LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey addressed the media for the first time since her team’s trip to the Cayman Islands on Wednesday afternoon. Although the seventh-ranked Tigers will play a top-10 matchup against the ninth-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday night, the biggest question on everybody’s mind had to do with Angel Reese and Kateri Poole.
Where are they?!
Neither player traveled with the team last weekend. Reese has been away from the program since she was benched during a game on Nov. 14. Poole has been away from the program since at least Nov. 20.
To this point, neither LSU nor Kim Mulkey provided any clarity on the situation. That did not change on Wednesday as the four-time national champion addressed the ongoing media coverage.
The head coach did finally announce an official status update on both of her players. Mulkey said that Reese is back with the team and will be active on Thursday.
She will play tomorrow.
— Kim Mulkey
Poole is not back “yet.”
Let’s just leave it at that. Kateri is not with us right now.
— Kim Mulkey
LSU played Virginia Tech in the Final Four back in March. The Tigers beat the Hokies by nine to advance to the national championship.
Reese dropped 24 points and secured 12 rebounds in 38 minutes. Poole recorded five points, seven rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes.
The former will be back for the rematch on Thursday night. Mulkey does not foresee any issue with getting her up to speed.
It’s not that difficult (to figure out the team with Reese back on the floor.) It’s not difficult at all.
I’ve coached Angel for a year. Angel knows our system.
Her playing with (Aneesah) Morrow a little bit more will take place as we head down the season. But she’s played with her in practice and things like that, so it should be really, really good.
— Kim Mulkey
When asked to discuss Reese’s absence further, Mulkey declined. However, she did say that the All-American has been practicing throughout the mysterious absence and expects her to play how she plays.
I really, based on what I’ve seen, think that Angel will be like Angel. She’s been really good in practice.
— Kim Mulkey
Mulkey did not say whether Reese will start or come off of the bench.
A timeline of the Angel Reese saga:
- Nov. 14
- Mulkey benches Reese during the second half against Kent State
- Mulkey calls it a “coach’s decision”
- Nov. 15
- Flau’jae Johnson’s mom accuses Reese of carrying a 2.0 GPA
- Nov. 16
- A report claims that Reese was undergoing an “attitude adjustment”
- Nov. 17
- Reese does not travel with LSU to Southeastern Louisiana
- Mulkey confirms that Reese is still part of the team, but does not offer any further explanation
- Nov. 18
- Reese posts a photo inside of LSU’s practice gym
- Nov. 19
- Reese issues warning: “please don’t believe everything you read.”
- Nov. 20
- Reese misses home game vs. Texas Southern
- Teammate Kateri Poole misses the game as well
- Nov. 21
- Mulkey exchanges words with reporter during feisty exchange
- She provides no clarity on Reese and Poole
- Nov. 22
- LSU travels to Cayman Islands without Reese and Poole
- Reese uses Deion Sanders quote to chirp her haters
- Nov. 23
- Thanksgiving
- Reese packed food for a homeless shelter in Baton Rouge
- Nov. 24
- LSU beats Niagara without Reese and Poole
- Nov. 25
- LSU beats Virginia without Reese and Poole
- Nov. 27
- Reese posts a photo inside of the PMAC
- She appeared to be wearing street clothes
- Nov. 29
- Mulkey addresses the media
- Reese is set to return
- Poole is not back, yet
- Nov. 30
- LSU hosts Virginia Tech in Baton Rouge
The entire saga surrounding Reese and the Tigers has been handled in an unusual fashion. All of the conjecture and speculation could have been avoided with an explanation. But that’s not how Mulkey operates! She marches to the beat of her own drum.