The LSU women's basketball team has roared to life in their preseason exhibitions, showcasing their formidable talent and potential for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Led by the dynamic duo of Flau'jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow, the Tigers have left their opponents in the dust, setting the stage for an electrifying campaign.

Primed for Greatness: LSU Women's Basketball Poised to Soar

Flau'jae Johnson: The Catalyst for LSU's Offensive Onslaught

Junior star Flau'jae Johnson has emerged as the driving force behind LSU's offensive juggernaut. Her ability to score in bunches and her relentless defensive prowess have not only fueled her own game but have also ignited the energy and performance of her teammates. In the exhibition matches, Johnson has showcased her dominance, leading the team in scoring with 30 points against Xavier and 29 against LSU-Alexandria. Her versatility and game-changing potential make her the clear go-to option for the Tigers in the upcoming season.

Aneesah Morrow: The Unstoppable Force in the Paint

Complementing Johnson's offensive brilliance is the formidable presence of Aneesah Morrow in the paint. The sophomore sensation has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, providing a crucial balance to the Tigers' attack. Morrow's ability to control the boards and her relentless pursuit of the basket have made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Her partnership with Johnson promises to be a driving force behind LSU's success in the 2024-25 season.

Injury Concerns and Roster Depth: Navigating the Preseason Challenges

While the Tigers have showcased their offensive prowess, they have also faced some preseason challenges. Sophomore sensation Mikaylah Williams has yet to take the court during the exhibition games, and sophomore transfer Mjracle Sheppard was sidelined with a lower leg injury after a promising performance in the first preseason game. Additionally, Aalyah Del Rosario is still working her way back to full fitness following offseason surgeries, and senior guard Shayeann Day-Wilson did not play in the LSU-Alexandria exhibition. Coach Kim Mulkey and her staff will need to carefully manage the team's health and roster depth to ensure the Tigers are at their peak when the regular season begins.

Fastbreak Fluency: Refining the Tigers' Transition Game

While the Tigers have dominated their opponents, their fastbreak execution has been a work in progress. Against the inferior competition of Xavier and LSU-Alexandria, the Tigers have struggled to maintain the fluency and cohesion they will need to thrive in the fast-paced college game. Turnovers on fastbreak opportunities have been a concern, and the team has yet to fully synchronize their transition offense. However, with more court time and game experience, Coach Mulkey is confident that the Tigers will find their rhythm and become a formidable force in the open court.

The Uncertain Timeline of Last-Tear Poa's Return

One of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the Tigers is the absence of senior point guard Last-Tear Poa during the exhibition games. Poa has filed a lawsuit against the United States Immigration Services regarding the denial of her F-1A student visa application, and her timeline for return remains uncertain. Coach Mulkey expressed surprise at the news of the lawsuit, indicating that it was "news to her." The Tigers will need to navigate this situation and find a way to compensate for Poa's absence, should she be unable to rejoin the team in the near future.

Sa'Myah Smith's Triumphant Return

Amidst the injury concerns, the Tigers have received a much-needed boost with the return of junior forward Sa'Myah Smith. After missing significant time due to knee surgeries, Smith made a strong statement in the exhibition against LSU-Alexandria, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Coach Mulkey was pleased with Smith's performance, but she acknowledged that the junior may still be adjusting to the demands of the game after her lengthy absence. As Smith continues to regain her form, she will be a valuable asset to the Tigers' frontcourt.