LSU Star Aneesah Morrow Announces Departure From Tigers Women’s Basketball Program
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, LSU Tigers standout forward Aneesah Morrow has announced her decision to leave the program. The news, confirmed by multiple sources close to the team, marks the end of a brief but impactful tenure for Morrow in Baton Rouge, where she quickly became one of the most dominant players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Her departure raises immediate questions about the future of LSU’s roster and where the talented junior will take her game next.
Morrow, a 6’1” forward known for her relentless rebounding, scoring ability, and defensive versatility, transferred to LSU ahead of the 2023-24 season after two stellar years at DePaul. Her arrival was seen as a major coup for head coach Kim Mulkey, who was fresh off leading the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA championship. Morrow was expected to be a cornerstone of LSU’s quest to defend its title, forming a formidable frontcourt alongside All-American Angel Reese. While the season had its ups and downs, Morrow delivered on her promise as an elite player, averaging a double-double and earning All-SEC honors.
Her decision to leave LSU comes at a pivotal moment in her career. Under NCAA rules, Morrow has one year of eligibility remaining, and her next move could shape not only her future but also the balance of power in women’s basketball. Given her production and experience, she will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, with powerhouse programs likely lining up to secure her services. The timing of her announcement—just as teams begin offseason preparations—suggests that she is carefully considering her options, whether that means joining another title contender, following a specific coaching staff, or even exploring professional opportunities.
For LSU, losing Morrow is a significant blow. Her ability to score inside and out, crash the boards, and defend multiple positions made her an invaluable piece of Mulkey’s system. Alongside Reese, Morrow helped LSU maintain its status as one of the most physically imposing teams in the country. Her departure leaves a gap in the Tigers’ frontcourt that will not be easily filled, especially with Reese also weighing her future after declaring for the WNBA Draft while retaining college eligibility. If both stars move on, LSU will need to rely heavily on its incoming recruiting class and potential transfer additions to remain in championship contention.
The reasons behind Morrow’s exit remain unclear, as she has not yet publicly commented on her decision. However, speculation has already begun swirling about potential factors. Some insiders suggest that playing time and role adjustments could have played a part, as LSU’s roster was loaded with talent, leading to occasional fluctuations in minutes and offensive opportunities. Others point to the ever-evolving nature of college athletics, where the transfer portal has made player movement more common than ever. Regardless of the motivation, Morrow’s next destination will be closely watched, as her skill set makes her an instant difference-maker for any program.
Morrow’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. A Chicago native, she burst onto the national scene at DePaul, where she was named Big East Freshman of the Year in 2022 after averaging 21.9 points and 13.8 rebounds per game—one of the best debut seasons in NCAA history. She followed that up with another dominant year before entering the portal and choosing LSU, where she embraced the challenge of playing in the ultra-competitive SEC. Despite adjusting to a new system and sharing the spotlight with other stars, Morrow still put up impressive numbers, proving she could excel at the highest level of college basketball.
As news of her departure spreads, reactions from fans and analysts have been mixed. Some LSU supporters express disappointment, hoping Morrow would return for another run at a national title. Others acknowledge the reality of modern college sports, where player movement is part of the game. Meanwhile, rival fan bases are already speculating about whether their teams could land her, with schools like South Carolina, UConn, and USC likely to be in the mix given their competitive rosters and championship aspirations.
From a broader perspective, Morrow’s situation highlights the growing influence of the transfer portal in women’s basketball. Once a rarity, high-profile transfers are now commonplace, with star players frequently seeking new opportunities to maximize their exposure, development, and chances at winning a title. For athletes like Morrow, the portal offers a chance to reassess fit and find the best possible situation for their final collegiate season. Coaches, in turn, must adapt by aggressively recruiting transfers to fill immediate needs, creating an offseason arms race that reshapes rosters every year.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on where Morrow lands next. Will she join another contender in pursuit of a championship? Could she follow a coach or teammate to a new program? Or might she consider accelerating her professional career, either in the WNBA or overseas? Whatever her decision, one thing is certain: Aneesah Morrow’s talent ensures she will remain a central figure in the basketball world.
For LSU, the focus now shifts to reloading. Kim Mulkey has proven adept at navigating the transfer portal, and the Tigers will likely be active in seeking reinforcements. But replacing a player of Morrow’s caliber is no easy task. Her combination of skill, athleticism, and tenacity made her one of the most unique players in the country, and her absence will be felt on both ends of the floor.
As the offseason unfolds, Morrow’s departure will serve as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. Players now have more agency than ever, and programs must continually adapt to retain and attract top talent. For Aneesah Morrow, the next chapter promises to be just as compelling as her time at LSU—wherever that may be.
