LSU WBB: Are Kim Mulkey and the Tigers Preparing for a Transfer Portal Commitment?

Mulkey and the Tigers were speculated to host Arizona transfer Kailyn Gilbert, and the speculation continues throughout the weekend. Kim Mulkey and the LSU coaches are still reviewing NCAA Transfer Portal evaluations as they search for a 2024-25 point guard. April is a significant month for this program because it marks the start of the recruitment season in a variety of areas, including the AAU basketball site and recruiting live time.

For the time being, the Tigers are looking for a point guard to lead them this season, and the portal has various alternatives. According to various sources, former Arizona guard Kailyn Gilbert came to Baton Rouge for an official visit this week. Gilbert, one of the portal’s top guards, averaged 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from three-point range in his second season with the Wildcats. She is an elite-level scorer who has established her worth in the area, but she will need to continue to hone her defensive skills.

According to various sources, the Tigers appear to be interested in Gilbert, and people connected with the matter say both parties are interested. Will Gilbert pop and declare his commitment? Time will tell, but LSU is still in contact with the sought Arizona guard. But Gilbert isn’t the only guard LSU has been courting through the NCAA Transfer Portal.

The Tigers have a couple other tricks up their sleeves. Mulkey and company plan to bring in Clemson transfer guard Ruby Whitehorn for a visit to Baton Rouge next week. According to many sources, Whitehorn has visited Florida State and Baylor, and LSU will have a chance to sign the sought guard in the coming days. A source verified to LSU Country that Whitehorn would be in town from April 26-27 for an official

During her visit to town, LSU will push for a commitment. Whitehorn is at the top of the Tigers’ Transfer Portal Big Board, and they believe she will be a valuable addition to their rotation if they can secure her services. Whitehorn averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in her second season at Clemson, and LSU obviously sees the former five-star recruit as a crucial contributor moving forward.

Whitehorn, a no-contact transfer, has control over her recruitment process, but LSU is making a push here, with both sides in communication. According to sources, LSU is also in communication with Deja Kelly, a North Carolina transfer. The three-time All-ACC first-team selection has kept the Tar Heels in the running, but the Tigers are making a strong push for her services. Kelly was a five-star recruit out of high school before dominating during her tenure at North Carolina, making her a 2020 McDonald’s All-American.

The three-time All-ACC first-team selection has kept the Tar Heels in the running, but the Tigers are making a strong push for her services. Kelly, a 2020 McDonald’s All-American, was a five-star recruit out of high school before going on to dominate at North Carolina. Kelly averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season, helping her earn another First-Team All-ACC designation.

LSU is still interested in the trio of guards, as the program is looking for a lead guard, wing rotation depth, and a valued forward moving forward. LSU Country will have the latest on the Tigers’ Transfer Portal drive in the coming weeks as they aim to create another championship-caliber squad.