‘Contender’ for Top Transfer Forward: Kim Mulkey, LSU Women’s Basketball
As the transfer portal continues to redefine college basketball’s landscape, Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers are once again making waves. The reigning queens of SEC recruiting dominance aren’t just settling for continuity or development—they’re aiming to reload with elite-level talent. And this offseason, that plan appears to include landing one of the top forward prospects currently in the transfer portal.
Sources from multiple recruiting services and portal insiders have named LSU as a strong contender for a star frontcourt player whose identity—while not officially announced by the program—is widely believed to be one of the most coveted forwards in the nation. The message is clear: Kim Mulkey is not waiting around for her next national title shot. She’s building it now.
A Program That Reloads, Not Rebuilds
Since taking over at LSU in 2021, Kim Mulkey has transformed a once-proud but inconsistent program into a powerhouse with national championship expectations every season. In just her second year, she brought the Tigers their first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball title, led by a mixture of returning stars, incoming freshmen, and, crucially, top-tier transfers.
Last year, Mulkey’s portal haul included Hailey Van Lith, the dynamic Louisville guard, and Angelea Reese’s younger brother, Kateri Poole, from Ohio State. That success on the portal trail has made LSU a destination program. Now, LSU’s interest in another premier forward signals that Mulkey is serious about balancing her roster with firepower in the post, especially after Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Who Is the Forward in Question?
While NCAA regulations and internal program policies often prevent coaching staffs from discussing portal targets publicly, all signs point to Shaylee Gonzales, formerly of Texas, or Essence Cody from Alabama, as possible fits. Both players entered the portal with strong résumés, and either would bring elite rebounding and defensive versatility to a team already rich in talent.
Essence Cody, in particular, makes a compelling case. A 6-foot-4 former McDonald’s All-American, Cody saw meaningful minutes as a freshman in Alabama’s rotation and showcased a mix of rim protection and midrange touch that would thrive in Mulkey’s post-heavy offensive sets. LSU’s staff reportedly loved Cody’s upside out of high school, and now that she’s exploring a transfer, Baton Rouge has become a natural destination.
Though nothing is official, several recruiting analysts have placed “crystal ball” predictions for Cody to land at LSU, citing her ties to SEC country and LSU’s championship culture under Mulkey.
Why This Transfer Matters
The Tigers are losing Angel Reese, and with her goes a double-double machine, emotional leader, and walking mismatch. Replacing Reese won’t be possible with one player, but bolstering the post rotation with a rising star like Cody would be a statement. It would also align with Mulkey’s history of quickly replenishing her rosters with ready-to-go talent.
LSU returns several key pieces, including Mikaylah Williams, who will likely be the team’s top scoring option next year. But the frontcourt depth without Reese will rely on a mix of youth and role players unless a major transfer like Cody or Gonzales arrives.
With JuJu Watkins and USC rising, UConn returning nearly everyone, and South Carolina remaining the SEC standard, LSU cannot afford to gamble on a development year. Landing a forward who can defend elite bigs and contribute offensively from Day 1 is crucial.
Mulkey’s Proven Track Record
One reason LSU is in such a strong position to land this top transfer is the presence of Kim Mulkey herself. The Hall of Fame coach has consistently shown she can manage rosters filled with alphas, develop players in multiple systems, and build championship chemistry out of newcomers.
At Baylor, Mulkey routinely brought in top recruits and turned them into national champions. Since arriving at LSU, she’s adapted to the portal era seamlessly. In fact, some might argue she’s mastered it. Mulkey’s aggressive, unapologetic style—both in coaching and recruiting—resonates with players who want to win and be part of something culturally strong.
Her teams play hard, compete in every possession, and celebrate a brand of basketball that prioritizes defense, rebounding, and toughness. It’s no surprise that some of the best available talent is lining up to join that.
What the Fit Looks Like
Assuming LSU lands the top target—whether it’s Cody, Gonzales, or another elite forward—the Tigers will have options. Mulkey’s teams rarely run five-out or perimeter-heavy sets. Instead, they often rely on dual posts who can rebound, score in the paint, and kick out to capable shooters.
Mikaylah Williams, Aalyah Del Rosario, and Janae Kent give LSU firepower at the wing and guard spots. A veteran forward would slide seamlessly into the system, taking some pressure off the younger bigs and allowing LSU to keep a physical identity on both ends of the floor.
A starting five of:
- G Mikaylah Williams
- G Last-Tier Transfer (or returnee)
- F Shaylee Gonzales / Essence Cody
- F Aalyah Del Rosario
- C Sa’Myah Smith
… would present one of the most physically imposing and skilled lineups in college basketball.
Recruiting Battles and Portal Competition
Of course, LSU isn’t alone in the hunt. Programs like Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and even rising Big Ten powers like Iowa and Indiana have made overtures to top-tier forwards in the portal. South Carolina remains a juggernaut, while programs like Oklahoma and Baylor have money and opportunity on their side.
But few schools can offer what LSU currently has:
- A recent national championship.
- A hall-of-fame coach.
- A rabid fan base that fills the PMAC for regular-season games.
- A proven development pipeline to the WNBA.
- And, not to be overlooked, elite NIL support.
For top players, especially those coming from schools with lesser exposure or limited postseason success, LSU offers both platform and purpose. It’s why Mulkey has been able to land stars from across the country.
A Culture That Sells Itself
Beyond just stats and championships, LSU sells culture. Kim Mulkey has cultivated a team identity that is unapologetically loud, confident, and unified. From Angel Reese’s taunts to Flau’jae Johnson’s viral freestyles, LSU isn’t just about basketball. It’s about brand and impact.
For a transfer player trying to build a legacy, make a name, or get noticed on a national stage, few programs offer the kind of media attention and cultural currency that LSU provides. Playing under Mulkey means playing in March, getting featured on ESPN, and having the opportunity to compete with—and against—the best.
What Happens Next?
With the transfer portal window closing soon, LSU is expected to host its top forward target on an official visit—if it hasn’t already. Typically, Mulkey and her staff move quickly after a visit to lock in commitments, especially when multiple top programs are in the mix.
Fans should expect an announcement by the end of April, with portal players eager to secure spots and join summer workouts. If Mulkey gets her wish, LSU could enter the 2025 season not only as a Final Four contender—but as a legitimate favorite.
The Mulkey Era Rolls On
Whether or not LSU lands the specific forward prospect this cycle, there’s little doubt about the direction of the program. Kim Mulkey isn’t here to build slowly or wait for stars to align. She’s creating her own constellation.
Every recruiting battle, every NIL offer, every portal push is part of a broader plan to dominate women’s basketball the same way UConn did in the early 2000s or South Carolina has in the last half-decade. LSU isn’t just keeping up with the Joneses—they are the Joneses now.
With another elite transfer potentially en route and a deep, dynamic roster already in place, the Tigers are ready to roar once again. The only question left is: who’s ready to face them?
