LSU WBB: All-American Forward Angel Reese Returns, Playing Against Virginia Tech
LSU All-American forward Angel Reese has been the topic of conversation over the last two weeks after missing the Tigers' last four games, including the program's trip to the Cayman Islands.
Now, as the Tigers gear up for a Final Four rematch on Thursday night against Virginia Tech, Reese is back with the reigning National Champions. She will play against the Hokies, Kim Mulkey confirms.
Reese was not with the program on their Thanksgiving tournament trip to the Cayman Islands after a pair of matchups against Niagara and Virginia on Saturday.
Mulkey did not specify the exact reason why Reese has missed the last four games, but confirmed she has been practicing over the last two weeks.
The latest on Reese, her return and what Mulkey said:
The Buzz: Reese Misses Four Games
Reese, a reigning National Champion, was benched in the second half against Kent State two weeks ago before being absent for the Tigers last four games.
When asked to expand on her decision 11 days ago, Mulkey said:
"Angel was not in uniform. Angel is a part of this basketball team, and we hope she's back with the team soon. I'm not gonna answer any more than that."
More on Reese:
“You always have to deal with locker-room issues,” Mulkey said. “Sometimes you all know about them. Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you want to know more than you’re entitled to know. I’m going to protect my players — always. They are like a family.”
Now, after being away from the program for four contests, Mulkey "cleared the air" surrounding her star big. She's back with the Tigers.
Reese has been in the limelight over the last handful of months after taking home the National Championship in April. Once the Tigers took home hardware, it boosted Reese's status off the court significantly.
“She just understands the spotlight is on her,” Mulkey told Taylor Rooks ahead of the Colorado game. “I don’t think she realized how quickly it came in how hard it came at her. But as I tell her, to whom much is given much as expected. You brought this, you earned this. You wanted this, now grow up and lead us and she wants to continue to get better in her game. She wants to continue to get better with her leadership.
“But it’s not the Angel Reese show. We have some pretty good talent in that locker room with her.”
The Return: Thursday Night Against Virginia Tech (Nov. 30)
Reese will return for the Tigers in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center after a four-game hiatus and will be in the starting lineup for the Tigers alongside Hailey Van Lith, Flau'jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams and Aneesah Morrow.
Sophomore forward Sa'Myah Smith will miss the remainder of the season, Mulkey confirmed. Smith tore her ACL and MCL in the Cayman Islands.
Now, the Tigers return their All-America forward for the Final Four rematch against Virginia Tech in a sought after matchup in Baton Rouge. Tip-off is set for 8pm CT.
