Indiana men's basketball program recruiting former four-star SEC wing

The Indiana Hoosiers basketball program has been in communication with LSU Transfer Guard Tyrell Ward according to reports from Rivals.com

LSU Tiger junior forward Tyrell Ward stepped away from program and the game of basketball due to mental health issues he suffered through, he left the program back in November but is ready to now step back in the classroom and on the court.

“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,” McMahon wrote. “We are very appreciative of his contributions to our program and we will be supporting him every step of the way moving forward.”

In his sophomore season with the Tigers, he averaged 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field, 67.6 percent at the free throw line and 41.3% from three in 21.7 minutes per game (10 starts).

His freshman season he played in a reserve role, averaging averaging 3.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game.

The Washington D.C native attended DeMatha Catholic High School where he was a four-star prospect in the 2022 class. Ward was ranked the No. 34 overall prospect in the class, No. 2 player in the state of Maryland and the 11th best small forward according to 247Sports Composite

He was offered by Mike Woodson's staff in 2022 but originally chose Xavier over Indiana, Rutgers, Georgetown, Maryland, Villanova, Georgia, George Mason, Louisville, Seton Hall, Providence, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and many others.

Ward flipped before signing day to LSU over Xavier spending two seasons in Baton Rouge. The 6-foot-6 195 pound forward can guard point, the two and the wing positions at an elite level.

Here is 247Sports DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL SCOUTING Jerry Meyer's scouting report on Ward:

Has positive length for a 6-7 wing player. Gets out in transition and finishes well. Thin frame at this point but plays through contact. Quick leaper off the floor and has quality body control. Has an athletic and accurate shooting stroke from deep. Can make tough threes off the dribble and off the move on the catch. Has a dangerous pull up jumper and can get to the rim. Has a solid and functional handle and will find open teammates. Rebounding should improve with added strength. Is a disruptor on defense with ability to get into passing lanes. Is a multi positional defender.

Ward has two years of eligibility remaining.