LSU men's basketball fell short of expectations this season. LSU went 14-18 and 3-15 in SEC play. That was a step back from LSU's 17-16 overall record and 9-9 conference record from 2024.
LSU is sticking with McMahon as the program resets the roster. The Tigers are hoping an increased NIL budget, paired with revenue sharing, can give LSU the talent it needs to contend for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
So far, so good. LSU is doing good work with the first round of transfers. LSU has added four players, including former UNLV guard Dedan Thomas. According to On3, Thomas is the No. 13 ranked transfer in the class and No. 5 ranked point guard.
Per 247Sports, LSU's transfer class ranks No. 3 in the sport, only behind Louisville and Creighton. Iowa and St. John's round out the top five.
LSU isn't done, but here's a look at LSU basketball's transfer class after the first week of portal action.
Dedan Thomas -- Guard, UNLV
Thomas is the top-ranked of LSU's transfers. Thomas started 60 games in two years at UNLV, averaging 14.5 points and 4.9 assists per game. Thomas' arrival gives McMahon an experienced point guard who can score and facilitate. That's big in a rebuilding stage such as LSU's.
Thomas is a playmaker, and that's something LSU has missed so far in the Matt McMahon era. Now, LSU has an impact player at the point guard spot. He's efficient, ranking No. 10 in the Mountain West in effective field goal percentage.
Thomas has two years of eligibility remaining and was pursued by the SEC's top programs, including Florida and Kentucky.
Michael Nwoko, Center -- Mississippi State
LSU's front court needed work too. The Tigers are getting help in the form of ex-Mississippi State center Michael Nwoko.
Nwoko will be a junior this fall and is on his third stop after he began his career at Miami.
Nwoko wasn't an impact scorer for the Bulldogs, but he gives LSU the size it needs down low. LSU missed that presence when Jalen Reed tore his ACL in December and it hurt the Tigers throughout the year.
Nwoko brings significant Power Four experience after making 32 starts in Starkville and appearing in 29 games with Miami. He averaged 6.1 points per game this year and has 33 blocks in his collegiate career.
Rashad King, Guard -- Northeastern
NEWS: Northeastern guard Rashad King has committed and signed with LSU, he tells @On3sports.
The 6-6 junior averaged 18.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this season.Save Story Topics in this Story