Help is on the way for LSU women’s basketball.
After a disappointing end to the season with the Tigers falling to Duke in the Sweet 16, it was time to look ahead and prepare for next season.
Obviously, heading into the offseason, the Tigers will be losing two major players from this past season in decorated guard Flau’jae Johnson and center Amiya Joyner, who, even in one year with LSU, played a significant role in the Tigers’ success.
In addition to losing Johnson and Joyner, four guards decided to enter the transfer portal, with two of them being unexpected for head coach Kim Mulkey.
Senior Kailyn Gilbert and freshman Divine Bourrage are making their exits from the program. Gilbert only appeared in five games this season, and Bourrage played in 24, averaging roughly 10 minutes and two points.
Given the production, it made sense for both players to test the waters and find a new home, which Bourrage has already done in committing to Illinois.
However, two other guards who saw significant playing time also decided to seek a change of scenery in Jada Richard and Bella Hines.
As a freshman, Hines made the most of her opportunities, playing in 33 games, averaging 13 minutes, 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 37.3%.
Her identity was formed by her tenacious defense and willingness to put her body on the line by taking charges and making hustle plays.
Soon after entering the portal, Hines committed to TCU, where she will join the Horned Frogs, who are coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances.
Richard’s announcement was the more shocking revelation as the sophomore guard had a breakout season after averaging 2.8 points in her freshman season.
She finished her second season with the Tigers, averaging 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40.8% from three.
She took the point guard position by the horns and proved that she was the one for the job.
While Richard has not committed anywhere yet, she entered the portal with a “do-not-contact” tag and with a destination in mind. Now that her departure has occurred, along with Hines, it leaves a massive hole at the guard position.
But fear not, Tigers fans, as Mulkey and her staff have already found a few replacements to fill the void.
The first player LSU brought in was guard Laila Reynolds from Florida.
Reynolds had her best season with the Gators this season, being the team’s third leading scorer and averaging 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Laila,” Mulkey said. “Our goals for next season align, making it the perfect fit. Her skill set, paired with three years of SEC experience, will be a huge asset to our team.”
Her size at 6-foot-1 gives her the length to be versatile on both ends of the court. A player who can score inside and from the mid-range on offense while also having the length to match up with different positions as an on-ball defender.
Next it was the most crucial piece of Mulkey’s game plan: adding point guard Jada Williams from Iowa State.
After spending two seasons with Arizona, Williams transferred to Iowa State, where in her junior season, she averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game.
The Cyclone’s second leading scorer finished the season with a spot on the All-Big 12 first team, making her the No. 10-ranked player in the transfer portal.
What makes her so important to this LSU team is that while she has no issues with scoring the ball, as she scored a career-high 44 points against Cincinnati in January, her ability as a playmaker will help bring out the best from her teammates.
Williams led the Big 12 in assists per game and knows how to find the open teammate.
Even when she’s attacking the basket, she’s not necessarily looking to score; she’s looking for the extra pass that leads to a better shot attempt.
LSU has two of the best scorers in the SEC with Mikaylah Williams, who scored 22 points against Duke, and MiLaysia Fulwiley, who scored 28 points.
With two dominant scorers, it’s going to be Jada Williams’ responsibility to get them the ball and initiate the offense. That’s nothing new for Williams and is exactly why the Tigers wanted her.
“Jada is a veteran point guard who is more than ready to run the show here in Baton Rouge,” Mulkey said. “She has the ability to create opportunities for teammates but also score at all three levels. Jada plays with an infectious energy that Tiger fans will love.”
