Last offseason, one of the biggest wins for the LSU Basketball team was getting Senior Center Jalen Reed back for his Junior season. Reed returned to LSU and was a massive part of the Tigers success as he was averaging 11.1 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game helping the Tigers cruise through Non-Conference play.
Then in the 7th game of the season against Florida State, Jalen Reed tore his ACL two minutes into the game missing the rest of the season. The LSU Basketball team never recovered from the loss of Jalen Reed as the Tigers lost their go to scorer inside and a key piece of the defense.
As the offseason approached, LSU fans wondered whether or not Reed would return to LSU or look for a Fresh start ahead of his Senior season. On Thursday, Matt McMahon and his staff got massive news as Jalen Reed told On3 that he'd be returning for his Senior season.
Jalen Reed will return to LSU for his senior season, he told @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 27, 2025
The Tigers retain one of their key frontcourt pieces for next season. Reed, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 11.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season before going down with an injury.… pic.twitter.com/R72q3dlsTw
The news is massive for the LSU Basketball program as they'll get one of their most talented players back in the fold rather than having to replace him in what is already going to be a hectic offseason. Jalen Reed would've been highly sought after and a tough player to replace but, LSU now can recruit other transfers with Reed back on board.
This offseason, LSU already lost Corey Chest to the transfer portal while veteran center Derek Fountain won't be back next season. If Matt McMahon can retain Daimion Collins and Robert Miller, the Tigers will have a solid front court with incoming Freshman Matt Gilhool. Damion Collins missed the presence of Reed especially as he was asked to play more center rather than Power Forward.
Getting Jalen Reed back is the first big win for Matt McMahon and LSU this offseason but, the Tigers still have plenty of work to do if LSU is going to compete in the SEC next season.