Mitchell returns to LSU as assistant

Published 6:00 pm Thursday, May 30, 2019

The LSU basketball program got back another stray player while adding an assistant coach on Thursday.

Emmitt Williams is fourth of the six Tigers to return to school after exploring options to leave early for the NBA draft.

The other two, forward Naz Reid and point guard Tremont Waters have said they are sticking with their plans to leave.

Meanwhile, head coach Will Wade announced that former player Tasmin Mitchell will move onto the coaching staff.

Mitchell, who spent the last two seasons as director of student-athlete development, takes the spot vacated by Tony Benford.

Benford, who took over the team as interim head coach for the postseason after Wade was suspended by the school, left shortly after the season ended for an assistant coach’s job at Texas Christian.

Assistant Greg Heiar will take Benford’s title as associate head coach.

Williams joins Skylar Mays, Javonte Smart and Marlon Taylor is returning.

Mitchell, who played at LSU from 2006-2010, was a four-year starter and a star on two Southeastern Conference championship teams and the 2006 Final Four team.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be able to contribute and bring my experiences and knowledge of the game to the program as an assistant coach,” Mitchell said in a news release. “I will always take great pride in this program and community and am excited for the journey ahead for LSU basketball.”