Before LSU's 2024-2025 season started, the LSU Basketball team lost one of its best players as Tyrell Ward left the program as he dealt with his mental health. The news came after Matt McMahon was able to get Ward to return for his third season which was supposed to give LSU another highly capabale scorer.
NEWS: LSU guard Tyrell Ward will step away from the program, head coach Matt McMahon announced.
— On3 (@On3sports) November 7, 2024
Ward averaged 9.1 points per game last season. https://t.co/rGPHzPYuhS pic.twitter.com/l7ukyzfMb0
As Tyrell Ward left the program, it was expected that he wasn't going to return to LSU as he could transfer elsewhere. When the transfer portal opens on Monday, Tyrell Ward will be leaving Baton Rouge as he's informed several outlets of his intentions to enter the transfer portal.
LSU wing Tyrell Ward will enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @RivalsPortal.
— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) March 21, 2025
Former 5⃣🌟 who stepped away from the program to focus on his mental health. Previously averaged 9.1ppg and 2.3rpg for the 2023-24 season. https://t.co/S4P6vGWwjS pic.twitter.com/thyJwq0Chh
Ward's tenure in Baton Rouge didn't go the way anyone hoped it would but, there were plenty of incredibly exciting moments. Tyrell Ward committed to LSU after de-commiting from Xavier, landing Ward over Georgetown was arguably Matt McMahon's biggest recruiting wins at LSU.
As a Freshman, Ward appeared in 23 games for the Tigers starting eight as he emerged down the stretch. After averaging 5.7 points per game and 1.5 rebounds per game in 14.3 minutes per game Ward was poised for a breakout as a Sophomore.
In his second season, Ward appeared in 31 games with 10 starts but, down the final ten games of the season he was electric for the Tigers. Ward's career high came against Arkansas where he scored 19 points but, his biggest moment came when he scored 17 against Kentucky. After Jordan Wright's attempt to win the game was rejected, Wright found Ward who hit the shot to stun the 17th ranked Kentucky Wildcats.
The complete ending of LSU-Kentucky.
— Brian Rauf (@brauf33) February 22, 2024
Clutch shot from Dillingham before Tyrell Ward WINS IT on the other end! pic.twitter.com/onNftryTGp
It'll be interesting to follow where Tyrell Ward ends up in the transfer portal especially after a year away from basketball. For LSU this isn't a massive loss as it was expected but, it is another roster spot Matt McMahon and his staff can use to build out this roster.