The Huskies' guard L.A. Pratt, a versatile scorer, visits Northwestern. Can the 'Cats land him over Ohio State and complete their transfer blueprint?
Northwestern is set to host Northeastern transfer L.A. Pratt on Wednesday, per League Ready's Sam Kayser.
The 6-foot-5 guard from Columbus, Ohio, is coming off an injury-shortened senior campaign with the Huskies, appearing in only three games after suffering a broken foot that required surgery. Pratt is expected to be fully healthy heading into next season and will carry one year of eligibility remaining.
During those three games this season, he posted career-highs of 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals.
Before the injury derailed his season, Pratt had established himself as one of Northeastern's more versatile contributors. In 2023-24, he appeared in all 32 games, averaging 6.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game, while finishing fourth on the team in assists with 67 on the season.
His breakthrough came in 2024-25, when he elevated his production to 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game before the injury struck. He entered the transfer portal in late March.
Not only the link with Northwestern, but Pratt's name also emerges on the radar of other Big Ten schools. Per 247Sports, his hometown school, Ohio State, has also drawn interest in the Columbus native, giving Northwestern notable competition in his recruitment.
ec 29, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northeastern Huskies guard LA Pratt (3) passes the ball away from Northwestern Wildcats guard Jalen Leach (1) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesHis profile and skillset fit what the 'Cats need. At a 6-foot-5 height with athleticism and positional versatility as a guard, Pratt projects as a capable swingman who can contribute on both ends of the floor. The timing of the visit also speaks to a broader recruiting pattern Northwestern has leaned into under Chris Collins, who targeted experienced, academically-oriented transfers from elite academic programs.
The recruiting blueprint isn't new for Northwestern. Ryan Langborg, who transferred from Princeton in 2023 after four seasons, exemplified the model perfectly — using a COVID-granted fifth year of eligibility that the Ivy League doesn't permit to join the 'Cats. He averaged 12.7 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 42.1% from three, helping Northwestern reach back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Pratt visit also coincides with Northwestern's pursuit of Cornell's Jake Fiegen, another transfer from the Ivy League with one year of eligibility remaining, who has already made a trip to Evanston. The parallel efforts reinforce what appears to be a deliberate strategy, which leverages Northwestern's academic prestige to position itself as the premier destination for highly-touted Ivy League talent looking to compete at a higher level in their final season.
Whether Pratt ultimately chooses the 'Cats over Ohio State, Northwestern's momentum in the transfer portal suggests Collins is building something worth watching.