iturn0image0ESPN Confirms: Kim Mulkey, LSU Women’s Basketball Lose Veteran Backup to the Transfer Portal, Shocking the College Basketball World
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has confirmed that veteran backup player Janae Kent has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Kent, a 6-foot-1 wing from Illinois, played a reserve role for the Tigers, averaging eight minutes per game and starting once during the 2024–25 season. Her departure marks the second freshman from LSU’s top-ranked 2023 recruiting class to leave the program, following point guard Angelica Velez’s entry into the portal earlier this week citeturn0search2.
Kent’s exit adds to a growing list of departures from the LSU program. Notably, guard-forward Jersey Wolfenbarger, who transferred from Arkansas, has also entered the portal. Wolfenbarger averaged 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds over 37 games, starting in nine, and posted a 63% shooting rate from the field during the 2024–25 season citeturn0news12. These departures come on the heels of the Tigers’ Elite Eight loss to UCLA, signaling a significant reshaping of the roster ahead of the 2025–26 season.
In response to these departures, Coach Mulkey has been active in the transfer portal, securing commitments from several players to bolster the team’s depth and competitiveness. Among the new additions is 6-foot-5 forward Kate Koval from Notre Dame, who brings strong defensive skills and a physical presence to the frontcourt citeturn0news12. Additionally, guards Shayeann Day-Wilson, Kailyn Gilbert, and Mjracle Sheppard have joined the program, each bringing valuable experience and talent to LSU’s backcourt citeturn0search4.
As the offseason progresses, Coach Mulkey and the LSU women’s basketball program face the challenge of rebuilding and reloading their roster to maintain their status as a national contender. The loss of experienced players like Kent and Wolfenbarger underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball rosters and the impact of the transfer portal on team compositions.
For fans and analysts alike, the coming months will be critical in assessing how LSU navigates these changes and prepares for the upcoming season. With a mix of returning talent and new additions, the Tigers aim to continue their pursuit of excellence on the national stage.
navlistRecent Developments in LSU Women’s Basketball Offseasonturn0news12,turn0news13,turn0news14
Leave a Reply