The legacy of LSU women’s basketball continues to blossom under the direction of head coach Kim Mulkey, who has once again electrified the collegiate basketball world with a seismic recruiting triumph. The Tigers have landed the commitment of twin superstars—Amara and Anaya James—who together stand 8.5 feet of unmatched potential and promise. Their decision to choose LSU over long-established SEC powerhouses like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia marks not just a win for the program, but a clear sign that Baton Rouge is fast becoming the epicenter of women’s college basketball.
In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities and national media exposure influence recruiting decisions like never before, LSU’s magnetic pull continues to prove irresistible. The addition of the James twins signals a new chapter in the program’s meteoric rise, one defined by dominance, stardom, and a vision that transcends the game.
The James Twins: Born to Ball
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Amara and Anaya James have long been heralded as generational talents. Measuring 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-4 respectively, the twins offer a perfect blend of power, finesse, and court intelligence. Amara, the elder by two minutes, is a hybrid forward with the mobility of a guard and the rebounding instincts of a seasoned post player. Anaya, on the other hand, is a towering presence in the paint with shot-blocking prowess and advanced footwork rarely seen in players her age.
Both sisters have been fixtures in USA Basketball youth programs, earning gold medals and MVP honors on the international stage. During their senior year at North Lake High School, the James twins combined to average 48.3 points, 24 rebounds, and 9.5 blocks per game. They led their team to an undefeated season and a state championship, dominating both sides of the ball with surgical precision.
Off the court, the twins bring charisma, leadership, and a shared maturity that has drawn the admiration of coaches and fans alike. “They’re not just athletes,” one scout noted. “They’re born leaders—quiet assassins who command the court without saying a word.”
Recruiting Battle Royale
It’s rare to see recruiting wars like this one. Every major program in the nation lined up for a shot at the James sisters. South Carolina’s Dawn Staley offered early and hosted the duo for an unofficial visit that lit up social media. Tennessee, eager to restore its former glory, rolled out the orange carpet. Even Connecticut and Stanford joined the fray late, hoping to entice the sisters with their rich traditions and academic prestige.
In the end, it was Kim Mulkey and LSU’s fast-rising dynasty that sealed the deal.
“We saw something special in LSU from the start,” Amara said during the commitment announcement streamed live on ESPN. “Coach Mulkey’s vision, the passion of the fans, the way the team plays for each other—it just felt like home.”
Anaya echoed her sister’s sentiments. “This isn’t just a basketball decision. It’s about building something iconic.”
LSU’s recruitment pitch was bolstered by a combination of athletic success, NIL opportunities, and a growing media presence. With recent deals for LSU athletes like Flau’jae Johnson and endorsements that stretch beyond sports, the Tigers have become a model for empowering young women on and off the court.
Kim Mulkey: The Architect of a Juggernaut
Since arriving in Baton Rouge in 2021, Kim Mulkey has transformed LSU from an underachieving program into a national powerhouse. Her résumé now includes a national championship in 2023, multiple SEC titles, and a flurry of top-tier recruits.
But the recruitment of the James twins may be her most audacious coup yet.
“Anytime you can bring in two of the top five players in the country—and they’re sisters, no less—it changes everything,” Mulkey said. “These girls are winners. They’ve got that fire in their belly. We’re building something generational here.”
Mulkey’s connection with the twins was deeply personal. Sources close to the program noted that the head coach made more than a dozen trips to Texas during their junior and senior years, attending tournaments, meeting family members, and building trust. Her dogged pursuit, combined with her unmatched resume, gave LSU the edge.
What This Means for LSU
The addition of the James twins elevates LSU’s recruiting class to the No. 1 spot nationally, ahead of South Carolina and UCLA. But this victory goes beyond rankings. With several key veterans returning and a pipeline of young talent in place, the Tigers are poised for a multi-year run at dominance.
Position Breakdown:
- Amara James will likely slot into the small forward or stretch-four position, giving LSU a mismatch nightmare for opponents. She can shoot from the perimeter, attack off the dribble, and defend multiple positions.
- Anaya James is expected to become a defensive anchor, protecting the rim and altering shots with her 7-foot wingspan. Her offensive game continues to evolve, especially with her new face-up jumper and improved passing from the high post.
Together, they provide versatility, depth, and an unteachable chemistry that comes from being twins who’ve played together their whole lives.
The SEC Shakes
LSU’s successful recruitment reverberates far beyond Baton Rouge. Programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State had all hoped to land at least one of the James sisters, with many believing the twins would split up to create their own identities.
Instead, the Tigers landed both—and in doing so, may have shifted the balance of power in the SEC for years to come.
South Carolina’s Reaction:
Coach Dawn Staley, never one to shy away from high-stakes battles, graciously congratulated LSU while acknowledging the competitive sting. “It’s great for women’s basketball when elite talent lands in the SEC,” she said. “We’ll be ready when we meet on the court.”
Tennessee’s Outlook:
The Lady Vols had long hoped to reignite the Pat Summitt era energy with a class headlined by Amara. Losing both twins to a conference rival stings, but their focus will now shift to developing their remaining top-10 commitments and adjusting strategy.
Media Buzz and NIL Momentum
Beyond basketball, the James twins are already media darlings. Their joint TikTok account has over 2 million followers, and they’ve hinted at launching a YouTube documentary series chronicling their college journey. LSU’s robust media department and recent partnerships with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime suggest that the twins’ brand is about to go mainstream.
Early NIL projections estimate that Amara and Anaya could earn more than $750,000 combined during their freshman year alone through endorsement deals, merchandise, and content creation.
With Angel Reese’s exit to the WNBA and Flau’jae Johnson’s crossover appeal in both basketball and music, the twins are poised to be the next faces of LSU Athletics—and possibly the NCAA at large.
What’s Next?
With the James twins committed, the focus now shifts to LSU’s 2025–26 season. With a roster that includes rising stars like Janae Kent, Mikaylah Williams, and Sa’Myah Smith, the Tigers boast a terrifying combination of youth, experience, and firepower.
Expectations will be sky-high, but that’s nothing new for Mulkey and her squad. Practices will be intense, competition for minutes will be fierce, and every SEC game will be a battle.
Still, the twin towers of Amara and Anaya James provide something more than just raw talent. They offer continuity, stability, and a shared dream that could culminate in multiple national titles.
