LSU WBB Practice Notes: Hailey Van Lith, Newcomers Shine on Day 1

Kim Mulkey and the reigning National Champion LSU Tigers returned to action on Monday as Year 3 of the Mulkey Era got underway in Baton Rouge.

The women’s basketball program took the country by storm during the 2022-23 season, and after a title run last year, the Tigers are hungry for more, led by All-American Angel Reese.

But it won’t only be the Reese Show this season. LSU went out and attacked the Transfer Portal during the offseason, signing both the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the portal: Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow.

On top of their success in the “free agent market”, Mulkey and Co. went out and secured the No. 1 2023 recruiting class headlined by Mikaylah Williams.

Now, their quest at a National Championship has begun with Day 1 of practice in the books.

The Takeaways:

Size, Tenacity Inside… It’s no secret LSU’s roster has done a 180 from last season to now, and at first glance, the physicality of this program stole the show. The Tigers won’t lack size inside with Angel Reese (6-foot-3), Aalyah Del Rosario (6-foot-6) and Aneesah Morrow (6-foot-1) rebounding the basketball.

Not to mention a trio of others standing 6-foot or taller in Sa’Myah Smith, Mikaylah Williams and Amani Bartlett, it puts LSU in a much better position moving forward. The Tigers looked physically imposing on Monday with a variation of skill sets to work with.

Shooting Success… Led by two-time All-ACC guard Hailey Van Lith, the Tigers’ backcourt will be special in 2023-24. Van Lith’s shooting stroke was on full display on Monday, hitting five-of-six threes from the logo during shooting drills.

Along with Van Lith, DePaul transfer Aneesah Morrow showcased her impressive shooting motion. It’s still a work in progress, but the first-year Tiger has a fluid motion that’s steadily improving. Look for Van Lith, Morrow, Mikaylah Williams, Flau’jae Johnson and others to shoot the rock this season. LSU has no shortage of snipers in its arsenal.

Variation of Skill Sets… It’s clear the different types of players Mulkey and her coaching staff will work with this season. From Reese’s inside presence to Van Lith’s elite playmaking ability to Morrow’s inside-out game, the Tigers have mouths to feed.

That’s just the All-American conversation players. Aside from the “Big 3”, the Tigers will have SEC Freshman of the Year (Johnson) and several newcomers ready to make noise this season.

The offense will be effortless, but the defensive potential LSU will work with stands out as well. It was seen all Monday during intense charge drills, perimeter defense and more. Look for this group to take its defense to another level.

Instant Reactions: Newcomers and Returnees

Hailey Van Lith

The Louisville transfer looked the part on Monday. Van Lith has been praised for her elite-level work ethic and “taking no plays off mentality” and that was on clear display during Day 1. She’s a knockdown shooter who brings the energy on every single play, drill or possession. What stood out most is her compact, quick shooting motion. Van Lith rarely misses when open and impressed during shooting drills. Look for her playmaking ability, vision to be a key takeaway this year.

Aneesah Morrow

Morrow is the real deal. It was an impressive first day for the DePaul transfer and her complete game stood out most. She’s tenacious inside, which played a part in averaging 13 rebounds a night last season, and has a developing perimeter game as well. The fluid jumpshot remains a work in progress, but there’s much to like from the transfer. The All-American has an opportunity to shine alongside Reese and Van Lith.

Angel Reese

Reese did what she does best during Day 1 of practice and that’s be vocal, rebound the basketball at will and put on display her motor. There’s work to be done with her jumpshot, but that’s been the talk of the town since last season. Reese is dominant inside, and as she continues working on her jumper, it’s clear she’s in store for another All-American season.

Mikaylah Williams

The first word that pops in mind: Wow. Williams is as good as advertised and will play a key role moving forward for the Tigers. Williams’ impressive jumpshot is what stole the show when watching drills, but her size is another piece that will be key in SEC play. She’s a problem and the Tigers will rely on her shooting in Year 1.

Sa’Myah Smith

Smith stayed in Baton Rouge this summer and just about lived in the weight room, Kim Mulkey told the media on Monday. It was clear on Day 1. The second-year Tiger has an opportunity to take her game to another level as she hits that next gear and Monday was an impressive start to it all. Last season, she looked raw with flashes of what could be, and despite Day 1 being a small sample size, Smith looked fluid in her game. A different gear from last year.

Aalyah Del Rosario

The 6-foot-6 freshman will be a problem this season. Del Rosario is a tenacious player on the court and conditioning will be of the utmost importance as LSU prepares for the season. It’s an adjustment to the college game, and for Del Rosario, continuing to work with the strength and conditioning program will be key. Despite this, the skill set is there. The size is there. The rebounding ability is there. Del Rosario will be a problem.

Injury Report:

SEC Freshman of the Year, Flau’jae Johnson, is nursing a sprained ankle that held her out as a full participant on Monday. The second-year Tiger was seen on the stationary bike for most of the day but did a few shooting drills at times. Johnson will return soon for Mulkey’s program.

Last-Tear Poa was sidelined as she returns from hand surgery she underwent during the offseason but participated in a few stationary drills. Look for the second-year Tiger to be back sooner rather than later.

Other Notes:

Freshmen Janae Kent and Angelica Velez will be key for this program moving forward. The two continue learning from the coaching staff and were seen talking with others while learning for most of the day.
Kateri Poole looked the part for the Tigers. After emerging as a key piece during the Tigers’ title run, she’ll serve as a 3-and-D role for LSU this season.