The LSU Women’s Basketball program has seen an explosive rise to prominence under head coach Kim Mulkey. In just her second year at the helm, Mulkey guided the Tigers to their first NCAA Championship since 2008, marking a triumphant return to the top of college basketball. With the 2023-2024 season now in the rearview mirror, the focus for LSU’s program shifts to continued dominance, and Mulkey has already set her sights on adding the final pieces to complete a championship-caliber roster.
Kim Mulkey’s success at LSU has been immediate and transformative. After taking over a program that had been in a rebuilding phase, Mulkey quickly instilled a winning culture, blending an experienced coaching staff with a mix of seasoned veterans and talented recruits. The team’s strong performance in the NCAA Tournament proved Mulkey’s ability to elevate a program to the highest level in the nation. But with the next season on the horizon, the question now is whether Mulkey can continue to build a roster that can compete for titles consistently.
Kim Mulkey’s resume speaks for itself. As a former player and assistant coach at Louisiana Tech, Mulkey was a winner from the start, contributing to three NCAA titles as a player and two as a coach. Her tenure at Baylor, where she became one of the most successful and respected coaches in college basketball, set the stage for her move to LSU. Now at LSU, Mulkey has quickly demonstrated her ability to recruit and develop players, with her keen eye for talent already paying off.
When she arrived in Baton Rouge, the LSU program was in need of a major overhaul. Mulkey wasted no time in recruiting top-tier talent, including transfers, five-star recruits, and rising stars from high school. Her aggressive yet calculated approach to the transfer portal has been a game-changer for the Tigers, and it is clear that Mulkey’s understanding of roster construction is second to none.
That success was evident in the 2023-2024 season, when LSU emerged as one of the top teams in the country. The Tigers’ run to the NCAA Championship was built on the strength of star players, leadership, and depth. However, as LSU sets its sights on the future, Mulkey recognizes that championship rosters are never static—rosters evolve, and championship-caliber teams often require that final ingredient to push them over the top.
For any successful program, continuity is vital, and LSU has a strong nucleus of returning players that will form the backbone of the team. While key players will inevitably leave each year, Mulkey has positioned her squad to retain important pieces and make calculated additions.
- Angel Reese (F) – The reigning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Reese has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. Her physicality, rebounding prowess, and offensive versatility make her a matchup nightmare for opponents. With the 2023-2024 season in the books, Reese is expected to return as the focal point of LSU’s offense, and her leadership will be critical in LSU’s quest to defend its title. She’s the type of player who can carry a team to the championship, and Mulkey will rely heavily on her to lead both offensively and defensively.
- Alexis Morris (G) – A seasoned and skilled point guard, Alexis Morris is another key returning player. She brings experience, leadership, and an ability to score in a variety of ways. Her steady hand at the point guard position will be crucial, particularly in high-pressure situations during the postseason. As one of the most reliable players on the team, Morris has shown that she can be a playmaker both in transition and in half-court settings.
- Flau’jae Johnson (G/F) – A rising star and one of the most promising young players in the country, Flau’jae Johnson brings an electrifying energy to LSU. Her combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and tenacious defense makes her one of the most exciting players in women’s college basketball. With another year of development under Mulkey’s system, Johnson could see her role expand even further, potentially becoming one of the most lethal all-around players in the SEC and beyond.
- LaDazhia Williams (F/C) – The versatile forward/center has been an important piece for LSU. Williams’ size and ability to play both inside and out give LSU a well-rounded frontcourt. With a few years of experience under her belt, she’ll provide leadership and rebounding, contributing significantly to LSU’s efforts in both the paint and on the glass.
While LSU boasts a talented returning core, the next step for Mulkey and the Tigers is to fill in the gaps and ensure they have the depth needed to compete for another title. Mulkey has already set the wheels in motion by adding key pieces through the transfer portal and recruiting.
- Transfer Portal Additions – As with most top-tier programs, the transfer portal has been vital in ensuring LSU has the talent necessary to compete at the highest level. Mulkey’s reputation as a savvy recruiter has allowed her to land some of the best available players. Players who have experience playing in major conferences will bring added depth and will help round out LSU’s roster. Expect Mulkey to target experienced players who can make an immediate impact, especially in positions where depth is needed.
- Incoming Freshmen – Kim Mulkey has also made a concerted effort to bring in high-level recruits to Baton Rouge. Freshman players are often the future of a program, and LSU’s recruiting class is no exception. Look for LSU to bring in freshmen who can contribute immediately, adding athleticism, scoring, and defense to complement the returning players. While their roles may vary, these freshmen could play pivotal roles throughout the season.
Even with the strong returning core and new additions, there are areas in which LSU must improve or strengthen in order to defend its title and continue building toward sustained success.
- Depth in the Backcourt – While Morris is an experienced and talented point guard, LSU could use additional depth in the backcourt. Having a strong second unit at guard could be crucial in managing the wear and tear of a long season. Expect Mulkey to prioritize adding guards who can contribute offensively and defensively, providing a spark off the bench when needed.
- Defensive Versatility – LSU’s defense was a cornerstone of their success during their championship run. Moving forward, Mulkey will need to ensure that the Tigers have the versatility to defend a variety of offensive systems. The ability to guard multiple positions is becoming increasingly important, and LSU will need to build on the defensive principles that have brought them success while making sure they have the right pieces to do so.
- Consistency in Scoring – Although LSU boasted a high-scoring offense in the 2023-2024 season, there were times when they struggled to produce offensively, particularly in tough postseason matchups. Mulkey will be looking for consistency in scoring from all areas of the court. Having multiple players who can score efficiently and at a high level, especially in clutch situations, will be key to another successful season.
Kim Mulkey has already cemented her legacy as one of the most successful and impactful coaches in women’s college basketball. The foundation she has built at LSU is strong, but the road to sustained success is never linear. To keep pace with the increasing talent across the nation, Mulkey must continually evaluate and adjust her roster, identifying areas where the team can improve while also nurturing the growth of her current players.
The 2024-2025 season will likely be another exciting chapter in LSU’s storied basketball history, and Mulkey’s leadership will continue to be the driving force behind the program. With the pieces in place, both on and off the court, LSU is primed to defend its NCAA Championship and potentially begin a new era of dominance in women’s college basketball.
As Mulkey and her staff continue to search for those final pieces to complete the puzzle, one thing is certain: LSU Women’s Basketball is a program to watch for the foreseeable future.
