The LSU Basketball season hasn't been all to memorable as the Tigers have fallen to 14-14 and 3-12 in SEC Play. The Tigers will most likely miss the NCAA Tournament barring a Cinderella run in the SEC Tournament leaving them in either the NIT or CBI Tournament. As LSU pivots toward preparing to attack the transfer portal, the Tigers do have a solid base to build upon.
If Jalen Reed and Daimion Collins choose to return to LSU, the Tigers will have a veteran big down low with a ton of experience to lead the team. Mike Williams has shown growth during the back half of the season and could return as a key piece for the Tigers. Corey Chest will have a full season under his belt to build upon this offseason as long as he returns to LSU.
The Tigers best building blocks come from the Freshman class who has shown a ton of promise in their rookie seasons. Last Recruiting Cycle, LSU signed the 13th ranked class in the Nation and the 4th ranked class in the SEC. During the season, Vyctorius Miller, Robert Miller, and Curtis Givens have all shown flashes during different stretches making it exciting to see what the group can be next season.
Vyctorius Miller was one of the key pieces during the Non-Conference Portion of the season helping Cam Carter with carrying the load offensively. At the start of SEC Play, Miller took a step back as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of the league. Over the last five games, Miller is averaging 10 points a game coming off of his Conference Play Career high against Tennessee. As LSU will lose Cam Carter, Jordan Sears, Dji Bailey, and more Miller could be the Tigers leading scorer in 2025-26.
Over the past few games, the development of Robert Miller III has been on full display as he looks like a massive piece of LSU's future. On the season, Miller is averaging just 4.0 Points Per Game and 3.0 Rebounds Per Game yet, over the last five games, he's averaging 9.6 PPG and 5.4 RPG with massive games against Florida and Arkansas. Miller has taken a massive leap as of late and if he continues going into next season he could be LSU's starting Center.
Curtis Givens has been tasked with a bigger role as of late with Jordan Sears coming off of the bench as he's been tasked with running the offense. Givens has done a solid job distributing the ball and the Tigers have been able to cut down on their turnovers. The biggest struggle for Givens has been knocking down the three but, if he's able to improve his shooting this offseason he's a massive piece for LSU.
The biggest concern for LSU is now holding onto their young pieces as rival schools may come calling in the transfer portal. LSU has already laid out a plan to pour more resources into basketball on the NIL Front and it should allow LSU the resources it needs to keep opponents from poaching the young core. This offseason will be all about adding pieces around the Freshmen using the transfer portal as LSU looks to return to NCAA Tournament Contention.