In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, roster movement continues to shape the upcoming season. Former LSU forward Sa'Myah Smith, a key contributor to the Tigers' 2023 national championship run, is back in the transfer portal for the second time in her career, seeking a new home for her final year of eligibility.
Smith spent last season at Virginia, where she made an immediate impact. Starting 19 games, she led the Cavaliers in rebounding with seven per game while adding eight points per contest, showcasing the tenacity and inside presence that made her a champion at LSU. Her season was a testament to resilience, as she battled back from an early knee injury to post eight double-figure scoring games.
This latest decision follows a coaching change at Virginia, with the university parting ways with head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton at season's end. Such shifts often prompt players to reevaluate their fit, and Smith is now looking for the right program to cap off a notable collegiate journey. Her experience is vast: from learning under Coach Kim Mulkey and hoisting the trophy as a freshman to being a 28-game starter as a junior at LSU, where she averaged 6.6 points per game.
As she searches for her third school, Smith brings a proven winner's mentality and valuable postseason experience to the portal. Her next destination will add a veteran forward with championship pedigree to its lineup, a player who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. For fans and teams alike, her move is a reminder that in today's game, the quest for the perfect fit and one final run never stops.