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Kim Mulkey's LSU hosts five-star recruit Ayla McDowell for an official visit

Five-star recruit Ayla McDowell arrived in Baton Rouge on Thursday as she was hosted by coach Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers for an official visit over the weekend. The guard engaged in personal one-to-one chats with the coaching staff and also attended a football game at the Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Per SI, she is set to depart on Sunday.

The 6-foot-2 forward also posted an image from her time at the LSU vs. UCLA matchup on her Instagram story:

Ayla McDowell watching an LSU Tigers game. (Credits: Instagram/@aylawyla)
Ayla McDowell watching an LSU Tigers game. (Credits: Instagram/@aylawyla)

Ayla McDowell is ranked No. 27 by 247Sports and is appearing for her senior season at Cypress Springs High School in Cypress, Texas. She has been on her official visits since the end of August and has been to TCU, Florida and Georgia Tech.

While McDowell is still in the process of narrowing down her final choices, there is a small possibility that the Texas native will call the Louisiana State University her home next year. McDowell's mentor, former WNBA player Marie Ferdinand, also attended LSU for four years.

She spoke about Ferdinand in an interview with Houston-based VYPE magazine.

"One of my biggest inspirations was Marie Ferdinand," McDowell said. "She played in the WNBA, and she always pushed me to compete when I was younger.
"She taught me how to shoot, and once I started to fall in love with the game, I knew that I was what I wanted to do when I got older. I've known her for a long time, and we still talk to this day. She's always by my side and I really appreciate her."

Ayla McDowell delves into her strengths and playing style

Ayla McDowell is an all-rounder on the court who can play a little bit of everything. During the U-18 Women's Americup 2024 in Colombia, when she represented Brazil, McDowell averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks. She shot 35.3% from the floor, including 25.8% from the 3-point range.

"I think my biggest strength is my versatility," McDowell said (via VYPE). "I can play inside and outside, which makes me a difficult person to guard. If I'm up against a post player, I can maneuver around them. If I got a smaller guard on me, I can post up. That ability is extremely useful for me."

Ayla McDowell would be an incredible addition to the LSU roster given her versatility. The forward/guard is yet to make a final decision but could announce it either in November or sometime next year.

What do you think about Ayla McDowell at LSU? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: Kim Mulkey and LSU welcome 5-star recruit Bella Hines from New Mexico

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