Can Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers Make it Back to The Final Four and Beyond?

By Reed Darcey

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, is one of the most exciting programs in college basketball today. After Mulkey’s arrival in Baton Rouge in 2021, the Tigers immediately became a national contender, culminating in an unforgettable national championship run in 2023. As the team moves into the 2024 season, the question on the minds of fans and analysts alike is clear: can the LSU Tigers make it back to the Final Four and beyond?

To answer this question, we must consider several key factors: the evolution of the team, the roster and its star players, the challenges they’ll face in a competitive landscape, and Mulkey’s proven ability to lead her teams to success. All these elements point toward a thrilling journey for LSU in the coming seasons, but also present some serious obstacles that will require determination, resilience, and perhaps a bit of luck.

A Rapid Rise: Mulkey’s Impact in Baton Rouge

Kim Mulkey’s coaching pedigree is well established. A Hall of Famer, Mulkey built a championship-winning dynasty at Baylor, capturing three NCAA titles (2005, 2012, and 2019) and establishing the Bears as one of the most dominant programs in women’s basketball. Her transition to LSU was met with significant excitement, but also raised questions about how quickly she could turn the program into a contender in the highly competitive SEC.

Mulkey wasted no time making her mark in Baton Rouge. In her first season (2021-2022), the Tigers earned a respectable NCAA Tournament bid, but it was in the 2022-2023 season where Mulkey truly proved her mettle. Behind the dynamic play of Angel Reese, who transferred to LSU after her freshman season at Maryland, and the leadership of veterans like Alexis Morris, the Tigers made an astonishing run to the national championship, defeating Iowa in a thrilling title game. Reese, in particular, was an absolute revelation, dominating both ends of the floor and cementing her status as one of the nation’s premier players.

Mulkey’s ability to transform LSU into a powerhouse so quickly was a testament to her coaching acumen and her ability to recruit top-tier talent. With the program now firmly on the national radar, the question for 2024 becomes whether Mulkey can lead LSU back to the Final Four, and perhaps even to another championship.

Key Roster Additions and Returning Stars

For LSU, the key to returning to the Final Four and beyond will hinge on how well the team can integrate new talent and build upon the foundation laid by last year’s championship squad.

Angel Reese: A Superstar in the Making

At the heart of LSU’s quest for another deep tournament run is Angel Reese, who has developed into one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball. Reese’s unique combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Last season, she earned the title of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading LSU to the championship. Her ability to control the paint, dominate the glass, and score efficiently from inside and outside make her a top contender for National Player of the Year honors in 2024.

However, as with any elite player, the challenge for LSU is ensuring that Reese remains consistent and continues to evolve her game. Opposing teams will be more prepared for her this season, and it will be crucial for LSU to develop secondary scoring options to prevent Reese from being double-teamed or overly scrutinized. With Mulkey’s guidance, Reese should continue to improve, and her leadership will be pivotal as LSU looks to navigate a tough SEC schedule and ultimately make a run in the NCAA Tournament.

Alexis Morris: Leadership and Experience

While Reese may be the face of LSU’s program, Alexis Morris is arguably the heart and soul of the team. Morris, a veteran guard who has played for Mulkey at both Baylor and LSU, has proven to be an exceptional leader on and off the court. Her experience in big games, including last year’s championship run, will be invaluable in the 2024 season.

Morris’s leadership on the floor is unmatched. She is a gritty, competitive guard who thrives in clutch moments. Her ability to create offense both for herself and her teammates will be essential for LSU’s success, especially when the Tigers face adversity in high-stakes matchups. As a seasoned veteran, Morris’s presence in the backcourt will help LSU maintain stability throughout the season, guiding the Tigers through the ups and downs of a grueling SEC schedule.

The Incoming Freshmen: Making an Immediate Impact

In addition to the returning stars, Mulkey has bolstered the roster with a strong recruiting class. While the 2023 national championship squad was already loaded with talent, Mulkey’s ability to bring in top-tier freshmen could prove to be the X-factor in LSU’s pursuit of another deep postseason run.

