Matt McMahon’s Vision: LSU Basketball’s Strategic Signing of UC-Davis Transfer Brings Talent and Leadership to Baton Rouge
In a bold and forward-thinking move, LSU men’s basketball head coach Matt McMahon announced the official signing of a highly coveted transfer from the University of California, Davis. This transfer marks a significant addition to the Tigers’ roster heading into the 2024–25 college basketball season. McMahon praised the incoming player as a “versatile, high-IQ player who will bring immediate impact and leadership” to his team — a statement that captures both the tactical and cultural weight of the acquisition.
This transfer isn’t just about filling a scholarship slot. It’s about reshaping the program’s competitive trajectory in the SEC and beyond, using smart recruiting, high-character players, and a foundation of discipline, teamwork, and tactical basketball. In this feature, we’ll explore the reasons behind the signing, the player’s background, McMahon’s overall strategy at LSU, and what this could mean for the future of the program.
The Backdrop: LSU’s Rebuilding Mission
When Matt McMahon took the reins at LSU in 2022, he inherited a program rocked by roster turnover, the departure of former head coach Will Wade amid NCAA investigations, and mounting expectations from a fanbase eager to see the Tigers become consistent SEC contenders. McMahon, fresh off an impressive run at Murray State — where he developed NBA star Ja Morant and led his teams to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances — was tasked with stabilizing and rebuilding the program from the ground up.
In his first two seasons, McMahon worked diligently to establish his system. That system emphasized selfless play, defensive accountability, offensive spacing, and mental toughness. However, it was clear early on that LSU lacked the kind of consistent depth and veteran leadership needed to compete with the top-tier SEC programs. The Tigers showed flashes of promise, but were inconsistent in execution — a common hurdle for rosters filled with underclassmen and first-year transfers still learning to play together.
Thus, heading into the 2024 offseason, McMahon and his staff made it a priority to target experienced players in the transfer portal who not only brought talent, but also the maturity, versatility, and basketball IQ needed to immediately elevate the locker room.
The Player: Why the UC-Davis Transfer Stands Out
Though his name was initially met with curiosity from casual fans, insiders and analysts familiar with UC-Davis and mid-major basketball recognized the value of the transfer. At 6’7”, the player (whose identity will be fully revealed when LSU finalizes all paperwork) is a multi-positional wing with the ability to guard four positions and contribute on both ends of the floor.
During his time at UC-Davis, he consistently stuffed the stat sheet — averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in his junior season. More impressive than the numbers, however, was how he played: unselfishly, with a controlled pace, high awareness, and efficiency. He shot over 48% from the field, nearly 40% from three, and boasted an assist-to-turnover ratio that ranked among the best in the Big West Conference.
McMahon specifically noted these traits when discussing the transfer, stating:
“He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better. He sees the floor, makes the right read, can defend multiple positions, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands 24/7 to make an impact. That’s what we’re building here.”
The player also brings leadership — both vocal and by example. He served as team captain at UC-Davis and earned multiple academic honors, reflecting a commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom. That dual commitment mirrors what McMahon has emphasized at LSU: building a culture where toughness, discipline, and accountability are just as important as athleticism.
Why It Matters: Tactical and Cultural Fit
LSU’s struggles in recent years have stemmed not from a lack of raw talent, but from inconsistency in execution and cohesion. That’s what McMahon hopes to fix — and the UC-Davis transfer is the type of player who brings both.
Tactically, his ability to defend multiple positions gives McMahon the freedom to experiment with lineups that can switch defensively, stretch the floor, and move the ball with pace and purpose. McMahon prefers a balanced offensive attack that features ball movement, motion-based spacing, and efficient shot selection — qualities that are often difficult to instill in young, turnover-prone rosters. With the UC-Davis addition, McMahon has a steadying presence on the wing who understands angles, communicates well defensively, and thrives in off-ball roles.
Culturally, the signing sets a tone for the type of team LSU wants to be — one rooted in experience, humility, and grit. LSU has seen success when it’s had leaders who embody those traits, from Tremont Waters to Skylar Mays. This transfer steps into that lineage, albeit from a different path.
The Bigger Picture: McMahon’s Transfer Portal Strategy
This signing also reflects the evolution of Matt McMahon’s strategy in the era of the transfer portal. Initially known for developing players over several years at Murray State, McMahon has embraced the portal as a tool for fast, targeted roster upgrades — but without sacrificing culture or long-term development.
While some programs have used the portal to load up on high-usage scorers and big names, McMahon has instead looked for what he calls “connectors” — players who help link the starting five with the bench, veterans with younger players, and defense with offense. It’s a nuanced approach that rewards basketball IQ, maturity, and coachability. The UC-Davis transfer is precisely that kind of connector.
LSU’s 2024-25 roster will feature a blend of returning starters, underclassmen, and transfers. With the expected departure of several veteran contributors, this offseason is crucial for LSU to maintain its competitiveness. Adding a proven, versatile leader into that mix gives LSU a better chance to weather early-season challenges and push toward a postseason berth.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the 2024-25 Tigers
With this signing, LSU now adds a player who will likely slot into the rotation immediately, potentially even starting depending on how fall camp shakes out. His skillset complements LSU’s existing pieces and allows for more flexibility in late-game situations — something LSU lacked in critical moments last season.
Perhaps more importantly, McMahon now has a player he trusts to serve as an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. Someone who understands matchups, manages pace, and doesn’t shy away from holding teammates accountable. That’s invaluable in tight SEC contests where games are often decided in the final two minutes.
LSU still has work to do — another big man could be targeted before the season begins — but this signing is the clearest sign yet that McMahon is laying a foundation that can compete, not just survive, in the SEC.
Building a Program the Right Way
While splashy five-star recruits often dominate headlines, the foundation of a sustainable program is built on smart, committed players who elevate those around them. That’s exactly what LSU is getting from the UC-Davis transfer — a player whose skills match the system, whose values mirror the program’s culture, and whose experience offers guidance to a developing roster.
Matt McMahon’s comment — that the transfer is a “versatile, high-IQ player who will bring immediate impact and leadership” — isn’t just coach-speak. It’s an accurate summary of a signing that will likely pay dividends all season long, both statistically and in terms of team chemistry.
In the broader landscape of college basketball, where the transfer portal has introduced chaos and unpredictability, McMahon’s methodical, values-based approach stands out. With this latest addition, LSU fans have more than just a new name on the roster — they have a reason to believe that the Tigers are on the rise again.
