Mackinnon commits to LSU after Portland success

• Max Mackinnon has committed to the LSU Tigers after entering the NCAA transfer portal
• He averaged  14.5 PPG this season, shooting 41% for 3 per game this season with the Portland Pilots
• Max is the son of Aussie basketball royalty Sam Mackinnon

The son of Australian basketball royalty has found a new home, with Portland transfer Max Mackinnon officially committing to Louisiana State University (LSU) for the upcoming season. The 198cm Australian wing, who averaged 14.5 points per game during his junior campaign while shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc, will be taking his talents to the Southeastern Conference.

The move sees Mackinnon connecting with LSU Associate Head Coach David Patrick, representing a return to Australian recruiting connections for the respected coach who has consistently developed pathways for Australian talent into the American collegiate system.

Portland Breakthrough

After debuting for the Brisbane Bullets in NBL22 as an 18-year-old, Mackinnon made the move to America and began his colleagiate career with the Elon Phoenix.

After transferring to Portland, Mackinnon experienced what many collegiate athletes face when changing programmes – an adjustment period. His initial integration into the Pilots system proceeded gradually, with Mackinnon taking time to find his rhythm and role within the team structure.

However, once conference play began, Mackinnon's performance level escalated dramatically. He transformed into Portland's offensive centrepiece, delivering a stellar 18.3 points per game during conference competition. What made his production particularly impressive was the efficiency behind it – connecting on 44.6% of his attempts from three-point territory while demonstrating exceptional touch from the free-throw line with an 89.4% conversion rate.

Mackinnon erupted during league play and finished No. 3 in scoring during WCC games (18.4). Mackinnon tied the school single-game scoring record with 43 points in a win versus San Diego and  scored in double figures 14 of his last 15 games. Overall, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and was named to the All-WCC second team.

A Multifaceted Offensive Threat

What makes Mackinnon such an intriguing prospect for LSU is his diverse offensive skillset. Unlike many perimeter players who rely predominantly on outside shooting, Mackinnon has shown the ability to score efficiently from multiple areas of the court.

His driving ability represents a significant component of his offensive arsenal, with 48% of his field goal attempts coming at the rim. This balanced approach makes him difficult for defenders to contain – sag off to protect against the drive, and he'll punish you from the perimeter; press up to eliminate the three, and he'll use his 198cm frame and basketball IQ to navigate to the basket.

This versatility should translate well to the SEC, where athletic defenders and sophisticated defensive schemes will challenge Mackinnon to continue evolving his game. The competition level will increase substantially from the West Coast Conference, but Mackinnon's production during conference play suggests he possesses the tools to compete at a higher level.

The David Patrick Connection

The Australian connection to LSU runs through Associate Head Coach David Patrick, who has built a reputation as one of collegiate basketball's premier recruiters of international talent, particularly from Australia. Patrick's relationships within Australian basketball circles have provided pathways for numerous players to access American collegiate opportunities.

Patrick's presence on the LSU coaching staff likely played a significant role in Mackinnon's decision. The opportunity to work with a coach who understands both the Australian basketball development model and the challenges faced by international players transitioning to American basketball represents a valuable support system for Mackinnon as he takes this next step in his career.

The relationship could prove mutually beneficial – Patrick secures a proven scorer with high-major potential, while Mackinnon gains a coaching mentor who can help him maximise his final collegiate season while potentially positioning himself for professional opportunities.

From the Transfer Portal to SEC Competition

Mackinnon's return to the transfer portal following his breakout junior season at Portland wasn't entirely surprising. His performance level, particularly during conference play, suggested he had outgrown the West Coast Conference and was ready to test himself against more consistent high-level competition.

The SEC represents precisely that opportunity – a conference loaded with NBA-calibre talent and traditional basketball powerhouses. Teams like Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, and Auburn regularly send players to the professional ranks, and the conference's style of play tends to be more athletic and physically demanding than what Mackinnon experienced at Portland.

LSU itself has experienced fluctuating success in recent years but maintains a respected basketball tradition and the institutional resources to compete at the highest collegiate level. The Tigers finished the 2024-25 season with moderate success, showing flashes of potential while struggling with consistency in conference play.

Mackinnon should have the opportunity to immediately compete for significant playing time at LSU, especially given his proven scoring ability and maturity as an upperclassman. His addition addresses a specific need for the Tigers, who lacked consistent perimeter scoring during stretches of the previous season.

The young gun was just one of many Aussie men, who entered the NCAA transfer portal, as highlighted in a recent piece from Michael Houben.