The LSU Tigers began their 2024-25 season on Wednesday against UL Monroe. Ahead of that matchup, however, head coach Matt McMahon announced that a key player has stepped away from the team.

Junior guard Tyrell Ward missed the team’s exhibition game and then was ruled out for the opener. Minutes before tipoff on Wednesday night, McMahon released the following statement on Ward’s status:

“Tyrell Ward and I have decided that he will be stepping away from the program to focus on his mental health. I do not anticipate him returning to competition this season. We are very appreciative of his contributions to our program and we will be supporting him every step of the way moving forward.”

Ward played in 31 games for the Tigers during the 2023-24 season. The guard averaged 9.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Ward’s best game last season came against Kentucky when the guard scored 17 points and grabbed 2 rebounds. The guard got the game-winning tip-in to win the game for the Tigers.

With Ward expected to be a key contributor in 2024-25, the Tigers will need another guard to step in. The team added 3 guards in the transfer portal this offseason: Dji Bailey, Cam Carter, and Jordan Sears.

Carter impressed in the exhibition, scoring 21 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Sears and Bailey also scored double-digits in the exhibition match which LSU won 110-48.

After the opener against UL Monroe, the Tigers’ next game will be on Sunday, November 10 against Alabama State.