Following Angel Reese’s successful leap to the WNBA, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey is already thinking ahead, confident that her team will rise to the challenge in the upcoming season.
Reese, who played a pivotal role in leading LSU to their first-ever national championship in 2023, has left big shoes to fill after her record-breaking campaign and subsequent entry into the WNBA, where she was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky.
Speaking to the media, Mulkey expressed no concerns about pressure weighing on the team due to Reese’s departure.
“I don’t think there was ever any pressure even when Angel was here.,” Mulkey explained.
“She had a different personality, and I told you many times I coached some big personalities, and somebody in this bunch will have the big personality.”
She emphasized that the rise of personalities on the team would come naturally as players become more comfortable and confident.
“We’re gonna always play with emotion, we’re gonna always play excited, and those personalities will surface,” she added.
As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming NCAA season, Mulkey is optimistic about the mix of new talent and experienced players on the roster.
The recruitment of transfers such as Jersey Wolfenbarger, who previously played for Arkansas, has bolstered the team.
Mulkey remarked: “I recruited Jersey out of high school when I was at Baylor… We’re excited about all the transfers. I think it’s a good mix of transfers, older players with experience.”
A deep and versatile roster for upcoming season
Mulkey also expressed confidence in her current roster’s depth and versatility, particularly at the guard and post positions.
She highlighted the team’s athleticism and speed, hoping for more depth in the guard spots and solid performances from post players like Sa’Myah and Aaliyah.
Mulkey noted the team’s potential: “You hope that [Sa’Myah] can give you that and more. You saw the value of Aaliyah, particularly in that UCLA game… You know what Marrow gives you.”
As LSU embarks on this new chapter, Mulkey remains assured that her team is well-equipped to build on their success, even without Reese.
With a mix of seasoned players and promising new talent, Mulkey’s Tigers are prepared for another exciting NCAA season.
