The Pete Maravich Assembly Center was electric as LSU tipped off their NCAA Tournament journey against San Diego State. Fans roared with every bucket. The Tigers fed off the energy, storming their way to a commanding 103-48 victory. That intensity carried over into their Round of 32 matchup against Florida State. LSU dominated the third quarter with a stunning 31-6 run to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.
Mulkey is never one to do things by the book. She has built her reputation on bold decisions and relentless preparation. She always finds a way to get the best out of her team when it matters most. One Twitter user summed it up: “Kim Mulkey is traveling her practice players to the Sweet 16 regional… this is why she’s the GOAT.”
In a rare move, Mulkey is bringing LSU’s practice players along for the trip to Spokane, Washington. Usually, these players stay behind while the main roster travels. But Mulkey knows their impact on the team’s success. She’s making sure they’re part of the journey.
Kim Mulkey is traveling her practice players to the Sweet 16 regional… this is why she’s the GOAT. pic.twitter.com/Oya8tiJ6E6
— 𝕽𝖆𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖑 (@rachelm_63) March 25, 2025
Bringing practice players on the road is just another example of Mulkey’s commitment to team chemistry and preparation. Those players are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. They push LSU’s stars in practice, replicate opposing teams’ strategies, and ensure the Tigers are sharp for every challenge. Mulkey isn’t just rewarding them—she’s reinforcing the team-first mentality that has helped LSU reach this stage.
That mindset is paying off. LSU has dominated the tournament so far, dismantling San Diego State and Florida State by a combined 85 points. A huge part of that success comes from their ability to create high-quality shots through ball movement. The team drilled this relentlessly during the break between the SEC Tournament and March Madness. Mulkey emphasized extra passes, ensuring every possession resulted in the best possible look.
That effort was on full display in LSU’s 103-48 rout of San Diego State. The Tigers kept defenses scrambling, a philosophy players like Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and Aneesah Morrow embraced. The results spoke for themselves. LSU overwhelmed Florida State in the Round of 32 with a 31-6 third-quarter explosion that put the game out of reach.
Mulkey has built her career on making the right moves at the right time. She’s a four-time national champion—three at Baylor (2005, 2012, 2019) and one at LSU (2023). She’s also one of the best recruiters in the country, consistently landing elite talent and molding them into title contenders.
Her unconventional approach could give LSU the extra edge they need as they prepare for a battle against NC State. The Tigers’ commitment to sharing the ball, their renewed confidence, and a locked-in bench make them a dangerous opponent. With Mulkey pulling every lever to keep her squad sharp, LSU looks primed to keep rolling in MM. That’s why she’s the GOAT.
Kim Mulkey raises the bar as LSU chases final four
“In our locker room… there are five players that have never been to a Sweet Sixteen,” Mulkey said, per an X post from WDSU’s Farrah Yvette. “Five players that contribute. And I explain to them, this is why you came here. We don’t play to get to a Sweet Sixteen at LSU women’s basketball anymore.”
Mulkey emphasized that making deep tournament runs is the new standard for LSU.
“Not that we take it for granted,” she continued. “But our goal every year is to just make a run and see if you can get to another Final Four, and see if you can upset somebody you’re not supposed to upset. We weren’t talked about at all when we won it two years ago. So let’s go see what we can do.”
With her team now fully healthy and clicking at the right time, LSU looks poised to make another deep run. The Tigers’ balance of star power and depth, combined with Mulkey’s ability to keep them focused, makes them a legitimate threat to return to the Final Four. Their matchup against NC State will be a battle of elite guard play, and Mulkey knows her team has to be at its best to advance.
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