BATON ROUGE – The anticipation around the LSU women's basketball team is palpable as they gear up for the 2024-25 season. Under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey, who has previously led her teams to four national championships, LSU enters this season without last year’s star, Angel Reese. Despite her absence, there’s no shortage of talent and excitement among the players who will take to the court this year.
The Tigers are rolling with some impressive firepower, boasting players like Flau'jae Johnson, who is expected to be the leading scorer for the team. Johnson’s growth and potential were on full display last season, where she consistently dropped significant points and showcased her scoring capabilities. Alongside her, Aneesah Morrow is making waves as well; she’s anticipated to be another double-double machine.
Mikaylah Williams, the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, is primed to make even more substantial contributions this year than she did last year. “With these three leading the charge, the Tigers have the potential to build one of the best offensive units this season,” noted one sports analyst.
Nevertheless, the team faces some hurdles, particularly inside the paint. The SEC is laden with talent and playing against perennial powerhouses like South Carolina is bound to be tough. Many experts are questioning how LSU will perform against the deep competition of the conference this season. The expectation is for LSU to finish third or higher within the SEC, and making it to the Sweet 16 would signify solid progress for this group.
While LSU had some strong performances last year, including reaching the NCAA Tournament, the upcoming challenges of this SEC schedule are substantial. With their first conference game set against Auburn and matchups against ranked teams like No. 15 Tennessee, the Tigers must be ready to show what they are capable of.
Even with these challenges at the forefront, Mulkey remains optimistic about her squad’s potential, stating, “This will be a challenging but fun season for us. We’re still working on chemistry, but the work ethic is there.” The continuous improvement becomes even more necessary once they step on the court for SEC play.
The need for strong chemistry among the roster arises significantly since LSU's success historically has depended on collaboration and effective communication on the court. Mulkey believes the team is slowly gelling well together. "It’s not about how we start; it’s about how we grow together throughout the season. We’ll face adversity, but it can make us stronger,” she added.
Fans are eager to see how the new dynamics shake out. Johnson’s prowess as the current leading scorer, with averages hitting the 20 points per game mark, mirrors trends from previous years where scoring output was more distributed across the roster. Morrow’s rebounding ability will also be pivotal. She consistently delivers notable stats, ensuring LSU secures the offensive boards and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities.
This year is rife with exciting matchups within the SEC. The anticipation builds toward the clash with Tennessee, as they too have remained undefeated entering conference play. Also, upcoming games against South Carolina will be pivotal to establishing LSU's standing within not just the SEC, but nationally as well.
“These are the games you look forward to all year. We need to approach each contest with intensity and focus. Every game is important,” Mulkey emphasized.
Further, the depth of this year’s roster adds another layer of intrigue. Early-season games have showcased significant bench production, with reserves stepping up to provide scoring and strong defensive efforts. This depth can be instrumental, especially during the demanding SEC schedule.
The rhythm of SEC play is notorious for its relentless pace and competitive spirit. Observers note how well the starters and reserves can complement each other, establishing offensive systems and defensive strategies together. Strong performances early can provide momentum for later games as the team fights for positioning within the league.
Another factor to watch will be how well the Tigers can adapt on the fly. The SEC is known for being unpredictable, and teams can rise or fall quite quickly through the standings. The coaching staff’s ability to make tactical adjustments mid-game will be key to succeeding.
Overall, the prospects for the Tigers appear promising, albeit with their share of challenges. The convergence of new talent, complemented by returning players showing steady improvement, bodes well for the future of LSU women's basketball. Fans are ready for the team's endeavor to reclaim their place among the elite teams of the SEC and the nation.
Coaches, analysts, and fans alike are excited to sync up once again with the electrifying environment of college basketball. With the right mix of talent and grit, this could be a memorable season for LSU. The opener against Auburn should set the tone, and as they progress, the sparkle of expected successes shines brighter each game, establishing Kim Mulkey’s program as one to watch.