Rebuilding the Frontcourt
LSU’s women’s basketball program is entering a pivotal phase, having lost key contributors Kate Koval and Amiyah Joyner from last season’s rotation. In response, head coach Kim Mulkey is turning to a trio of highly touted freshmen bigs — Lola Lampley, Anna Minaeva and Noa Morro — to anchor the frontcourt.
Grace Knox, a sophomore who earned five‑star status out of high school, returns as the team’s defensive cornerstone. Her 1.3 blocks and steals per game, coupled with a relentless, bully‑ball style, give the Tigers a defensive identity that Mulkey values.
Anna Minaeva brings international experience and a rebounding pedigree. The 6‑foot‑5 Russian forward averaged 9.6 boards per game in the Russian Premier League, a statistic that becomes crucial after the departure of the program’s top rebounders.
Noa Morro adds versatility and shooting depth. Having posted an 8‑point, 7.4‑rebound average in the EuroLeague and a 36.5% three‑point clip, she can stretch the floor and provide a secondary scoring option.
Lola Lampley, a four‑star recruit ranked among the top thirty prospects nationally, arrives with a 6‑2 frame and the ability to guard multiple positions. Her defensive attributes and athleticism are expected to complement the interior game.
Coach Mulkey, who has a track record of shaping raw talent into polished performers, plans to give the newcomers ample playing time early in the season. Her system emphasizes low‑post play, a fit that aligns well with Minaeva’s experience in Russian post‑oriented schemes.
The Tigers open the campaign against Southeastern Louisiana in roughly two months, a game that will serve as the first test of this blended frontcourt. The early minutes will be closely watched to see how quickly chemistry develops among the new pieces.