4-star power forward Jalen Reed commits to LSU

Jalen Reed, a 6-foot-10 power forward out of Castaic (CA) Southern California Academy, has committed to LSU for the class of 2022.

Reed is ranked as the No. 68 overall prospect in the 2022 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3’s evaluators are much higher on Reed, ranking him as the 45th overall prospect in the class.

The four-star senior decommitted from Florida earlier this month after former head coach Mike White accepted the open head coaching position at Georgia. In the first go-around, Reed chose the Gators over Ole Miss, Arizona State, Maryland, and Oklahoma.

After Jalen Reed reopened his recruitment on April 18th, he immediately became one of the hottest commodities. Schools like Louisville, Texas Tech, Kentucky, Memphis, and others contacted the talented four-man, before ultimately deciding on LSU.

Reed breaks down his commitment to LSU

Several factors went into Reed’s decision. One being the location and having the opportunity to play his college ball close to home. Reed is from Jackson, Mississippi but prior to the start of his sophomore year, he transferred away to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, where he played for two years. For his senior season, he transferred out west to attend Southern California Academy.

“I’ve been away from home for the last three years and (LSU) is really close to where I’m from which was a plus. It wasn’t the biggest factor, but it was definitely a plus,” he says.

Baton Rouge is only a two-and-half-hour drive from his home in Jackson. His family being able to see him play in person was something he couldn’t pass up.

“My parents will be able to come to every game, and I’ll be able to have my family there, which is something I haven’t had in a long time so that really excites me.”

Reed took a “secret visit” to LSU last weekend, and the trip immediately had him sold.

“The visit was what really helped me realize that (LSU) is where I wanted to be,” Reed said. “All the coaches were there with me and just showed me around and showed me what I can do there. I just felt like that’s where I needed to be.

What really sold me was the coaching staff and the opportunity to come in and play. The coaching staff has a really good plan in place for me to develop and also come in and show what I can do. I feel like they can help me reach my long-term goal of playing in the NBA.”

Jalen Reed has also been able to build a solid relationship with LSU’s newly hired head coach, Matt McMahon.

“I feel like Coach (Matt) McMahon and I have built a pretty good relationship in the time we’ve known each other. He played a big part in my decision also.”

LSU hires replacement for Will Wade

Just over a month ago, LSU hired former Murray State head coach Matt McMahon, after the firing of Will Wade.

McMahon spent the last seven season at Murray State, finishing with a 154-67 overall record. He also led the program to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. 

McMahon is the coach responsible for recruiting, identifying and developing Ja Morant, who was a completely unranked recruit coming out of high school.