NCAA Basketball: 25 biggest offseason winners heading into 2021-22 season

The Tigers knew they were going to lose the star trio of Cameron Thomas, Trendon Watford, and Javonte Smart, who each averaged 16.0 ppg this past season. And with Aundre Hyatt transferring out and starting forward Darius Days entering the NBA Draft, the SEC program had the monumental task of replacing over 90% of offensive production.

Yet LSU slowly but surely rebuilt its roster in the past 100 days. They first got a commitment from Missouri guard Xavier Pinson, second on the team with 13.6 ppg and 2.9 apg. He’ll be paired with Illinois transfer Adam Miller, a former top-30 prospect who had impressive moments as a freshman last season. Cincy forward Tari Eason provides defense and with Days electing to return, gives the Tigers depth in the frontcourt.

LSU also has done early work in its 2022 class, adding top-40 guard Justice Williams and four-star wing Devin Ree, setting them up well for the year after regardless of what anyone does. But the reason why this team cracked the list was their unexpected pickup of Efton Reid, a five-star center prospect whose quiet and mysterious recruitment threw everyone off.

But credit to the coaching staff, who gets an offensive impact player in the frontcourt alongside a lineup that shouldn’t have much trouble scoring next season. Considering that they didn’t know what their rotation would like, this is a fairly strong core to work with for next season.