Here’s a bold statement: The LSU Tigers are facing a rebounding revolution, and it’s going to be fascinating to watch. But here’s where it gets controversial—can a team truly thrive without relying on individual superstars? That’s the question LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey is tackling head-on as she prepares for the 2025-26 season, following the departure of two rebounding powerhouses: Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow, both now shining in the WNBA.
During a recent media session at the SEC Basketball Tipoff in Birmingham, Alabama, Mulkey opened up about her strategy to fill the void left by these standout players. When asked about replacing Morrow, now a rookie with the Connecticut Sun, and Reese, a stalwart for the Chicago Sky, Mulkey emphasized a shift in focus. Instead of leaning on a single player’s dominance, she’s banking on a collective team effort—a move that’s both intriguing and, let’s be honest, a bit risky.
“If you think about it, losing Reese and Morrow—those are big rebounding shoes to fill,” Mulkey said. “I don’t know if we have a player right now who can single-handedly take on that role. So, we’re going to do it together. I’m excited about our post play. We have five new players who’ve never worn an LSU uniform, and it’s energizing to see them compete every day.”
And this is the part most people miss—Mulkey isn’t just replacing players; she’s redefining her team’s identity. “When the lights come on, it’ll be interesting to see who steps up for those rebounds,” she added. “It might not be one player—it could be a shared responsibility.”
Let’s not forget the legacy Mulkey and Reese built together. In 2023, they led LSU to its first-ever national championship in the NCAA tournament—a historic moment for the program. Morrow joined the following season, transferring from DePaul, but despite her impact, the Tigers fell short in the Elite Eight in both 2024 and 2025, losing to Iowa and UCLA, respectively. Now, with both Reese and Morrow in the WNBA—Reese as the seventh pick in 2024 and Morrow in 2025—LSU’s rebounding depth is under the microscope.
Reese dominated the boards for two straight seasons, averaging 15.4 and 13.4 rebounds per game in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively. Morrow followed suit in her lone season, pulling down around 13.5 rebounds per game. That’s a lot of rebounding production to replace, and Mulkey’s approach is both bold and unconventional.
Here’s the controversial question: Can a team truly succeed without a single, dominant rebounder? Or is Mulkey’s collective effort strategy the future of college basketball? Let’s spark some debate—do you think this approach will pay off, or is LSU in for a rough season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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