Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers Are Close But Not Yet Good Enough To Be Elite

Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers Are Close But Not Yet Good Enough To Be Elite

In the world of women’s college basketball, few programs have seen such a meteoric rise as Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers. The program, which has become a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally under Mulkey’s leadership, has made significant strides toward elite status. However, while LSU is undoubtedly close, the team has not yet reached the level of true basketball royalty—where programs like UConn, South Carolina, and Stanford consistently reside.

Kim Mulkey, one of the most accomplished and charismatic figures in women’s basketball, took over the LSU Tigers in 2021. In a relatively short time, Mulkey turned the program into a contender, bringing her championship pedigree from Baylor to Baton Rouge. Under her guidance, LSU has achieved remarkable success, including returning to the NCAA Tournament and making deep runs in postseason play. However, despite all the accomplishments, LSU still finds itself in a transitional phase as it continues its quest for sustained dominance at the national level.

In this article, we will analyze the current state of LSU women’s basketball under Kim Mulkey, explore what the team has accomplished, and discuss the areas where the Tigers need to improve in order to truly break through and become a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

Kim Mulkey’s Arrival and the Immediate Impact

When Kim Mulkey was hired as the head coach of LSU in 2021, the program was coming off a period of relative mediocrity. Despite having talented players and a storied history, LSU had failed to compete at the highest level in recent years. That all changed with Mulkey’s arrival. Known for her fiery competitiveness, leadership skills, and ability to build championship teams, Mulkey wasted no time in transforming the Tigers into an SEC powerhouse.

In her first season with LSU, Mulkey guided the Tigers to a 26-6 record and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This marked a significant improvement for a program that had not made it past the second round of the tournament in the years prior. The Tigers showed resilience, talent, and a newfound level of competitiveness under Mulkey’s guidance. Her emphasis on defense, team chemistry, and player development was immediately apparent, as LSU became one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.

Despite not reaching the Final Four in her first season, Mulkey’s impact was undeniable. Her ability to recruit top-tier talent, implement a structured and disciplined system, and develop her players has laid the foundation for a successful future. But while Mulkey has brought LSU back into the conversation as a top program, the Tigers still have work to do to truly become elite.

The Strengths of the LSU Tigers

LSU’s rise under Kim Mulkey has been fueled by several key strengths. Let’s take a closer look at the areas where the Tigers excel, as well as why they are considered a legitimate threat to the elite programs in women’s college basketball.

1. Recruiting Excellence: One of the primary reasons LSU has been able to make such significant strides under Mulkey is her ability to recruit elite talent. Mulkey has a reputation for being a strong recruiter, and she has utilized that skill to bring in some of the nation’s top prospects. LSU’s roster is filled with future stars, including standout players like forward Angel Reese, a transfer from Maryland who has become one of the most dominant players in the SEC. The Tigers have also secured commitments from other high-profile recruits, helping build a roster that is capable of competing with the best teams in the nation.
2. Defensive Tenacity: Mulkey’s coaching philosophy has always centered around defense, and that has translated into one of the most feared defensive units in the country. LSU’s defensive prowess has been a hallmark of its success, as the Tigers routinely suffocate opposing offenses and disrupt their rhythm. The Tigers rank among the best teams in the nation in defensive efficiency, forced turnovers, and rebound margin. Mulkey has instilled a culture of intensity and focus on the defensive end, making LSU a tough team to beat in a physical and grueling game.
3. Versatile Scoring Options: While defense is the foundation of Mulkey’s system, the Tigers also boast a versatile and dynamic offense. LSU has the ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s through the fast break, efficient ball movement, or individual brilliance. Players like Angel Reese, who can dominate in the post and on the perimeter, give LSU multiple offensive threats that make them difficult to defend. The Tigers also have a balanced scoring attack, with several players capable of stepping up and contributing on any given night. This versatility has allowed LSU to compete with top teams that are also known for their offensive firepower.
4. Experience and Leadership: LSU’s success in recent years has been aided by the leadership and experience of key players. The Tigers have benefited from a mix of veteran players and emerging stars, providing a strong foundation for sustained success. Mulkey’s ability to develop her players and create a cohesive team dynamic has been critical to LSU’s rise. The leadership of players like Reese, along with the contributions of upperclassmen, has helped the Tigers navigate high-pressure situations and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.
5. High-Level Coaching and Staff: Mulkey’s success at LSU is not solely attributed to her—she has surrounded herself with a talented and knowledgeable coaching staff. Her assistants and support staff have played a crucial role in the team’s development, both on the court and in terms of player development. Mulkey’s ability to empower her coaching staff and create a collaborative environment has contributed to the overall success of the program.

Areas for Improvement: What’s Missing for LSU to Become Elite?

Despite their undeniable progress under Mulkey, LSU is still in the process of becoming one of the elite programs in women’s college basketball. Several key areas need further development for the Tigers to reach their full potential. Let’s explore the challenges LSU faces and what they must address to take the next step.

1. Inconsistent Play Against Top-Tier Opponents: While LSU has shown that it can compete with some of the best teams in the country, the Tigers have struggled with consistency in big games. Their record against top-ranked teams has been mixed, with occasional setbacks that prevent them from truly challenging for a national title. In the past few seasons, LSU has lost crucial matchups against elite programs like South Carolina and UConn, revealing that the Tigers still have some gaps to close in terms of execution and mental toughness. For LSU to break into the top tier of women’s college basketball, they must learn to consistently compete and win in high-stakes games against the best teams.
2. Depth and Bench Production: While LSU has a star-studded starting lineup, one of the challenges the Tigers face is maintaining consistent depth throughout the game. The team has relied heavily on players like Angel Reese to carry the load, but in order to truly compete with the elite programs, LSU will need to develop more bench production and depth. Elite teams have the luxury of rotating players without a drop-off in performance, and this is an area where LSU needs to improve in order to sustain their level of play throughout an entire season and postseason run.
3. Offensive Efficiency in Key Moments: While LSU has a versatile offense, there have been moments where the Tigers struggle to execute offensively in crunch-time situations. The ability to close out games against top-tier opponents remains an area for improvement. Whether it’s creating high-percentage shots or taking better care of the basketball, LSU must continue to refine its offensive execution in tight games. To become a true elite team, the Tigers will need to perform at a high level during clutch moments in the NCAA Tournament and against tough conference opponents.
4. Postseason Success: The ultimate goal for LSU is to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and compete for a national championship. While the Tigers have been competitive in the tournament, they have not yet reached the Final Four or won a national title under Mulkey. For LSU to be considered truly elite, the team must perform at the highest level when the stakes are the highest. This will require not only talent but also mental toughness, preparation, and the ability to execute in high-pressure postseason situations.