LSU Women’s Basketball: Celebrating a Historic Moment with Back-to-Back First-Round WNBA Draft Picks

In a groundbreaking moment for LSU Women’s Basketball, the program has achieved an impressive feat not seen in nearly two decades: back-to-back first-round WNBA Draft picks. This achievement is a monumental reflection of the program’s resurgence under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey. The success not only highlights the individual talent of the players but also underscores the remarkable transformation and elite development that the LSU Women’s Basketball program has undergone since Mulkey’s arrival.

A Historic Moment for LSU Women’s Basketball

The excitement surrounding LSU Women’s Basketball reached new heights when, for the first time since 2003, two of the team’s players were selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft in consecutive years. This marks a new chapter for a program that has been rebuilding its status on the national stage and establishing itself as a powerhouse within NCAA women’s basketball.

The players selected in this historic draft process represent more than just individual talent. Their selection speaks volumes about the quality of coaching, the growth of the program, and the ability of LSU to recruit, develop, and prepare players for the next level. For LSU fans, this is a moment of celebration—a tangible sign of the resurgence of the program under the leadership of Kim Mulkey.

The Kim Mulkey Effect

Kim Mulkey’s arrival at LSU in 2021 was nothing short of a seismic shift in the world of NCAA women’s basketball. With a storied career as the head coach at Baylor University, Mulkey brought a wealth of experience, success, and national recognition with her to Baton Rouge. Having led Baylor to three NCAA Championships and multiple Final Four appearances, Mulkey was seen as the ideal figure to restore LSU to its former glory.

Her reputation for developing elite talent and her competitive nature immediately resonated with both recruits and current players. Within a short period, Mulkey’s impact was undeniable. She reshaped the culture of the program, emphasizing discipline, hard work, and a strong team-first mentality. Under her guidance, players were encouraged to not only refine their skills but to elevate their entire approach to the game.

Mulkey’s recruiting prowess also played a critical role in building the foundation of LSU’s current success. She quickly attracted some of the top high school talent in the country, as well as key transfers, to Baton Rouge. Her ability to scout, recruit, and develop players has been a key factor in LSU’s rise back to national prominence.

Key Players: The Faces of the Resurgence

Two key players stand out as symbols of LSU Women’s Basketball’s resurgence: Faustine Aifuwa and Alexis Morris. Both players have not only contributed significantly to the team’s success during their college careers but have also risen to prominence in the WNBA Draft.

Faustine Aifuwa, a standout center for LSU, was a major force in the team’s defensive strategy and rebounding. With her presence in the paint, Aifuwa was a constant threat on both ends of the floor, blocking shots and securing crucial rebounds. Her performance over the past several years made her an enticing prospect for the WNBA, and her first-round selection confirmed the league’s recognition of her potential at the next level. Aifuwa’s relentless work ethic, leadership, and ability to dominate the post made her a vital piece of LSU’s success.

Alexis Morris, a dynamic guard, was another player who helped elevate the program to new heights. Known for her quickness, scoring ability, and leadership, Morris emerged as a key player for LSU in their run to the NCAA Tournament. Her versatility as a scorer and playmaker made her one of the most dangerous guards in the nation. Her development under Mulkey’s guidance was instrumental in her rise to becoming a top-tier prospect for the WNBA. Morris’s combination of speed, basketball IQ, and offensive skills solidified her as a first-round pick and a future star in the WNBA.

Both Aifuwa and Morris played crucial roles in LSU’s transformation, and their success in the WNBA Draft is a direct reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the coaching they received under Kim Mulkey.

The Program’s Resurgence

The selection of back-to-back first-round draft picks is an undeniable testament to the progress that LSU Women’s Basketball has made in recent years. When Kim Mulkey took the helm of the program, LSU was in need of a rebuild after a series of seasons with inconsistent performances and early exits in the NCAA Tournament. However, the hiring of Mulkey brought a renewed sense of purpose to the program.

In just a few seasons, LSU rose from the ashes of mediocrity to becoming a top contender in the SEC and a powerhouse on the national scene. The program went from being a middle-tier team to one of the best in the nation, competing for SEC titles and advancing deep into the NCAA Tournament.

The back-to-back first-round picks are a reflection of the program’s elite talent pipeline, which Mulkey has cultivated through careful recruiting, player development, and fostering a winning culture. LSU’s success under Mulkey is also evidenced by their strong performances in regular season play, including dominant victories over top-ranked opponents, and their impressive showings in the NCAA Tournament.

This resurgence is also indicative of the growing strength of women’s college basketball as a whole. With the increased visibility of the sport and the rise of dominant programs like LSU, women’s basketball has gained more attention, making these draft selections all the more significant. For LSU, it’s an exciting moment not just for the players involved, but for the program as a whole and for the future of women’s basketball.

The WNBA Draft: A Dream Realized

For players like Aifuwa and Morris, the WNBA Draft represents the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. The WNBA has long been recognized as the premier professional women’s basketball league in the world, and getting drafted into the league is the ultimate goal for many college players.

For LSU’s players, being selected in the first round is a dream come true. The WNBA Draft is a momentous occasion, as it marks the beginning of their professional careers. For Mulkey, seeing her players achieve such success on the national stage is a proud moment that highlights her coaching abilities and her dedication to her athletes’ development. It also serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy as one of the best coaches in women’s basketball.

A Bright Future for LSU Women’s Basketball

The success of LSU Women’s Basketball under Kim Mulkey has set the stage for continued success in the future. The back-to-back first-round draft picks are just the beginning of what promises to be a new era of dominance for the program. As Mulkey continues to recruit top-tier talent and refine the skills of her players, LSU is poised to remain at the forefront of NCAA women’s basketball for years to come.

The rise of LSU Women’s Basketball is also reflective of the broader growth and expansion of women’s sports. As more young athletes look up to players like Aifuwa and Morris, LSU’s success serves as an inspiration, showing that with hard work, perseverance, and the right guidance, anything is possible.

For LSU fans, the future looks incredibly bright. The program is in the hands of one of the best coaches in the game, and the next generation of players is eager to carry on the legacy that has been built. Whether it’s competing for national titles or producing future WNBA stars, LSU Women’s Basketball is on the rise, and the program’s best years are yet to come.

 A Historic Achievement and a Bright Future

The back-to-back first-round selections of Faustine Aifuwa and Alexis Morris are more than just an individual accomplishment for each player. They represent the hard work, dedication, and transformation of the LSU Women’s Basketball program under head coach Kim Mulkey. This historic moment serves as a beacon of hope and excitement for the future of the program and its continued success.

As LSU Women’s Basketball continues to develop elite talent and build a winning culture, the program is well-positioned to continue its ascent to the top of women’s college basketball. With Kim Mulkey at the helm, the Tigers’ future is filled with promise, and the legacy of back-to-back first-round draft picks will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the history of LSU Women’s Basketball.

For now, LSU celebrates this incredible achievement and eagerly anticipates the next chapter of the program’s remarkable journey. The Tigers have shown that they are back, and they are here to stay.