Bille Howard
Key Highlights
- Hailey Van Lith transfers from LSU to TCU, aiming to regain her form and draft stock.
- Selected for Team USA’s 3×3 women’s basketball squad for the 2024 Olympics.
- Participating in the WNBA All-Star weekend, expected to play in the 3×3 format against the Under-23 national team.
- Pivotal role changes and challenges faced during her tenure at LSU under coach Kim Mulkey.
(NicePlay Sports) – In the world of college basketball, few stories have garnered as much attention as Hailey Van Lith’s recent journey from LSU to TCU. The move, seemingly calculated and necessary, speaks volumes about her desire to reestablish herself as a top prospect for the WNBA Draft. Van Lith’s career has been a rollercoaster, marked by a series of high expectations and some disappointing lows, yet she remains a player of immense potential and determination. Her stint at LSU, while valuable, fell short of expectations, primarily due to a misalignment in on-court roles that stunted her performance. Now, with Team USA’s 3×3 women’s basketball squad for the 2024 Olympics and the upcoming WNBA All-Star weekend, Van Lith is poised to seize the moment and redefine her trajectory in the sport.
Hailey Van Lith’s Transfer to TCU: A Strategic Move
Hailey Van Lith’s decision to leave LSU after just one season raised many eyebrows in the basketball community. The 22-year-old guard found herself at odds with the role she was asked to play under the guidance of coach Kim Mulkey. Instead of capitalizing on her strengths as a shooting guard, Mulkey’s system required Van Lith to adopt more of a point guard role, a shift that didn’t play to her strengths and exposed some of her weaknesses in playmaking. This transition was evident in her performance, particularly at the NCAA Tournament, where her confidence seemed shaky. Despite these challenges, Van Lith maintained a positive personal rapport with the LSU staff and her teammates. Mulkey, in her public statements, has been nothing but supportive of Van Lith’s decision to seek a new path, emphasizing the young player’s need to find a place where she could relax and play her natural game. TCU, with its rising program and hopes for a strong showing in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, appears to be the perfect fit for Van Lith as she aims to rebuild her draft stock and showcase her true potential.
Olympic Dreams and WNBA All-Star Weekend
Van Lith’s inclusion in Team USA’s 3×3 women’s basketball squad for the 2024 Olympics is a testament to her prowess in the format. She has a storied history in 3×3 basketball, having secured gold medals at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, and several other international tournaments. The emotional moment of her Olympic selection was shared widely, highlighting the support from her former LSU teammates and the broader basketball community. The upcoming WNBA All-Star weekend offers another platform for Van Lith to shine. She is expected to participate in the 3×3 format against the Under-23 national team, a crucial opportunity to display her skills to WNBA scouts. Given her experience and success in 3×3 basketball, a standout performance could significantly enhance her visibility and appeal to WNBA teams.
The LSU Experience: Lessons and Challenges
Van Lith’s tenure at LSU was a learning experience filled with both challenges and valuable lessons. Coach Kim Mulkey’s decision to play Van Lith as a point guard rather than a shooting guard led to a mismatched role that impacted her performance. Despite her best efforts, the transition was not seamless, and it reflected in her statistics and overall gameplay. However, Van Lith’s time at LSU wasn’t devoid of positive experiences. She developed strong bonds with her teammates and gained significant insights into high-level college basketball. Mulkey’s supportive comments post-transfer indicate a mutual respect and understanding, despite the professional mismatch. This period at LSU, though fraught with difficulties, has undeniably contributed to Van Lith’s growth as a player, preparing her for the next phase of her career at TCU.
TCU Horned Frogs: A New Beginning
Transferring to TCU marks a fresh start for Van Lith. The Horned Frogs women’s basketball program is on an upward trajectory, and Van Lith’s addition is expected to bolster their prospects significantly. TCU’s coaching staff will likely focus on leveraging Van Lith’s strengths as a shooting guard, providing her with the freedom and role clarity she lacked at LSU. The goal is clear: to help Van Lith rediscover her form, rebuild her confidence, and prepare her for a successful transition to professional basketball. This new chapter at TCU is not just about individual success for Van Lith, but also about contributing to the team’s overall aspirations, particularly their aim to make a strong run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The supportive environment at TCU, coupled with Van Lith’s determination, sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Looking Forward: Van Lith’s WNBA Aspirations
Van Lith’s ultimate goal remains to break into the WNBA, and her strategic moves are all aligned toward this objective. The combination of a strong season at TCU, impressive performances at the WNBA All-Star weekend, and a standout showing at the Olympics could propel her back into the spotlight. The WNBA scouts will be closely watching her progress, and a series of strong performances could see her draft stock soar once again. The journey ahead is challenging, but Van Lith’s talent, resilience, and strategic decisions have positioned her well to achieve her dreams. The basketball community will be watching closely as she navigates this crucial phase of her career, with high hopes and expectations for what she can achieve.
