In a monumental recruiting win that is sure to send shockwaves across the landscape of women’s college basketball, LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey and the Lady Tigers have landed the commitment of the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit—a five-star guard whose decision to wear purple and gold not only strengthens LSU’s already loaded roster, but also solidifies the program’s place at the pinnacle of the sport. Choosing LSU over powerhouse programs including Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, this commitment is about more than just basketball—it’s a signal that Baton Rouge is now the epicenter of women’s hoops.
A New Crown Jewel for LSU
The name on everyone’s lips is Aaliyah Anderson, a 6-foot combo guard out of Atlanta, Georgia, who has taken the high school basketball world by storm over the past three years. Known for her jaw-dropping athleticism, elite court vision, deep shooting range, and lockdown perimeter defense, Anderson has drawn comparisons to WNBA stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Chelsea Gray. She’s been the consensus No. 1 player in the country since her sophomore year and only raised her stock with each passing season.
Anderson’s decision to commit to LSU stunned many in recruiting circles, not because the Tigers weren’t in the mix—they’ve been a top-three finalist for months—but because Tennessee had long been considered the favorite. Alabama and Georgia had both pitched her on staying closer to home, while Tennessee leveraged its legendary history and growing momentum under Coach Kellie Harper.
But ultimately, the allure of LSU’s electric brand, the championship pedigree of Coach Mulkey, and the opportunity to be part of a dynasty in the making were just too much to pass up.
“This was about family, this was about winning, and this was about being part of something bigger than myself,” Anderson said in her commitment video. “I believe in what LSU is building. I want to be part of history.”
The Kim Mulkey Effect
When Kim Mulkey arrived at LSU in 2021, she promised to return the Tigers to national prominence. Just two years later, she delivered a national championship, making LSU the destination for elite talent across the country. Since then, Mulkey’s recruiting success has been relentless, landing top-10 classes and plucking elite players out of the transfer portal to reload annually.
But even for someone with Mulkey’s résumé—three national titles at Baylor, a Hall of Fame induction, and a coaching style that balances discipline with fierce loyalty—this recruitment was personal.
“We knew what Aaliyah could do the first time we saw her as a ninth grader,” Mulkey said. “But this wasn’t just about talent. This was about character, competitiveness, and a desire to be great. She’s a once-in-a-generation player, and we’re thrilled to welcome her into our LSU family.”
Mulkey and her staff, particularly associate head coach Bob Starkey and ace recruiter Gary Redus II, made Anderson their top priority from the start. They were frequent visitors at her high school games, hosted her multiple times in Baton Rouge, and presented a detailed vision for her development and role in LSU’s fast-paced, defense-first system.
According to sources close to the recruitment, it was LSU’s relentless communication, combined with the team’s modern, player-focused approach, that sealed the deal.
A Transformative Talent
Anderson’s game is as complete as it gets. In her senior year at Westlake High School, she averaged 28.6 points, 8.2 assists, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 steals per game—numbers that barely capture the dynamism she brings to the court. She’s capable of controlling the tempo of a game, orchestrating an offense, and taking over in clutch moments. Her midrange pull-up is already WNBA-ready, and her ability to guard positions 1 through 3 makes her a nightmare matchup on both ends.
“She’s the most competitive player I’ve ever coached,” said Westlake head coach Timothy Joyner. “She doesn’t take plays off, she holds her teammates accountable, and she always plays with something to prove. LSU is getting a flat-out winner.”
Beyond the stats and scouting reports, Anderson brings a leadership presence that has already influenced other top recruits. Rumors are swirling that several other five-star players in the 2025 and 2026 classes are considering following Anderson to Baton Rouge. If even a few join her, LSU could be staring down a 2000s UConn-style run of dominance.
Choosing LSU Over the Rest
The final list of suitors included four SEC programs: LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Each school had its own pitch.
- Tennessee leaned heavily on its legacy—the Lady Vols’ rich tradition under Pat Summitt still holds incredible weight—and the chance to be the face of a resurgence.
- Alabama, buoyed by recent success under Coach Kristy Curry, pitched Anderson on building something new in Tuscaloosa and staying close to her roots in Georgia.
- Georgia, the hometown team, offered familiarity, family proximity, and a chance to be the most celebrated women’s basketball player the Peach State has ever produced.
But in the end, LSU offered all of that—and more. The Tigers had the rings. They had the national spotlight. They had a chance to win again, and Anderson wants to win from Day 1.
Sources say the tipping point came during her final official visit to LSU in late March, when she spent three days with the team, attended practices, sat in on film sessions, and even participated in team bonding activities.
“She fit in immediately,” said sophomore star Mikaylah Williams. “It felt like she’d already been here. She’s got that fire.”
Immediate Impact
Anderson is expected to step into a starting role as a true freshman, especially with the expected departure of veteran guards and the increasing pace of the college game. Her arrival gives LSU arguably the most feared backcourt in the nation, alongside current five-star standouts Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, both of whom have All-American potential.
Anderson’s skillset also allows LSU to play positionless basketball, switch everything on defense, and stretch the floor with multiple shot-makers. With Mulkey likely to continue attracting top-tier frontcourt talent via high school and the transfer portal, LSU’s roster balance in 2025–26 may be the deepest in the program’s history.
“This is a legacy class,” said recruiting analyst Lauren Edwards of ESPNW. “You can build a dynasty around a player like Aaliyah Anderson. This puts LSU right back in the Final Four conversation for years to come.”
The Broader Impact on the SEC
This decision reverberates beyond Baton Rouge. For Tennessee, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. The Lady Vols had made Anderson their top target and were confident until the final days. Missing on the No. 1 player, especially to an SEC rival, will sting—and could affect their ability to secure other top-10 recruits who had been watching where Anderson would land.
Alabama and Georgia will continue to recruit at a high level, but Anderson’s choice underscores how far LSU’s star has risen under Mulkey. When elite players from rival territories choose Baton Rouge, it signals a major shift in the balance of power.
“This is what happens when a program wins big and stays aggressive,” said SEC Network analyst Andraya Carter. “LSU isn’t just competing with Tennessee anymore. They’re outpacing them.”
Looking Ahead: Can LSU Build a Dynasty?
With the addition of Anderson, the Tigers are poised to enter a new era—not just as contenders, but as the potential face of the sport. Already a media favorite, LSU’s high-profile players like Flau’jae Johnson (who doubles as a rap artist), Angel Reese (prior to her departure to the WNBA), and the ever-theatrical Mulkey have brought unprecedented attention to the program.
Now, with a generational talent like Anderson in the mix, LSU is not only winning games—they’re dominating headlines, NIL deals, and the culture of college basketball.
Mulkey, for her part, remains focused but grounded.
“We’re blessed to coach these kids, but our job isn’t finished with a commitment. Our job is to mold them, challenge them, and get them to that next level—on and off the court,” she said. “Aaliyah is ready for that journey. And we’re ready to help her soar.”
Final Thoughts
Aaliyah Anderson’s decision to commit to LSU marks a defining moment for the Tigers, the SEC, and the broader scope of women’s college basketball. With her commitment, the Tigers have not only secured the services of a transcendent player, but they have also solidified their identity as the dominant force of the new era.
In years past, a player of Anderson’s caliber might have gravitated toward UConn, Stanford, or Tennessee. But today, the basketball world has changed. Baton Rouge is the new capital. And LSU, with Mulkey at the helm and Anderson leading the next wave, is preparing to carve out a dynasty that may one day rival the greats of the past.