The LSU women’s basketball team is set to return to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for its first exhibition game of the season against East Texas Baptist on Thursday. The exhibition will tip off at 7 p.m. and will be free for fans to attend.
For many LSU fans, this will be the first time they see not only their returning national champions, but also the new faces that are now a part of that team. With all the transfers and freshmen set to debut, the team will have much more depth this season.
Ahead of Thursday’s matchup, let’s take a look at what the 2023-24 team looks like at each position. In addition, here’s a prediction on what the starting five will look like at the beginning of the season.
Starting Five:
Guard, Hailey Van Lith
Van Lith was one of the most sought-after transfer prospects in the portal this past offseason. The former Louisville guard averaged 15.4 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game and 2.5 assists per game in her three-year career at Louisville. She also shot 42% from the field with the Cardinals.
Since she arrived at LSU, Van Lith has taken the role of the veteran point guard that can facilitate the floor. Her passing ability and ability to get tough shots off will make her one of LSU’s most productive players this season. She’ll get a starting spot from the very beginning, and it’ll be unlikely that she leaves that role during the duration of the season.
Guard, Flau’jae Johnson
Johnson’s role in last year’s team will be a lot different this season. While she started in all 36 games as a true freshman last season, she now has a year of experience under her belt.
Johnson’s defense is what sets her apart, but she’ll also be an option at point guard with her ability to facilitate. In games where the opposing team has sharpshooters, Johnson will rarely leave the floor, simply because of her defensive presence. Last season, Johnson averaged 11.0 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Guard, Mikaylah Williams
With Johnson now playing an experienced role, Williams will fill in her shoes as the true freshman who fits her way into the starting lineup.
Williams has the capability to not only start right away, but to also be a huge contributor to LSU’s offensive production right away as well. She was the No. 1 player in the Class of 2023, is a two-time Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American. She helped her Parkway High School team to a state championship as a senior, so she’s proved she can be a leader. While she may not have to lead this season, she is too much of a talent to keep off the floor, at least for long.
Guard/Forward, Aneesah Morrow
Similar to Van Lith, Morrow was a huge addition for LSU out of the transfer portal. At DePaul, she averaged 25.7 points per game and 12.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore. She ranked inside the top 10 nationally for each category, and the only other player in both top 10 rankings was Angel Reese.
Despite having 53 double-doubles out of her 66 games played at DePaul, Morrow is listed as a guard. But her ability to play in the paint will be valuable to LSU this season. Her versatility and ability to adapt will make her one of LSU’s leading contributors this season.
Forward, Angel Reese
Reese will arguably be the leader of this season’s LSU team in a lot of ways. Not only was she one of the best players in the country last season, averaging 23 points per game and 15.4 rebounds per game, she is also one of the few returners from last season’s team.
Reese came to LSU last season and led right away. Her ability to do that along with her talent was a significant factor to why LSU found themselves as national champions. This time around, Reese has more leaders around her, and arguably more talent. Reese’s leadership and sheer talent will have her rarely leaving the floor as she did last season.
Frequent Guard Options
Guard, Last-Tear Poa
Last season, Poa came off the bench and ran the point guard position. She’ll find herself in a similar situation this season. Many times, she would provide perimeter shooting when the starters were having a difficult time hitting shots. Her experience may give her more minutes this season, but she’ll be a good option off of the bench just as she was last season.
Guard, Angelica Velez
Velez plays a similar game to Van Lith; her passing ability is her strong suit. When it comes to depth, Velez is a player who will be able to come in and give the starting guards a break without a dip in production. With Velez being a freshman, she has the potential to play a key role off the bench or potentially a starting spot.
Guard, Kateri Poole
Poole and Poa will be valuable guard options off the bench of their experience. There were many times last season where Poole’s passing ability got her a lot of minutes and, in some games, a start. This season will provide her with the same opportunities, and her ability to facilitate is some of the best on the team. LSU fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Poole in the starting lineup at some points this season.
Frequent Forward/Center Options
Forward, Sa’Myah Smith
Similar to Poole, Smith found herself in the starting lineup at some points of the season last year. There were also times when she’d come off the bench and produce in key games. Smith put on a lot of strength and size this offseason, meaning that she will be a good post presence, in most times off the bench this season. But if Mulkey wants to go with a taller starting lineup, Smith could be a starting option.
Center, Aalyah Del Rosario
There arguably isn’t a player on LSU’s team with more upside or potential than Del Rosario. The 6-foot-6 inch freshman center will be a force to be reckoned with in the post-game, as most teams don’t have a player that tall to match up with her. The only reason Del Rosario might not start, at least right away, is that she needs time to develop and adjust to the college game. But once she does, she will see a lot of minutes, or even start, because of her post presence, size and ability to score down low.
