In LSU’s continued growth this season, the stat sheet still offers the usual numbers — points, rebounds, assists — but the most telling progress for the Tigers is coming from a different place.
Under head coach Kim Mulkey, the development of transfers and freshmen has become a defining part of LSU’s identity, even when the numbers don’t jump off the page.
For players adjusting to a new system, a new role or the first taste of SEC college basketball, growth often shows up in confidence, composure and trust rather than stat-sheet production.
That evolution has become increasingly evident as LSU settles more than halfway into conference play, particularly among players like Milaysia Fulwiley, Jada Richard and Amiya Joyner
From opening minutes, LSU’s young players and newcomers have shown a clearer understanding of Mulkey’s style of college basketball on both ends of the floor. Fulwiley’s energy and creativity helped set the tempo early, while Richard provided offensive effort and turnaround and Joyner provided steady defensive effort and floor awareness that anchored LSU through key stretches.
LSU’s on-ball defense and help-side rotations reflected a group growing more comfortable together. Richard consistently disrupted passing lanes and applied pressure at the point of attack, while Knox’s positioning in the paint limited second-chance opportunities. Fulwiley’s quick instincts turned defensive stops into offensive momentum, even when she wasn’t filling up the stat sheet.
“I feel like it’s been going good, not perfect, not the way I probably want it to, but I’m getting better in my growth, that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet,” Milaysia Fulwiley said. “I’m just proud of myself and how far I came.”
Even during moments when the offense stalled or opponents gained brief momentum, LSU’s newer faces didn’t shrink. Fulwiley continued to attack with confidence, Richard stayed composed in traffic and physical fights, and Joyner battled inside, leaning on effort and fundamentals rather than forcing play.
That steadiness speaks to the culture Mulkey has built, one rooted in accountability and belief. While her teams have always been known for toughness, this year’s roster highlights development in trust and confidence, particularly among players still learning how to fit into the structure.
Several Tigers finished recent games without eye-catching stat lines, but the impact was undeniable. Richard fought through screens and stayed locked in and steady through the first half of conference play, with her game against Florida being the most standout stat line yet, but not without some challenges first.
Racking up 20 points, three defensive rebounds and 6-for-6 at the free throw line.
“I would just say hunger, honestly,” Richard said. “I’m a competitor, so, of course, last year I went to play more. I wanted to be on the floor more. But I kind of just use practice as my games. Just getting better at practice, being intentional in every position, in practice, being intentional in my group. Outside of practice, in the weight room, getting faster.”
Mulkey has repeatedly stressed that effort on both sides of the ball is non-negotiable, but she also recognizes that confidence builds over time. Trusting the system, trusting teammates and staying engaged after mistakes are challenges that younger players must learn to manage.
Those lessons have translated beyond the court. Mulkey has created an environment where players are encouraged to embrace their roles without tying self-worth to minutes or scoring, and going the extra mile will help them continue to develop.
“It’s not any magical thing I’ve done, other than toughen her up, change a few mannerisms and make her understand,” Mulkey said.
LSU’s success hasn’t relied solely on star performances. Instead, it has come from shared responsibility and steady growth across the roster. Each game adds another layer of confidence for players still carving out a place in the history books.
As LSU pushes closer to the postseason, its strength will not be defined only by experience or star power. It will be driven by a roster learning together — built on belief, resilience and development that extends far beyond the stat sheet.
