Kim Mulkey and LSU Women’s Basketball Secure Former Coveted SEC Signee, Adding Star Power to Roster.

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has once again proven its dominance in the SEC, this time with a major coup for the 2025 season. Kim Mulkey, who has rapidly transformed LSU into one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, has secured a commitment from a former coveted SEC signee, adding yet another elite talent to her already stacked roster. This move sends a powerful message about LSU’s growing power in the landscape of women’s college basketball, and it adds yet another piece to Mulkey’s championship-caliber puzzle.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the implications of this signing, explore the player’s background and potential impact on LSU’s success, and examine how Mulkey’s recruiting strategy is reshaping the future of LSU women’s basketball.

Kim Mulkey’s Rise at LSU: A Program Transformed

When Kim Mulkey took over as LSU’s head coach in 2021, the Tigers were at a crossroads. Despite a storied history, LSU had not achieved sustained success in the SEC, and they were far from competing for national titles. Mulkey, a three-time NCAA champion with Baylor, quickly turned the program around, leading LSU to the Final Four in her second season and securing an NCAA championship in 2023.

Her success on the court was not just a result of her coaching acumen but also her ability to attract top talent. Mulkey has built a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the game, consistently landing some of the most coveted high school players and transfers. Her formula of blending experienced transfers with homegrown talent has given LSU a well-rounded and deep roster capable of competing at the highest level.

But it’s not just about the players Mulkey has already brought in. Her ability to continue attracting elite talent is a testament to her vision and leadership, and this latest signing is another example of how LSU is poised to dominate the college basketball scene for years to come.

The Former Coveted SEC Signee: A Star in the Making

The player in question is Jada Johnson, a 6’3″ forward who was previously committed to another top SEC program but has now chosen LSU as her destination. Johnson, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, was widely regarded as one of the top recruits in her class and was heavily pursued by several SEC schools, making her one of the most sought-after players of the recruiting cycle.

Johnson is an incredibly versatile forward with a strong inside presence and the ability to stretch the floor. She has the physicality to dominate in the paint, but also the skill set to shoot from mid-range and even beyond the arc. This combination of skills makes her an ideal fit for Mulkey’s fast-paced and dynamic style of play, which emphasizes both offensive efficiency and a stifling defense.

In high school, Johnson was a McDonald’s All-American and was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in her senior season. Her high school success was well-known throughout the recruiting world, and she was a five-star recruit according to major recruiting services like ESPN and Prospects Nation.

Her commitment to LSU is a significant coup for Mulkey and the Tigers, as Johnson had been expected to make an immediate impact at her previous school. However, LSU’s persistent recruiting efforts and the chance to play in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences ultimately won her over.

Why Jada Johnson is the Perfect Fit for LSU

The addition of Jada Johnson addresses several key needs for LSU women’s basketball heading into the 2025 season. First and foremost, Johnson’s size and skill set give LSU another option on both ends of the court, complementing the talent already in place. Here’s why Johnson’s addition will be so impactful for the Tigers:

Versatility and Depth in the Frontcourt

With the departure of several key players from last year’s roster, LSU needed to bolster its frontcourt. Johnson provides much-needed depth and versatility, as she can play both forward positions—power forward and small forward—and give Mulkey the flexibility to experiment with different lineups. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and dominate inside will make LSU even more dangerous offensively, especially as they face off against some of the best teams in the SEC.

Defensive Presence

Defensively, Johnson has the tools to be a game-changer. Her length, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability make her a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Johnson is a relentless rebounder, and her instincts on defense will help LSU remain one of the top defensive teams in the country. Her ability to switch on defense and guard multiple positions is a huge asset for LSU as they face off against some of the most talented offensive teams in the nation.

Elite Scorer with a Strong Work Ethic

Offensively, Johnson is an elite scorer who can fill up the stat sheet. Her mid-range jumper is deadly, and she has the ability to finish through contact in the paint. Her footwork and basketball IQ make her a dangerous post player, and she has the tools to develop into a reliable outside shooter as well. Mulkey will undoubtedly work with her to continue developing her offensive game, but Johnson’s natural scoring ability will make her a key contributor from day one.

Moreover, Johnson’s work ethic has been widely praised by her coaches and teammates. Her commitment to improving her game is one of the reasons why she was so highly coveted coming out of high school. She is known for her tireless effort in both practices and games, and that mentality will fit perfectly within Mulkey’s program, which values hard work and discipline above all else.

Kim Mulkey’s Recruiting Strategy: A Look at the Bigger Picture

This signing also reflects Mulkey’s broader recruiting strategy, which is based on a combination of elite high school talent and transfer portal success. Mulkey has consistently recruited top-tier players from around the country, building a roster that combines established talent with up-and-coming stars.

In addition to her ability to land elite recruits like Johnson, Mulkey has also made a name for herself in the transfer portal, bringing in several high-impact players who have helped take LSU’s program to the next level. This dual approach has allowed her to quickly turn LSU into a national championship contender.

By continuing to build a pipeline of talent that includes both high school standouts and seasoned transfers, Mulkey has positioned LSU to be a dominant force in women’s college basketball for years to come. The Tigers’ continued success on the recruiting trail is proof of the program’s growing stature, as more and more top-tier players are choosing LSU as their destination.

The Impact on LSU’s 2025 Roster

The addition of Jada Johnson gives LSU even more star power as they head into the 2025 season. LSU already boasts several top-tier players, including Angel Reese, a 2023 NCAA Tournament MVP, and Flau’Jae Johnson, who has emerged as one of the best young players in the country. With the addition of Johnson, Mulkey now has a roster brimming with talent and depth, and LSU will be one of the teams to watch in the SEC and on the national stage.

Mulkey’s balanced approach to recruiting, which blends the best of high school talent and experienced transfers, gives LSU the chance to compete for multiple championships over the next several years. With Johnson, Reese, and other key players on the roster, LSU’s future looks incredibly bright.

What This Means for the SEC and Women’s College Basketball

For the SEC and women’s college basketball as a whole, LSU’s success in recruiting is a wake-up call to the rest of the country. While programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and UConn have long been dominant forces, LSU’s rise under Kim Mulkey has quickly positioned the Tigers as a perennial contender. The SEC, already known for its powerhouse programs, is only getting stronger with LSU’s continued success.

The impact of Johnson’s signing also signals the changing landscape of women’s college basketball. As more and more elite recruits choose to play for programs like LSU, the overall level of competition will continue to rise. This is a win for the sport, as it leads to more exciting matchups and deeper NCAA tournaments.

With Kim Mulkey’s strategic approach to recruiting and her ability to attract top-tier talent, LSU women’s basketball is in great shape heading into the 2025 season. The addition of Jada Johnson adds even more star power to an already loaded roster, and the Tigers are primed to make a serious run at another national championship. The future of LSU women’s basketball has never looked brighter, and fans are eager to see what this new era under Mulkey will bring.

As LSU continues to rise in the ranks of women’s college basketball, one thing is clear: Kim Mulkey and the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with—and with each new recruit, including Jada Johnson, the program’s star continues to rise.