up shooters, the Tigers offense will be much tougher to stop with Thomas running point.
Quick thread breaking down the film of LSU's newest point guard, Dedan Thomas Jr.
— Toyloy Brown III (@TJ3rd_) April 1, 2025
His biggest impact on Matt McMahon’s team will be as a passer.
Talented playmaker, a walking paint touch who makes quick decisions.
Better passer than his 4.7 assists per game pic.twitter.com/jpZr7gF0Js
Rashad King brings size to LSU's backcourt after LSU was undersized all season
While Cam Carter and Jordan Sears had solid moments for LSU in 2024-25, the Tigers guard duo was severely undersized which led opposing teams to hunting LSU's guards when the Tigers were on defense. The best way to keep opponents from hunting switches is to have size everywhere they look which LSU will have with Rashad King at the shooting guard position.
Rashad King is 6 foot 6 as is Max Mackinnon meaning if that's the duo on the wing for the Tigers then opponents won't be able to score on LSU as easily. While both bring incredible shooting to the roster, LSU needed length to help out on defense which both wing additions bring to the team.
Max Mackinnon helps solves LSU's abysmal three-point shooting
If you watched the LSU Basketball team during the 2024-25 season it felt like a miracle at times when a three pointer would go in. The Tigers inability to hit the three was a death sentence paired with the fact that the Tigers were undersized as LSU had to knock down the three to make up for their weakness inside. After shooting 30.5% from three in 2024-25, the Tigers were going to need to add a few efficient three point shooters.
Max Mackinnon is the first addition to fit that billing after shooting 40.7% from three this season. While Max Mackinnon can beat opponents from anywhere on the court his ability to knock down threes will be the most welcomed trait for the Tigers. LSU now has a shooter that Dedan Thomas Jr can find on the outside that'll make team's pay for crowding the paint.
Marquel Sutton gives the Tigers a three level scorer at forward
In 2024-25, LSU's forwards were mostly threats on the inside, Daimion Collins and Jalen Reed were willing shooters from outside but, the they didn't create much away from the basket. In Marquel Sutton, the LSU Basketball team is getting a Power Forward that can take his defender out of the paint and beat him while also giving LSU a better chance at winning on the offensive glass.
Sutton is a strong finisher who's able to create looks for himself going down hill or when he's given too much room to hit a mid-range jumper. Like Daimion Collins, if you give Marquel Sutton a runway he's going to throw down a powerful dunk. Sutton is willing to shoot the three after shooting 27.7% from deep this year and if he can become a better shooter he'll be a force for the Tigers.
Mike Nwoko brings the size LSU lacked in 2025
At times in 2025, LSU was solely turning to small ball lineups in part because it was what was working for the Tigers but, also because of the toll injuries took on the roster. Coming out of the season LSU clearly needed size across the board but, they especially needed it at the center position. As nearly everyone in the SEC trots out a 7 footer that can dominate the paint and the glass, LSU adds Mike Nwoko at 6 foot 10 to be that player for the Tigers.
In 2024-25, Michael Nwoko averaged 4.6 rebounds per game and 0.8 blocks per game which will need to improve for LSU but, he doubled his production year from his Freshman season to the end of his sophomore year.