Kim Mulkey, LSU Women's Basketball Named a Finalist for Five-Star Target

Kim Mulkey and the LSU Women's Basketball program continue attacking the recruiting trail with the Tigers looking to build upon the roster for the long haul.

Mulkey and Co. remain in contact with a myriad of priority targets with a top forward including the Tigers in her Top-7 schools.

Olivia Vukosa, the No. 4 rated prospect in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle, listed the LSU Tigers among her finalists.

LSU sits alongside the UCONN Huskies, Texas Longhorns, South Carolina Gamecocks, Kentucky Wildcats, North Carolina Tar Heels and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Forever grateful pic.twitter.com/T2GikLy7nl
— Olivia Big”O” Vukosa (@OVukosa) March 14, 2025

Vukosa was recently in Baton Rouge for an unofficial visit to campus in early November with the program quickly making an impression on the talented forward.

The 6-foot-5 target is originally from Croatia but is currently playing her high school ball up in New York where the LSU staff has taken multiple trips to check in with the elite target.

During last summer's FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, Vukosa averaged 19.4 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in seven games played as she dominated on a global scale.

Now, LSU will be among her finalists as she continues ramping up her recruitment process.

LSU's most recent 2025 Signing Class has stolen headlines as the top-ranked class in America with a pair of McDonald's All-Americans set to head to Baton Rouge over the summer.

The 2025 McDonald's All-American Game Selections:

Grace Knox: No. 4 Overall Player in America

As a freshman Knox averaged 13.9 points and 9.8 rebounds to help lead Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas to the NIAA 5A semifinals.

After missing her sophomore season with an injury, Knox transferred to Etiwanda High School in Los Angeles where she averaged 17.2 points and 11.9 rebounds as a junior, leading the team to a national championship and the California Open Division So-Cal Region California State Championship.

With her size coupled with her versatile skillset, Knox has the ability to play both on the perimeter and in the paint.

“I would say I chose LSU because, for one I know Coach Mulkey can develop me for the next level as I saw her do at Baylor and recently at LSU,” Knox said. “I love the culture on and off the court which set it apart from the other schools mostly. Of course, there’s great branding opportunities at LSU as well. Lastly, I feel like on the visit I felt the genuineness and passion in the coaching staff. There didn’t seem to be an awkward moment and could see myself thriving at LSU next year.”

“Grace is gifted with an incredible ability to rebound,” Coach Mulkey said. “Her tenacity on the boards combined with her all-around offensive skill set make her a tough matchup. We look forward to Grace having an immediate impact on our team and are excited to see all that she accomplishes at LSU.”

ZaKiyah Johnson: No. 7 Overall Player in America

Johnson is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Kentucky high school sports. In three seasons, Johnson has three KHSAA state championships, three Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year honors and she earned a gold medal with the Team USA U18 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup team.

Throughout her first three high school seasons, Johnson averaged 17.7 points and 6.6 rebounds as a freshman, 22.5 points and 8.8 rebounds as a sophomore and 18.9 points and 7.2 rebounds as a junior.

“I chose to play for Coach Mulkey at LSU because I know she knows what it takes to get to the top,” Johnson said. “LSU feels like home away from home.”

“ZaKiyah brings size and athleticism to our backcourt,” Coach Mulkey said. “Her versatility is a huge part of her game. From scoring to rebounding and defending she can affect the game in a variety of ways! Tiger fans are going to love the energy and winning tradition ‘Z’ brings to the PMAC!”

LSU Women’s Basketball Signing Class

Divine Bourrage: No. 12 ESPN, No. 7 On3, No. 9 Prospects Nation, No. 7 247Sports, No. 11 Collegiate Girls Basketball Report

Bella Hines: No. 30 ESPN, No. 24 On3, No. 26 Prospects Nation, No. 24 247Sports, No. 35 Collegiate Girls Basketball Report

ZaKiyah Johnson: No. 13 ESPN, No. 4 On3, No. 4 Prospects Nation, No. 12 247Sports, No. 8 Collegiate Girls Basketball Report

Grace Knox: No. 6 ESPN, No. 13 On3, No. 15 Prospects Nation, No. 11 247 Sports, No. 7 Collegiate Girls Basketball Report

More LSU News:

Three LSU Targets to Know: Louisiana Prospects the Tigers "Must" Land

The Buzz: Latest on the No. 1 Safety in America, Five-Star LSU Target

Prized LSU Commitment '100%' Locked in with the Tigers

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