LSU Women’s Basketball Makes History With Back-to-Back First-Round WNBA Draft Picks for the First Time in 19 Years
For the first time in nearly two decades, LSU Women’s Basketball has produced back-to-back first-round WNBA Draft picks—marking not only a triumph for the players involved, but a validation of the sustained excellence and evolution of the program. This rare accomplishment hasn’t happened since 2005 and 2006, when Seimone Augustus and Temeka Johnson etched their names into WNBA history and elevated LSU into the national spotlight. Now, a new generation of Tigers are continuing that legacy, proving that LSU has returned—if not ascended—to the upper echelon of women’s college basketball.
This year’s WNBA Draft saw standout forward Angel Reese selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky, just one year after her teammate Alexis Morris was taken in the first round by the Connecticut Sun. In doing so, Reese and Morris became the first LSU teammates to be selected in the first round in back-to-back years since that historic stretch nearly 20 years ago. The significance of this feat goes well beyond the numbers—it’s a testament to the transformation of LSU into a powerhouse, sparked by a cultural shift, aggressive recruiting, and a relentless commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Reese’s journey to the WNBA is well-documented—a former five-star recruit, a transfer from Maryland, and a national champion who became one of the most recognizable faces in college basketball. Nicknamed the “Bayou Barbie,” her impact on the court was as undeniable as her influence off of it. She led LSU in scoring and rebounding over the past two seasons, earned multiple All-American honors, and helped deliver the school’s first-ever NCAA women’s basketball national title in 2023. Her fierce competitiveness, unmatched work ethic, and unapologetic confidence have made her a fan favorite and a role model for young athletes across the country.
Her selection by Chicago not only reunites her with former LSU point guard and fellow WNBA player Khaaliah Copper, but it also signals the start of a new chapter—one where Reese will look to bring her dynamic skill set and charismatic energy to the professional ranks. The Sky, who are in the midst of a retooling period, are banking on Reese to be a foundational piece for the future, both as a rebounder and interior scorer, but also as a face of the franchise in a rapidly evolving WNBA landscape.
But to understand the full scope of this moment, one has to look back at what came before it. LSU’s history with the WNBA is storied. The early 2000s saw a golden era led by the likes of Augustus, Johnson, and Sylvia Fowles—players who not only dominated the SEC but became pillars of the professional game. That period established LSU as a breeding ground for elite talent, culminating in five consecutive Final Four appearances from 2004 to 2008. However, for much of the following decade, LSU struggled to recapture that same magic. Coaching changes, inconsistent recruiting, and increased competition from conference rivals slowed the program’s momentum.
Enter Kim Mulkey.
Since arriving in Baton Rouge in 2021, Mulkey has orchestrated a stunning turnaround. A three-time national champion coach at Baylor, she brought instant credibility, recruiting cachet, and an unrelenting will to win. Within two years, she took LSU from tournament afterthoughts to national champions. Her ability to identify and develop talent—while also navigating the complex realities of the transfer portal and NIL—has made LSU one of the most dynamic destinations in women’s college basketball.
Morris, who transferred from Baylor and later Rutgers before finding her footing at LSU, was the first high-profile example of Mulkey’s player-centric approach. A steady, savvy point guard with a high basketball IQ, Morris flourished under Mulkey’s guidance, culminating in a breakout senior year that landed her as the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Her journey was one of redemption, resilience, and growth—a perfect emblem of what LSU’s program was becoming.
Reese followed in those footsteps but took the momentum even further. Her arrival in Baton Rouge was seismic—one of the most impactful transfer portal decisions in recent memory. In her first year at LSU, she averaged a double-double, led the SEC in rebounds, and brought an edge and personality to the program that transcended basketball. Reese didn’t just help LSU win—she made them matter. Social media exploded. TV ratings soared. LSU became a national brand, drawing attention from both hardcore hoops fans and casual observers.
And now, with her first-round selection, Reese has delivered the final stamp of legitimacy to LSU’s resurgence. Back-to-back first-rounders are rare. Only a handful of schools—South Carolina, UConn, Stanford—can claim that level of consistency. For LSU, it confirms that their championship wasn’t a fluke—it was a foundation.
But this milestone is also a glimpse into the future. With rising stars like Mikaylah Williams, Aalyah Del Rosario, and Flau’jae Johnson still in the program, LSU is not just celebrating what’s been accomplished—they’re building toward something even bigger. The pipeline is loaded. The culture is established. The recruiting is elite. The expectations are sky-high.
In a broader sense, LSU’s recent success mirrors the evolution of the women’s game itself. The WNBA is growing, both in popularity and visibility. College basketball is more competitive and lucrative than ever. NIL has changed the game, allowing players like Reese to build brands and wealth before even turning pro. And programs like LSU are capitalizing on this moment—bringing in top-tier talent, developing them at a high level, and sending them into the league ready to contribute immediately.
Reese’s draft night was a spectacle, befitting her star power. Dressed in a custom sparkling gown and walking the red carpet with the confidence of a veteran, she embodied everything that LSU has become—bold, fearless, unapologetic. Her speech afterward was emotional, reflective, and inspiring. She thanked her teammates, her coaches, her mother, and her city. She embraced the responsibility of being a role model, particularly for young Black girls watching her journey unfold.
And in doing so, she reminded everyone that this was never just about basketball.
It’s about legacy.
It’s about breaking barriers.
It’s about paving the way.
With Alexis Morris and Angel Reese going in the first round in back-to-back years, LSU has sent a message to the world: They are back, and they’re not going anywhere.
Nineteen years is a long time to wait. But some moments are worth it.
This is one of them.