Graduates Celebrate Academic Milestones
During LSU's spring commencement, two members of the 2025‑26 men's basketball team stepped onto the stage to receive their diplomas, underscoring the university's commitment to developing student‑athletes beyond the hardwood.
Jalen Reed, a Jackson, Mississippi native, earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration with a concentration in Sports Leadership from the College of Human Sciences and Education. His four‑year tenure saw him appear in 79 games, logging 39 starts and averaging 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, while also contributing to the team’s community outreach.
Max Mackinnon, hailing from Brisbane, Australia, completed a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on General Studies within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The forward started 30 games, shot 67 three‑pointers in the 2025‑26 season and finished his career with 1,689 points, averaging 13.4 points per game over four years.
Both graduates highlighted the balance between rigorous academics and demanding athletic schedules, noting that the discipline required on the court mirrored the perseverance needed in the classroom. Their achievements reflect a growing trend of programs that prioritize holistic development for their athletes.
LSU's athletic department praised the pair for embodying the university's mission of excellence in both scholarship and sport, signaling a promising future for the program as these young professionals transition into their next chapters.