LSU retains Tyrell Ward, Jalen Reed, solidifying strong offseason

Retention has remained at the top of Matt McMahon’s priorities for the offseason over the weekend he got two huge pieces of news as both Tyrell Ward and Jalen Reed announced they would be returning for their junior seasons next year.

The two have been alongside Matt McMahon since he arrived on campus in 2022 and now will be two of the leaders of this team in 2024-25 as McMahon enters year three at LSU. Coming off of a productive second season, ending 9-9 in SEC play, the standards will continue to rise for this program as the SEC continues to strengthen. 

Last year, Ward emerged as one of the best shooters in the SEC, ending the year 41.3 percent from deep on five attempts per game, as well as 45.8 percent in conference play. The Tigers’ offense was on a different level with Ward on the court as he had the 12th best offensive rating of anyone in the conference last year. He ended the year scoring eight or more points in each of the final 11 games he played the fill game in.

For Reed, it was a bit of an inconsistent year, scoring double figures in six of his first 10 games, then taking a backseat once Jalen Cook came onboard. His usage percentage dropped significantly with Cook at point guard, but he remained efficient, ending the year shooting 54.4 percent from two and 39.4 percent from 3-point range (13-of-33). Still, the talent and overall impact was too great to ignore and getting him back is massive for the Tigers in 2024.

Their impact on LSU next season

For one, both are locked in as starters. The two have the potential to average 12+ points comfortably and are long/athletic enough to match up with and wing and forward combination in the SEC, specifically at the 3 and 4 positions. Ward’s 3-point shooting is obviously incredibly valuable, while Reed’s ball handling, strength, and size is a problem for most opposing bigs he faces.The offense is in good hands with those two along with the guard additions from the portal in Cam Carter and Jordan Sears.

Their biggest challenge will come on the defensive end. I thought Reed’s defense was underrated this past season, ending with a 4.8 block percentage, good for top 200 in the nation. He’s an awesome four-man who can switch, help, and protect the basket well. Still, there’s room to grow and the overall activity level can turn up even more next year. If that happens, I could see his NBA Draft stock shoot up.

For Ward, he came into college as a minus defender, but was at least serviceable last season. Can he turn it up another notch and defend quicker guards? We’ll have to see. He has the wingspan and understanding, but the motor will be key.

Overall, these two are just as important, if not even more important, than any transfer additions for McMahon’s staff. Now, the starting lineup has four spots set entering the summer with Sears, Carter, Ward, and Reed. The next objective for LSU is getting more wing depth and a center who can help lock down the paint. McMahon’s roster for 2024-25 continues to come together and on paper it’s beginning to look like the most talented group he’s had at LSU so far.