ESPN REPORTS: that LSU freshman Curtis Givens has entered the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Curtis Givens. My intention is never in going to Memphis rather is on…

LSU freshman Curtis Givens has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from ESPN. The news, initially shared by ESPN’s own Curtis Givens, confirms widespread speculation that the talented young guard is seeking a new opportunity elsewhere after a brief stint with the Tigers. Though only a freshman, Givens came into the LSU program with a high level of expectation and considerable national attention. A four-star recruit out of Montverde Academy, he was seen by many analysts as a potential cornerstone for the future of LSU’s basketball program. However, his time in Baton Rouge appears to have come to a premature end.

Givens’ entry into the portal marks yet another significant departure from LSU’s young core. Over the last two seasons, the Tigers have seen a high level of roster turnover, a pattern that has made it difficult for head coach Matt McMahon to establish continuity and build a consistent winning culture. For a player like Givens, who was recruited with the promise of development, exposure, and a pathway to the professional level, the uncertainty and instability may have played a major role in the decision to explore other options.

What makes this transfer particularly noteworthy is the way Givens addressed the rumors surrounding his potential destination. Contrary to widespread speculation on social media, Givens clarified that his intentions do not include joining the University of Memphis. “My intention is never in going to Memphis,” Givens stated in a recent post on his personal social media account. “Rather, it is on finding a place that aligns with my goals, development, and the culture I want to be a part of. I’m looking for a system that plays to my strengths and helps me grow as both a player and a person.”

Those words offer a revealing glimpse into Givens’ mindset and maturity. Instead of reacting emotionally or pointing fingers, he has opted to remain focused on the future. His statement also appears to be a direct response to assumptions that, as a Memphis native, he would naturally gravitate back to his hometown to play for the Tigers under head coach Penny Hardaway. That speculation has been a constant since his high school days, with many in the Memphis basketball community holding out hope that Givens would one day don the blue and gray. But his recent comments make clear that sentimentality will not dictate his next move.

Givens’ game is built around high-IQ decision-making, court vision, and a confident jump shot. During his limited minutes at LSU, he showed flashes of the talent that made him such a coveted recruit. Though he didn’t see heavy playing time, it was evident that he possesses the tools to contribute meaningfully at the college level. Coaches and scouts alike have praised his ability to facilitate, especially in pick-and-roll scenarios, as well as his willingness to defend on the perimeter. At Montverde Academy, one of the most elite high school programs in the nation, Givens regularly held his own against other Division I-bound players, proving that he can thrive in a competitive environment.

His experience at Montverde also instilled in him a deep understanding of team dynamics and the importance of playing within a structured system. That might explain why his priorities now seem centered around finding the “right fit” rather than simply chasing exposure or stats. The transfer portal, with its ever-growing list of names, has become a key part of the modern college basketball landscape. Players like Givens, who once committed with long-term visions, now find themselves navigating a system that demands quick results and rapid adaptation.

It’s worth noting that Givens’ decision comes at a time when the NCAA transfer portal has seen record numbers of players entering and exiting programs. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities and changes to transfer rules, athletes have more freedom and leverage than ever before. For freshmen in particular, this freedom can be both a blessing and a challenge. It opens doors to new opportunities, but also places them in an incredibly competitive market where immediate impact is often a necessity.

For LSU, the loss of Givens is yet another challenge in their efforts to rebuild and reclaim their position among the SEC’s upper tier. Since the departure of former head coach Will Wade, the program has faced a series of recruiting and roster hurdles. Coach McMahon, who took over amid NCAA investigations and roster uncertainty, has done his best to create a stable foundation. However, the departure of high-potential players like Givens suggests that more work remains. It also raises questions about how the program is developing its young talent and whether it can provide the kind of environment that top recruits are seeking.

Meanwhile, for Givens, the next chapter remains unwritten. He will likely receive interest from a wide array of programs, including mid-major schools looking for a primary ball handler and high-major teams in need of depth at the point guard position. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, coupled with his high school pedigree, will make him a valuable addition to any roster. He has three years of eligibility remaining, and that time can serve as a crucial window for development and showcasing his skills to NBA scouts.

In today’s game, where guards often carry the burden of offensive orchestration, Givens possesses the qualities coaches value: poise, unselfishness, and a natural feel for tempo. The key for him will be finding a coaching staff that believes in his vision and is willing to invest in his development. Givens doesn’t just want minutes—he wants meaning. He wants a system that allows him to lead, learn, and elevate his game to the next level.

His mature response to the speculation, especially his firm denial of a Memphis return, also sends a message about who he is as a person. He’s not interested in pleasing the crowd or fulfilling assumptions. He’s focused on his own growth, making decisions based on logic rather than emotion, and ultimately carving out a path that fits his goals. That mindset will serve him well as he evaluates his next destination.

In a world of quick takes and transfer drama, Curtis Givens is handling his situation with the composure of someone well beyond his years. Wherever he lands next, that program will gain not just a talented basketball player, but a focused and thoughtful young man who knows exactly what he wants from the