Basketball

LSU Women’s Basketball Faces Significant Roster Turnover Ahead of Next Season

Four key players exit the program, reshaping the team under Coach Kim Mulkey

A Roster in Flux

LSU's women's basketball program is undergoing a pronounced reshuffle after the 2025‑26 season, as four key contributors have announced their departures for other schools.

Starting point guard Jada Richard, who compiled 9.5 points per game and 117 assists during her time in Baton Rouge, will continue her career at Ole Miss. Bella Hines, who earned a larger role late in the year, is set to transfer to TCU, while forward Divine Bourrage, who averaged 2.1 points per game, heads to Illinois. Kailyn Gilbert, a junior reserve who posted 9.1 points per game, will join Texas A&M after a brief leave of absence.

What Lies Ahead

Coach Kim Mulkey, who had overseen a period of stability for the Tigers, now faces the task of rebuilding around the players who remain. Grace Knox and ZaKiyah Johnson, both of whom earned starting positions, are expected to provide leadership and experience.

The program also recently secured the nation's top 2026 recruiting class, though half of those freshmen have already moved on after a single season, underscoring the volatility of modern college basketball. The team will look to blend returning talent with new arrivals as it seeks to remain competitive in the SEC.

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