When coach Matt McMahon was first hired as the new head coach of LSU basketball, it was a fair assumption that this wasnât going to be an overnight rebuild. With that said, the Tigers are making some big-time moves heading into year three, as theyâve just landed their third transfer portal guard commitment of the offseason in former Richmond Spider Dji Bailey.
LSU basketball lands yet another elite transfer portal guard commitment in 2024 offseason
And just like that, LSU basketball has just about rebuilt their guard room from last yearâs roster. After losing star seniors Jordan Wright, Trae Hannibal and Jalen Cook, it was a fair bet that coach Matt McMahon would likely need to go transfer portal shopping once again heading into his third year with the program.
Then, when talented depth pieces Carlos Stewart and Mwani Wilkinson elected to leave the program as well, it only further pushed the need to make some big-time roster moves, and thus far, itâs safe to say the Tigers have done exactly that.
Already in the early offseason, the 2024 roster received some impressive upgrades, landing commitments from Cam Carter and Jordan Sears â both of which have the chance to snag immediate minutes this coming season.
However, the coaching staff was clearly just getting started, as they most recently landed yet another transfer portal guard commitment, as former Richmond Spider Dji Bailey announced his decision earlier this afternoon.
Bailey, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard out of Wilson, NC, is entering his fifth season of college basketball in what is more than likely to be his last.
Coming out of high school, Bailey was listed as just a two-star recruit out of Greenfield School, and in turn, it took him a year or two to really get his feet under him at the college level. However, once he did finally catch his stride, he was able to put together some very solid minutes for the Richmond Spiders as a senior this past year.
Having averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals during the 2023-24 season, his offense was solid, but itâs likely his defense that turned him into a highly sought-after transfer portal target this offseason.
Furthermore, while his numbers wonât stick out in particular, his effort and willingness to be physical down low makes him a threat when given the chance, which in turn, helped him to an impressive 59.4 shooting percentage from the field as a senior.
While he shouldnât be expected to become an immediate starter with the Tigers this coming season, Dji Bailey is certainly the kind of effort player that could earn himself a hefty dose of minutes once he gets a solid feel for SEC competition. Heâll compete with newcomers Cam Carter and Vyctorius Miller, as well as rising sophomore Mike Williams III for early playing time once the 2024-25 college basketball season gets started this coming November.
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