Matt McMahon made progress with Tigers in Year 2

With the step forward in Year 2, more will be expected in Year 3. McMahon has another tough offseason in front of him and continuing that progress won’t come easy.

With Baker and Jordan Wright moving on, LSU’s losing its top veterans and most consistent players. The status of Jalen Cook, who led LSU with 15.6 points per game, remains uncertain after he was suspended for failing to meet McMahon’s standards.

Added to the losses are Trae Hannibal and Mwani Wilkinson. Hannibal played for McMahon dating back to their days at Murray State and Wilkinson began his LSU career under Will Wade. It helps to have guys like that in the locker room.

That’s enough to worry about already. Now, in this era, McMahon also has to worry about ensuring the guys with eligibility remaining don’t hit the portal. With Tyrell Ward, Jalen Reed, and Mike Williams, McMahon has a young nucleus to build around. But he needs them to stay.

Help will arrive. McMahon has proven he can recruit in the portal and he’s already signed two top 100 recruits out of high school in the 2024 class.

It wasn’t the ending anyone wanted, but it’s hard to be upset with this season. McMahon raised the talent level, the play on the floor improved, and it felt there was a higher standard within the program. When he took the job, he knew he had a complete rebuild in front of him. All you can ask for is progress. LSU made that progress in Year 2, but it has to continue.