This offseason, LSU Basketball fans have gotten to see the revamped LSU Basketball program in the transfer portal. After a 3-15 season in SEC Play, LSU kept Matt McMahon vowing to give him the resources needed to compete with the top teams in the SEC. The early results of the added NIL resources have been promising as LSU added a Top-10 transfer Dedan Thomas Jr and potential key pieces Mike Nwoko, Max Mackinnon, and Rashad King.
Aside from the disappointment on the basketball court during the 2024-25 season, there was another disappointment for LSU. While the Tigers landed a solid recruiting class with three top-100 recruits but, LSU wasn't able to lure in any of the high profile program changing recruits. Missing out on New Orleans Native, Chris Cenac a Top-10 player in the class was especially brutal for the LSU Tigers.
Now with added NIL resources, Matt McMahon can be more competitive on the traditional recruiting trail, looking to add some of the pieces that rarely come available in the transfer portal. This weekend, LSU got great news in their push for one of the top recruits in the 2026 recruiting class.
4-Star Shooting Guard JJ Andrews names LSU one of his 5 Finalists
On Saturday, four-star shooting guard JJ Andrews named LSU one of his 5 finalists along with Missouri, Marquette, Oklahoma, and In-State Arkansas. While announcing his final five schools, JJ Andrews will announce his decision on May 15th.
NEWS: 2026 4⭐️ JJ Andrews is down to five schools, per his Instagram:
— Sam Kayser - 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) April 5, 2025
Missouri
Arkansas
Marquette
Oklahoma
LSU
The four-star guard has taken official visits to all five schools. #22 in the ESPN60. pic.twitter.com/0C0gygbiC6
LSU hosted JJ Andrews on an official visit this season and have been one of the teams at the front in their push. On3 ranks JJ Andrews as the 34th ranked player in the class, the 10th ranked shooting guard, and the top ranked player out of Arkansas. Given that Andrews is an Arkansas native, it'll be tough for LSU to win out in this race but, not impossible.
JJ Andrews is one of the top recruits in the class and a player that could truly have a massive impact from his first games in college, potentially carrying a team to the NCAA Tournament. Andrews is a 6 foot 6 guard with long arms and a solid frame for College Basketball. Where Andrews is most impressive is as a scorer near the rim while he has the ability to score in bunches.
What a night for @LRCA_Hoops JJ Andrews. A career high 43 points and he added 13 rebounds. pic.twitter.com/zAH2IjOcXW
— The Natural State Sports Network (@the1nss) January 24, 2025
May 15th will determine whether or not LSU won out in this recruitment but, it's exciting to see Matt McMahon and his staff in the mix for top recruits.