The Tigers will need these newcomers to contribute right away. Whether it’s a guard who can provide a scoring spark or a forward who can add depth in the paint, Mulkey’s reputation for developing young talent suggests that these freshmen could quickly make their mark on the team. The ability of these freshmen to gel with the returning players will be critical, as LSU’s quest to repeat as national champions hinges on how well the team can continue to evolve.

The SEC: A Gauntlet of Competition

As much as LSU’s roster looks stacked, they will face stiff competition within their own conference, the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which has become the gold standard for women’s college basketball.

South Carolina: A Dominant Rival

The most formidable challenge LSU will face is South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks are a perennial powerhouse and are expected to be one of the top teams in the country again in 2024. South Carolina boasts an elite roster that includes several returning All-Americans and a deep, experienced squad. The rivalry between LSU and South Carolina has grown in intensity since Mulkey’s arrival, and both teams are likely to meet in high-stakes matchups throughout the season, whether in regular-season play or in the SEC Tournament.

In particular, South Carolina’s defense and rebounding ability pose a major challenge for LSU. However, the Tigers proved last season that they are capable of rising to the occasion against elite teams. For LSU to reach the Final Four, they will need to go toe-to-toe with South Carolina, winning head-to-head matchups and ensuring they are prepared for what is sure to be a physical and strategic battle.

Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Other Challengers

Beyond South Carolina, LSU will also have to contend with other strong teams in the SEC, including Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Arkansas. These programs have all established themselves as tough competitors, and each will present unique challenges for LSU throughout the season. Whether it’s a high-scoring affair with Tennessee or a grind-it-out battle with Mississippi State, LSU’s resilience and ability to adjust will be tested regularly.

The Road to the Final Four: What’s Needed for Success?

In order for LSU to make it back to the Final Four and beyond, they will need to continue to play strong, team-oriented basketball. The leadership of Mulkey will be critical, as she is not only a tactician but also a motivator who knows how to get the best out of her players.

Defense and Rebounding: The Foundation of LSU’s Success

For LSU to make another deep tournament run, defense and rebounding will have to be their foundation. The Tigers were one of the top defensive teams in the country last season, and that was a key factor in their success. With players like Reese and Morris leading the way, LSU’s ability to shut down opposing offenses and control the glass will be crucial in postseason play, where every possession matters.

Depth and Bench Play: A Potential Weakness

One of LSU’s potential weaknesses is depth. While the starting lineup is incredibly talented, the bench will need to provide meaningful contributions, especially during stretches where fatigue sets in. In particular, Mulkey will need her younger players and reserves to step up when key players need rest or when the team faces foul trouble. If the Tigers can develop a strong rotation and get consistent performances from the bench, they will be well-positioned to make a run at the Final Four and beyond.

Health and Consistency: The Final Hurdles

The health of key players will be another factor in LSU’s journey. Injuries are always a risk, and maintaining peak physical condition throughout the season will be critical. Additionally, consistency is key. LSU will need to stay focused and execute on both ends of the floor, especially in the high-pressure moments of the NCAA Tournament. The ability to maintain composure and avoid costly mistakes will separate championship-caliber teams from those who fall short.

A Bright Future Ahead for LSU

In summary, LSU’s chances of returning to the Final Four and beyond in 2024 rest on a combination of factors: the continued development of superstar Angel Reese, the leadership of Alexis Morris, the contributions of incoming freshmen, and the guidance of Kim Mulkey. With one of the most talented rosters in the nation and a coach who has proven her ability to lead teams to the highest levels of success, LSU is certainly a contender.

However, the road to the Final Four won’t be easy. The SEC is as competitive as ever, and LSU will face formidable opponents at every turn. To make it back to the Final Four and contend for another national title, the Tigers will need to remain healthy, stay focused, and play their best basketball when it matters most.

As always, Mulkey will ensure that the Tigers are ready for the challenge. With a roster full of talent, an elite coach, and the hunger to prove themselves once again, LSU has a legitimate shot at making another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The only question left to answer is: will it be enough to bring home another championship?