The Newcomers: Evaluating LSU WBB's Offseason Additions
In this story:
Kim Mulkey and Co. are in the midst of a historic offseason, and after reeling in several immediate impact newcomers, the reigning National Champions have reloaded ahead of the 2023-24 season.
The Tigers bring in the No. 1 2023 recruiting class along with the No. 1 Transfer Portal class. With superstars from top to bottom of this roster, Mulkey's group is in position to repeat as champions. How will this group mesh? How can they make it work?
A dive into the skill set of each newcomer and who can make an immediate impact for LSU:
The Transfer Portal Additions
Hailey Van Lith - No. 1 Transfer Portal Prospect
All Van Lith has done through college is improve each year. She went from 11.2 points a night during her freshman campaign to 14.4 points per game in year two. Fast forward to her third season in college and that number skyrocketed to 19.7 points per game during her junior season.
The ability to score from all three levels, Van Lith gives the Tigers an immediate threat on the offensive end. She’s crafty around the rim and has a midrange game that is impressive at the college level. Van Lith has proven to be successful with her pullup, but also keeps defenders off balance with the way she can get to the rim as well.
During her time at Louisville, Van Lith had to carry too much of the load offensively. When looking into her percentages, the 41.1% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range shouldn’t be alarming. When surrounded by players like Angel Reese and Co. it’ll make all the difference in freeing her up for easy chances.
Vision/IQ
An underrated aspect of Van Lith’s game is her ability to get others involved, and with the star-studded roster Mulkey is assembling in Baton Rouge, we could see this piece of her game reach its potential.
Despite only averaging 3.2 assists per game, it can be due to a few things, including the scoring burden on her shoulders for the Cardinals to win games. Now paired alongside Reese, Flau’jae Johnson and more, it brings less defensive attention, giving her the chance to show just how impressive her court vision can be.
The passing and playmaking will come, especially being coached by Mulkey, but she’s certainly improved in this area since arriving to college basketball. We’ve seen Coach Mulkey take her point guards under her wing and it’ll be much of the same when Van Lith arrives in town.
Aneesah Morrow - No. 2 Transfer Portal Prospect
The film doesn’t lie when you dive into Morrow’s game. She’s the total package and has proven she’s one of the top bucket-getters in the country during his first two years of college. Morrow is impressive inside whether it be posting up or using her slithery ability to finish around the rim.
A piece of her game that has seen improvement over the last year or so is her midrange game. Morrow has developed a consistent jumper and really taken strides in the right direction from 15-17 feet out. A consistent free throw line jump shot makes her that much more of a threat offensively alongside LSU star Angel Reese, who continues looking to improve in that area ahead of next season.
Morrow has shown that one of her goals is to become more reliable from three-point range. Only shooting 25% from deep during the 2022-23 season, this is where LSU can help advance her game ahead of her junior campaign.
The High School Additions
Mikaylah Williams - No. 1 Player in the 2023 Class
As the top player in the country, Williams has had success on every stage she has played on. Playing overseas during the summer, Williams earned two Gold Medals with Team USA, claiming the FIBA U17 World Cup and being named MVP during Team USA’s quest for the championship at the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup, both in Hungary.
Williams is the reigning Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 22.8 point, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals, leading Parkway High School to a 34-3 record and a state championship appearance. With all-around elite talent, Williams is a natural scorer and lockdown defender whose effort and skill on both sides of the ball separate her from all the other players in the class.
“In order to take my game to the next level and to continue to learn and grow as a young woman, there’s only one place where I’ve wanted to be. Home,” Williams said when she announced her commitment to LSU.
Aalyah Del Rosario - No. 7 Player in the 2023 Class
Del Rosario is a five-star prospect who is the top true big in the country with a powerful inside game who can utilize the face up game. She sees the floor well and can play outside the key too. She is also a physical defensive presence who hits the boards hard. Del Rosario took home the Gold Medal from the FIBA U18 World Cup in Argentina over the Summer.
“Aalyah brings a dominant inside presence to our front court,” Coach Mulkey said. “She has closely followed post players that I have coached in the past and has the capability to be the next great post player at LSU. I can’t wait to get Aalyah to Baton Rouge and get to work.”
“I selected LSU because when I first arrived in this country, my first game I watched was of Coach Mulkey’s team,” said Del Rosario, whose family is from the Dominican Republic. “I loved her style. I loved the way she coached her girls. I knew then I wanted to play for someone like her. LSU for me felt like home when I was on campus. The development that I will be able to experience from Coach Mulkey and Coach Starkey will be what I will need to one day play professional basketball.
Angelica Velez - No. 44 Ranked Player in the 2023 Class
Velez is high school teammates with Del Rosario as the two have proven to be a lethal guard-post duo, leading The Webb School to the Tennessee Division II-A State Championship as juniors.
Velez is a shifty point guard who plays with the position with a flair with shifty ball handling skills. She is an athletic floor leader with a poised back court game. Velez scored 13 points to help bring the Tennessee State Championship home for The Webb School.
“Angelica is a true point guard who brings a competitive edge to Baton Rouge,” Coach Mulkey said. “As a former point guard, I appreciate her ability to make her teammates look great. Her on-court leadership is phenomenal and will be sure to have a huge impact on our team for years to come.”
Janae Kent - No. 73 Ranked Player in the 2023 Class
Kent comes from a basketball family who can score all around the court. She is a two-time South Suburban (Chicago) Conference Player of the Year and was a First Team All-State selection last year.
With over 1,000 career points at Oak Forrest High School, Kent averaged 25 points and 9 rebounds throughout her junior season. Basketball is in Kents blood as her father played at Ohio University, mother played at West Virginia and brother is a starter at Bradley.
“Janae brings much needed size to our perimeter,” Coach Mulkey said. “Her versatility is a huge part of her game. From scoring to rebounding, she can affect the game in a variety of ways with her length. She is going to come to Baton Rouge ready to get to work and we are excited to see what she accomplishes at LSU.”
