**BREAKING: LSU’s Last-Tear Poa and Sa’Myah Smith Enter Transfer Portal**
In a major development for LSU Women’s Basketball, guards Last-Tear Poa and Sa’Myah Smith have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The news comes as the Tigers prepare for another competitive season under head coach Kim Mulkey.
### Poa and Smith Seek New Opportunities
Last-Tear Poa, a junior guard from Australia, played a crucial role for LSU off the bench during the team’s championship run in 2023. Known for her defensive tenacity and playmaking ability, Poa provided valuable depth to the Tigers’ backcourt. Over the past two seasons, she contributed significantly in both scoring and facilitating, averaging 5.2 points and 2.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season.
Sa’Myah Smith, a 6-foot-2 forward, was an important frontcourt presence before suffering a season-ending knee injury early in the 2023-24 campaign. The Texas native showed promise as a strong rebounder and defensive force during her freshman season, averaging 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Her departure leaves a gap in LSU’s post rotation, adding to the team’s offseason roster changes.
### Impact on LSU
The loss of Poa and Smith adds to a growing list of changes within the Tigers’ roster, as several key players have either exhausted their eligibility or sought new opportunities through the portal. While LSU remains a powerhouse program, the departure of these two players will require adjustments in terms of depth and rotation.
Coach Kim Mulkey has consistently shown the ability to rebuild and reload, often utilizing the transfer portal herself to bring in high-profile talent. With star players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson returning, the Tigers are still expected to be one of the top contenders in the SEC and nationally.
### What’s Next for Poa and Smith?
As they enter the portal, both Poa and Smith will likely attract interest from programs looking to bolster their backcourt and frontcourt depth. Poa’s experience as a versatile guard makes her a valuable addition to teams needing an experienced playmaker. Meanwhile, Smith’s potential as a dominant forward, despite her recent injury, will likely make her a sought-after recruit.
Neither player has announced potential landing spots yet, but with the increased movement in college basketball’s transfer landscape, decisions could come quickly.
### Conclusion
LSU’s offseason has already seen some major developments, and the departure of Poa and Smith only adds to the intrigue surrounding the team’s roster moves. While their exits create challenges, LSU remains in a strong position under Mulkey’s leadership. The Tigers will now look to the transfer portal and incoming recruits to reinforce their depth as they gear up for another run at a national title.
