LSU basketball head coach Matt McMahon announced on Friday that the Tigers have signed Max Mackinnon, a guard from the University of Portland, to join their roster for the 2025-26 season.
The 6-6 senior guard averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season for the Pilots, starting 30 of 32 games. He shot 46.7% from the field (158-of-338), made 37 three-pointers at a 40.7% clip, and converted 88.7% of his free throws (110-of-124).
In January, Mackinnon was named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s Oscar Robertson Men’s Basketball National Player of the Year after scoring 43 points in a win against San Diego, tying Portland’s single-game scoring record. That performance ranks as the fifth-highest single-game scoring output by an Australian in NCAA Division I history.
A native of Brisbane, Australia, Mackinnon brings significant experience, having played for two seasons at Elon University. In 2023-24, he averaged 12.1 points and a team-high 4.8 rebounds, starting all 32 games. He also posted 84 assists and shot 45% from the field. During his freshman year, he earned CAA Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 11.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Over his college career, Mackinnon has played 95 games, starting 89, and has averaged 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across three seasons.
Before college, Mackinnon began his professional career at just 17 years old in Australia’s National Basketball League and earned back-to-back Gold Medals with the U20 Australian National Team. He was also named to the All-Star 5 at the Australian National Championship.
Mackinnon joins other transfers Michael Nwoko (Mississippi State), Dedan Thomas Jr. (UNLV), and Rashad King (Northeastern) in LSU’s offseason additions.
“We are excited to add Max’s shooting, skill level, and experience to our team,” said Coach McMahon. “At 6-6, he can space the floor from three and is a proven playmaker with his passing ability. We look forward to his arrival on campus this summer.”
