LSU Insider: Talking Kim Mulkey’s Tigers as They Prepare to Open NCAA Tournament

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, excitement is at an all-time high for LSU basketball fans. The Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, are once again among the most formidable teams in the nation, primed to make a deep run in the tournament. Coming off a dominant regular season, LSU enters the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting an array of talent, a well-balanced roster, and one of the top players in the country, Angel Reese. However, the road to the Final Four will be filled with challenges, and it’s up to Mulkey and her team to navigate these obstacles.

In this insider preview, we’ll take a deeper look at the LSU Tigers’ journey so far this season, the key factors that have defined their success, and how the team is preparing for their opening game in the NCAA Tournament. From Mulkey’s coaching style to the players who have led the charge, this breakdown will give you an in-depth look at what makes LSU one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Kim Mulkey’s Impact on LSU Basketball

When Kim Mulkey took over as head coach of LSU in 2021, she inherited a program with immense potential but in need of direction. Fast forward to 2025, and Mulkey has done more than just restore the Tigers to national prominence—she has elevated them to the ranks of elite programs in women’s college basketball. With a three-time NCAA championship pedigree from her time at Baylor, Mulkey’s coaching acumen has been instrumental in LSU’s rapid ascent.

One of Mulkey’s key contributions has been her emphasis on building a complete team, with a focus on defensive tenacity, strong rebounding, and an ability to play up-tempo basketball. She’s instilled a fierce competitive spirit in the Tigers, a characteristic that has been evident in their performances this season. Under Mulkey, LSU has become known for its physicality, relentlessness on defense, and balanced scoring attack.

Mulkey’s leadership extends beyond basketball strategy—she has fostered a culture of discipline, accountability, and selflessness. These qualities have created a team-first mentality that has propelled LSU to the forefront of women’s college basketball. As the Tigers prepare for their NCAA Tournament opener, it’s Mulkey’s experience and calm under pressure that will be crucial in helping her team navigate the high stakes of postseason play.

Angel Reese: The Heart of LSU’s Championship Aspirations

At the center of LSU’s national title hopes is Angel Reese, a player whose skill set and presence on the floor have made her one of the most dominant players in the country. Reese has been a revelation for the Tigers, putting together a season that has put her on the short list for national player of the year honors. Her ability to score, rebound, and disrupt on defense makes her an all-around force that opponents struggle to contain.

Reese’s combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ has allowed her to dominate in both the paint and on the glass. Averaging a double-double this season, Reese has not only led LSU in scoring but has also been a key contributor to the Tigers’ strong rebounding and defensive efforts. Her ability to secure offensive rebounds and finish second-chance opportunities has been a major factor in LSU’s ability to control games. She has also expanded her game to the mid-range and beyond the arc, adding even more dimensions to her already impressive skill set.

What sets Reese apart, however, is her relentless motor and competitiveness. She’s not content with simply scoring—she’s focused on making every possession count, whether that’s through a timely block, a crucial rebound, or a hustle play that ignites her team. Reese’s leadership on and off the floor has been crucial to LSU’s success, and her performances in the tournament will be key to how far the Tigers can go.

Defensive Dominance: LSU’s Key to Success

One of the trademarks of Kim Mulkey’s coaching philosophy is her emphasis on defense, and this season, LSU’s defense has been nothing short of suffocating. The Tigers are among the best defensive teams in the country, with an ability to force turnovers, contest shots, and apply constant pressure on opposing offenses.

LSU’s aggressive defensive play starts with their full-court press, which can force opponents into making mistakes and create easy transition opportunities. The Tigers are exceptional at getting out in transition, where they excel in scoring quick points off turnovers. Their ability to contest shots at the rim and force difficult perimeter looks has made it tough for teams to find consistent scoring against them.

Reese, of course, is the anchor of LSU’s defense. Her shot-blocking ability, combined with her length and agility, makes her a constant presence in the paint. But it’s not just Reese—guards like Alexis Morris and Flau’Jae Johnson are exceptional at pressuring the ball and forcing turnovers. LSU’s defensive rotations are sharp, and they consistently close out on shooters, preventing opponents from getting clean looks from beyond the arc.

This defensive intensity is what makes LSU such a difficult team to play against, and it’s a style that works especially well in the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament. In a single-elimination format, where every possession counts, LSU’s ability to stifle opponents and turn defense into offense will be pivotal in their tournament run.

Offensive Versatility: A Well-Rounded Attack

While LSU’s defense has been the cornerstone of their success, their offense is equally potent. The Tigers have several players who can score in a variety of ways, making them a tough matchup for any team. Kim Mulkey’s offensive system emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and finding the best shot, whether that’s inside for Angel Reese or on the perimeter for players like Alexis Morris and Flau’Jae Johnson.

Angel Reese remains the focal point of LSU’s offense, but the Tigers’ scoring doesn’t stop there. Alexis Morris, a senior guard, has been one of the team’s most consistent scorers, providing leadership and versatility as both a shooter and playmaker. Morris has the ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting but also has the quickness and finishing ability to attack the basket. Her ability to control the pace and make plays for others has made her a key cog in LSU’s offensive system.

Flau’Jae Johnson, a sophomore guard/forward, has emerged as another critical piece for the Tigers. Johnson’s ability to score both inside and outside gives LSU even more offensive balance. She can pull up for mid-range jumpers, drive to the basket, and knock down threes when needed. Johnson’s all-around game makes her one of LSU’s most dangerous players, and her development over the course of the season has been a key factor in the Tigers’ success.

Another player to watch is LaDazhia Williams, a forward who has been excellent on both ends of the floor. Williams’ ability to score in the paint, along with her rebounding and shot-blocking, provides LSU with an added layer of depth. She’s a reliable presence in the post and can be counted on to contribute in critical moments.

This offensive versatility, coupled with LSU’s defense, makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. With several players capable of stepping up and contributing, LSU has the firepower to compete with any team in the field.

The Road Ahead: NCAA Tournament Preparation

As LSU prepares for the NCAA Tournament, there are several key factors that will determine how far they can go. First and foremost, their defense will need to remain at an elite level. The Tigers have shown they can win games with their defense, and if they can continue to generate turnovers and limit opponents’ scoring opportunities, they’ll have a strong chance of advancing through the tournament.

Another key will be staying healthy. While LSU has depth, players like Angel Reese and Alexis Morris will be expected to carry a heavy load, and it’s crucial that they avoid injury and remain sharp throughout the tournament. Additionally, LSU’s bench will need to step up when called upon to provide rest for the starters, particularly if the Tigers face extended minutes in close games.

The Tigers’ ability to stay focused and avoid complacency will be another challenge. As the No. 1 seed in their region, LSU will be expected to win their opening game and advance deep into the tournament. However, in March Madness, anything can happen. LSU will need to maintain the same intensity, discipline, and work ethic that got them to this point in order to avoid any early upsets.

Kim Mulkey’s experience in tournament settings will be invaluable here. She knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and her leadership will be crucial in keeping the team composed and prepared for the challenges ahead. The pressure of the NCAA Tournament is immense, but with a coach like Mulkey at the helm and a player like Reese leading the way, LSU is well-equipped to make a deep run.