In one of the most monumental recruiting wins of the 2025 cycle, the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has officially landed a commitment from Kianni Westbrook, the nation’s No. 1 ranked forward and one of the most dominant high school basketball players of her generation. At 6-foot-3 with elite length, strength, and versatility, Westbrook is a game-changing recruit who chose LSU over fierce SEC rivals Alabama, Auburn, and Florida.
Her decision, made official with a video announcement on social media and later confirmed by LSU, signals a power shift—and a recommitment to dominance by Kim Mulkey’s Tigers.
Why LSU? A Culture of Swagger, Sisterhood, and Success
In her emotional announcement, Westbrook didn’t mince words.
“I’m choosing greatness. LSU has the vision, the family atmosphere, and the championship standard I want to be a part of. I’m all in.”
The LSU Tigers, fresh off multiple deep NCAA tournament runs under Kim Mulkey, have re-established themselves as a national powerhouse. The program has become a cultural force—fueled by NIL opportunities, elite player development, and undeniable swagger. Players like Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, Hailey Van Lith, and Aneesah Morrow have set the tone. Now, Westbrook is ready to carry the torch into the next generation.
Mulkey’s pitch to Westbrook wasn’t just about winning—it was about legacy.
“She told me I could be the face of the next championship team,” Westbrook said. “That stuck with me.”
Scouting Report: A Positionless Force of Nature
Kianni Westbrook has dominated high school competition at every level. Ranked as the No. 1 forward in the nation by ESPN HoopGurlz and No. 2 overall in the 2025 class, she brings a rare blend of physical tools and basketball IQ that makes her virtually unguardable.
Height: 6-foot-3
Position: Forward (with guard skills)
High School: Tampa Bay Elite Academy (Tampa, FL)
Strengths:
- Versatility: Can play the 2 through 5 positions with ease.
- Court Vision: Exceptional passer for her size, often initiating offense.
- Defensive Presence: Averaged 3.1 blocks and 2.4 steals per game.
- Scoring Efficiency: Averaged 21.6 PPG on 56% shooting.
- Motor & Leadership: Fierce competitor with elite motor and vocal leadership.
“She’s like a mix between A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart,” said one scout. “She has the length, the strength, and the smooth footwork to dominate inside, but also the handles and range to step out and destroy you from the perimeter.”
Beating the SEC Elite: How LSU Won the Recruiting War
Make no mistake—LSU wasn’t the only program that knew Westbrook’s value. Alabama, Auburn, and Florida each made strong pitches, some banking on family ties, coaching relationships, or immediate starting roles.
Alabama:
- Head Coach Kristy Curry aggressively pursued Westbrook, pitching her on being the centerpiece of a resurgence.
- NIL offers were reportedly competitive.
Auburn:
- Coach Johnnie Harris had a longstanding relationship with Westbrook dating back to her sophomore year.
- Auburn offered her a leadership role and high usage rate from day one.
Florida:
- The Gators emphasized proximity to home and family.
- Promised an offense that would run through her.
But LSU had the edge where it mattered most—culture, visibility, and championship pedigree.
“At LSU, I’ll be pushed every day,” Westbrook said. “I’ll be surrounded by other killers. I want that.”
Mulkey’s Magic Continues: Reloading for Another Run
Kim Mulkey, a three-time national championship-winning head coach, has never shied away from making waves in the recruiting game. Known for her fierce loyalty, old-school toughness, and new-school adaptability, she is once again proving she’s among the elite recruiters in the country.
Westbrook is the crown jewel of LSU’s 2025 class, which already includes:
- Jordanna Sanders, 5-star point guard from Texas
- Kayla Nguyen, 4-star sharpshooter from California
- Arielle Thomas, 6’5 center from New York
With Westbrook’s commitment, LSU now holds the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, per ESPN rankings.
How Westbrook Fits Into the LSU Lineup
With key players likely departing for the WNBA after this upcoming season, including All-American Aneesah Morrow and guard Hailey Van Lith, Westbrook is expected to play an immediate role.
Projected 2025–26 LSU Starting Five (with Westbrook):
- PG: Jordanna Sanders (Fr.)
- SG: Flau’jae Johnson (Sr.)
- SF: Kianni Westbrook (Fr.)
- PF: Kayla Nguyen (Fr.)
- C: Arielle Thomas (Fr.)
That’s a scary young core—one that could stay intact for years and dominate the SEC.
Social Media Reaction: A Frenzy in Baton Rouge
When Westbrook posted a 3-minute commitment video—donning purple and gold while standing under a banner of Angel Reese—social media exploded.
Flau’jae Johnson: “A STAR just touched down. Let’s eat! ”
Angel Reese: “LSU just got the next one. Proud of you sis! #BayouBarbieLegacy”
Kim Mulkey: “This is just the beginning. Welcome to the family, Kianni.”
Westbrook’s Instagram gained over 120K followers overnight, and “LSU” trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter).
Kianni Westbrook’s Basketball Journey: From Tampa to the Top
Westbrook’s rise to stardom began in middle school when she played varsity as a seventh grader in Tampa. By age 14, she was dominating 17U circuits on Nike EYBL and was dubbed “Baby KD” due to her lanky frame and sweet shooting stroke.
Her high school accolades include:
- Gatorade Florida Player of the Year (2024)
- McDonald’s All-American (2025)
- USA U17 Gold Medalist (2023 FIBA World Cup)
Despite the national spotlight, Westbrook has remained humble. Raised by a single mother, she credits her success to family sacrifice.
“My mom is my hero,” she said. “She worked three jobs so I could chase this dream.”
What This Means for the SEC
LSU’s coup in landing Westbrook isn’t just a win for the Tigers—it’s a loud warning shot across the SEC.
Programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss now know that LSU isn’t going anywhere. In fact, they may just be getting started.
The Tigers’ ability to reload each year—via the transfer portal or high school recruiting—places them firmly in the conversation for every Final Four going forward.
Westbrook, alongside other rising stars, gives LSU long-term security and national appeal.
Off the Court: A Future Brand Star in the NIL Era
Westbrook’s star power extends beyond the hardwood. She’s already attracted NIL interest from major brands in athletic wear, cosmetics, and digital media.
At LSU—a school known for leveraging name, image, and likeness—she’s expected to become a face of the brand, similar to how Angel Reese capitalized on her fame.
Expect to see Westbrook:
- Featured in national ad campaigns.
- Partnering with female empowerment initiatives.
- Hosting training camps for young girls.
She has the charisma, the looks, and the voice to be a generational icon in women’s sports.
What’s Next for Kianni Westbrook?
Westbrook will graduate high school next spring and enroll at LSU in the summer of 2025. She plans to major in Sports Psychology and is already eyeing a leadership role from the moment she steps on campus.
“I want to be remembered,” she said. “Not just for what I did on the court—but for how I made people feel, how I helped my team, and how I made LSU proud.”
With her talent, vision, and fire, that’s a safe bet.
In an era where recruiting battles are more intense than ever, LSU has just pulled off one of the biggest victories of the 2025 cycle.
Kianni Westbrook is more than a recruit—she’s a movement.
Her decision to wear purple and gold will shape the future of LSU women’s basketball for years to come. With Kim Mulkey at the helm and Westbrook leading a generational recruiting class, the Tigers have reloaded for another march to the mountaintop.
Bayou Barbie may have passed the crown—but LSU’s throne remains secure.
