The LSU women’s basketball program is zeroing in on three key areas—rebounding, turnovers and perimeter defense—to bounce back after last season’s Sweet Sixteen loss to Duke, a defeat that exposed vulnerabilities costing the Tigers crucial battles in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament.
A Focused Recruitment Strategy
Coach Kim Mulkey has bolstered the roster with three immediate impact players: 17‑year‑old Russian center Anna Minaeva, transfer guard Jada Williams, and versatile defender Lola Lampley. Their arrivals are designed to shore up the weaknesses that were laid bare in the Duke game and in a series of SEC matchups.
Rebounding emerged as the most glaring deficiency, highlighted by a 20‑offensive‑rebound deficit against Duke and a string of lost battles on the boards against Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Minaeva, a professional‑experienced center, brings a strong presence down low and is expected to pair with returning post player Grace Knox to dominate the paint.
Turnover trouble plagued LSU, with the team averaging 14.8 giveaways per game and posting 22 turnovers in a loss to Vanderbilt and 19 against Texas, underscoring the need for better ball security. Transfer guard Jada Williams, known for her playmaking and poise, is slated to bring composure to the backcourt and reduce those costly mistakes.
Perimeter defense was porous, allowing Duke’s top scorers to pour in 63 points in the season‑ending defeat, a trend that limited the Tigers’ ability to compete with elite SEC opponents. Versatile defender Lola Lampley, an All‑American recruit, adds flexibility and intensity on the wing, giving the squad a better chance to contest perimeter shots.
The incoming class, which includes six newcomers—three transfers and three freshmen—provides depth and balance. In addition to Minaeva, Williams and Lampley, players such as Grace Knox, Mi’Laysia Fulwiley, Tre Allen, Toby Fournier, Taina Mair and Ashlon Jackson will contribute experience and athleticism, positioning LSU to contend for an SEC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.