LSU women's basketball is starting a new era without star forward Angel Reese, but the expectations are still high for Kim Mulkey's team as the 2024-25 season approaches.
The Tigers were picked to finish third in the SEC behind reigning national champion South Carolina and Texas. The talent is so vast in the conference that there was a three-way tie for preseason player of the year between LSU's Flau'Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow, and Texas' Madison Booker.
Reese was LSU's leading scorer and rebounder last season, but Morrow was right behind her and is now expected to be the team's leader. However, Morrow has a lot of help as the Tigers have some strong returners and added even more weapons through the transfer portal.
Here is a look at what we've learned from LSU as the season nears closer.
Transition offense will still be a big focus
Transition offense was a strength for the Tigers last season and that will likey not change. Mulkey is still emphasizing speed and is happy with the guards she added from the transfer portal this offseason: Miami's Shayeann Day-Wilson, Arizona's Kailyn Gilbert and Mississippi State's Mjracle Sheppard.
"We are pretty stacked at the guard spot. We got a lot of experience at the guard spot," Mulkey said at SEC media day last week. "We got newcomers that are quick. You can only run if those posts will get up and down the floor as well. We are going to push the ball. Nobody wants to come watch you walk the ball up the floor."
Aneesah Morrow taking on bigger role
Aneesah Morrow, one of our top 10 players heading into the 2024-25 season, averaged 16.4 points and 10 rebounds per game last season while also leading the team in steals and blocks. With Angel Reese gone, she is expected to take on an even bigger leadership role.
"She was a transfer last year; she had an unbelievable year," Mulkey said. "Look for her to be one of our leaders and captains this year. She can take you off the dribble, she can shoot the 3-ball. She and Angel Reese were just dominant on the glass for us last year, and I expect her to be the same way."
Reese was deemed the college basketball double-double queen last year, but Morrow is also a strong player who can get the job done. She already set some goals for the upcoming season.
"I of course want to continue to get my double-doubles, defensively and offensively. I do have a goal to potentially break the record in steals," Morrow said. "I came so close to that last year. Also just being able to stay consistent. I feel like my whole career that is what I pride myself of, that consistency and being able to rebound the ball and score offensively. I also do not want to just be a shot-taker, but a shot-maker."
Morrow said she talked with Mulkey about leadership and knows she might have to step outside of her comfort zone while still staying true to herself.
"She said that even though I may be shy and that it might not really be me, but not to change who I am," Morrow said. "I have taken it on full-fledged and trying to be the leader that I can. I feel like I have always lead physically but sometimes you need to be that best leader."
Flau'Jae Johnson remains confident
Flau'Jae Johnson is versatile, even off the court. Her offseason included some exciting side quests such as recording music with Lil Wayne and buying investment property to start creating generational wealth for her family.
Johnson's confidence is a big part of her success, and she said her experience during Tigers' Elite Eight run reaffirmed how impactful she can be.
"Shining a light from my freshman year to the beginning of my sophomore year, I was just trying to get in where I fit in," Johnson said. "But now, I know what I can contribute to the team just going off my performance last year. In the tournament, I was one of the best guards in the whole tournament, so just taking that confidence from then into this year and just knowing I can achieve anything I want to."
As for Mulkey, she loves the energy around Johnson and even showed her support by making an appearance in the "Came Out A Beast" music video.
"What more can people say about her? She is just a joy to coach," Mulkey said. "When you look at Flau'Jae Johnson, the word 'joy' just jumps at you. She is happy, she's pleasant, she plays hard. She brings attention to our team because of her basketball skills, but also because of her rapping."
Jersey Wolfenbarger working to join rotation
A 6-foot-5 forward, Jersey Wolfenbarger played one season at Arkansas and was named a member of the 2022 SEC All-Freshman Team while averaging 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Her stats went down the following season, and she chose to leave the program right before the 2023-24 season.
Wollfenbarger hasn't played in a year, but Mulkey is very familiar with her game because she recruited her out of high school. Mulkey pointed out Wolfenbarger's height is a plus, but she has also been putting in the work.
"I think she last week she probably had the best practice she's had since she's been at LSU," Mulkey said. "If she keeps practicing like that, her role will be, you're going to be a part of the rotation... She's gotta get back in the flow of understanding what we are trying to do offensively and defensively, and relax and become comfortable instead of thinking too much. She's doing fine."
Shayeann Day-Wilson to focus on being a point guard
Shayeann Day-Wilson, a 5-foot-6 guard, started her career at Duke, where she was named the 2022 ACC Freshman of the Year. After two seasons with the Blue Devils, she spent one year at Miami. In three years, she has averaged 10.8 points per game, but last season she showed more of her potential during a double-overtime game against Georgia Tech, when she set a career-high with 27 points while going 5-for-11 from beyond the arc.
Mulkey has specific expectations for Day-Wilson already.
"For her to be a point guard only," Mulkey said. "Some of the forwards we have are interchangeable. They can play multiple positions on the perimeter. I think once she becomes comfortable in understanding everything that's required of her as a point guard, she will shine.
"She can shoot the 3 ball. She's quick as lightning. Her last year in college. She has collegiate experience. We sure are excited she's on our team."
Injury report
- Aalyah Del Rosario, a 6-foot-6 center, underwent a procedure to have her ankle "cleaned out" during the offseason. This limited her during the first team practices, but now she is back practicing with contact. Mulkey said she is still catching up when it comes to conditioning.
- Sa'Myah Smith suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in her right knee in November 2023 and missed the remainder of the season. The 6-foot-2 forward was cleared to return during the summer and has been practicing every day.
