This offseason was a massive transition for the LSU Women's Basketball team as Kim Mulkey was tasked with retooling a roster that lost in the Elite 8 and lost Aneesah Morrow to the WNBA. The Lady Tigers also lost several other pieces as Sa'Myah Smith, Last-Tear Poa, and Aalyah Del Rosario entered the transfer portal which created other holes.
As Kim Mulkey returned Flau'Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, she brought back two pillars of the team. The rest of the roster was practically a blank canvas for Kim Mulkey to work with allowing her to do what she excels at landing elite talent out of the transfer portal. As things currently stand, here is what LSU's starting 5 will likely look like next season.
Point Guard - MiLaysia Fulwiley
The latest transfer portal addition for the LSU Lady Tigers was a massive one as the Tigers nabbed South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley. On South Carolina's loaded roster, Fulwiley didn't get to start for the Gamecocks, but she impacted every game, scoring 11.7 points per game off the bench. Fulwiley is a flashy guard with incredible playmaking ability, which will be showcased when she's dishing the ball to Mikaylah Williams and Flau'Jae Johnson.
Shooting Guard - Mikaylah Williams
This past season, Mikaylah Williams took another step in her development as one of the best pure scorers in the Country. As LSU loses Aneesah Morrow, Mikaylah Williams will become the Lady Tigers' second option. Williams is one of the best scorers in the Country, and with another season of experience, the Lady Tigers are going to get a massive season out of Williams.
Small Forward - Flau'Jae Johnson
Kim Mulkey was able to get her biggest star back to LSU this season despite the fact that she could've declared for the WNBA Draft or earned a massive NIL deal by entering the transfer portal. Johnson will carry the LSU offense once again on a nightly basis while she's one of the Tigers' best defenders, impacting the game on both ends of the court.
Power Forward - Amiya Joyner
While the additions of MiLaysia Fulwiley and Kate Koval are top tier additions, the addition of Amiya Joyner could end up being the most impactful addition. At East Carolina, Joyner averaged 15 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. As LSU looks to replace Aneesah Morrow, Joyner's ability to score while attacking the glass at a high level will make her a massive addition for the Lady Tigers.
Center - Kate Koval
While Aneesah Morrow was incredible for the LSU Lady Tigers and Sa'Myah Smith was solid, the Tigers really missed having a true center on the inside. Kate Koval transfers in to LSU as a former 5-star recruit playing one season at Notre Dame. In Kim Mulkey's system, true centers can dominate, which makes Kim Mulkey the perfect coach to tap into her 5-star talent.
Can any of LSU's Freshmen crack the starting lineup?
An interesting factor in projecting LSU's starting lineup is the fact that the Lady Tigers signed the Nation's top recruiting class. The freshman with the best chance to crack the starting lineup is Grace Knox as she's an elite forward at 6-foot-3 who can impact the game on the glass right away for the Lady Tigers. If Mulkey looks for Fulwiley to play more of a combo guard role, Bella Hines, Divine Bourrage, or ZaKiyah Johnson could earn their way into the starting 5.