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Coach Kim Mulkey responds to LSU forward Angel Reese declaring for WNBA Draft

Originally posted on LSU Glory | By Tyler Sakalys-Moore | Last updated 4/3/24

And just like that, a legendary women’s college basketball career comes to an end. Earlier today, LSU forward Angel Reese announced her decision to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft, and coach Kim Mulkey made sure to share some heartwarming words with the current and future star.

LSU forward Angel Reese makes official decision on 2024 WNBA Draft

In two short seasons, LSU forward Angel Reese managed to put together a legendary career with the purple and gold, and will now make her move to the next level of women’s basketball.

From the moment Reese stepped foot on campus in Baton Rouge, expectations were sky-high. After an impressive sophomore campaign with the Maryland Terrapins, her potential showed, and the idea of pairing it up with legendary head coach Kim Mulkey was simply too good to pass on.

In turn, LSU women’s basketball just received two of the best seasons they’ve seen in program history, winning their first ever national championship in 2023 and making it all the way to the Elite Eight in 2024.

However, as is the case with everything in life, all good things must eventually come to an end, and for LSU forward Angel Reese and her run with the Tigers, today is that day. The Baltimore, MD, product announced her intent to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft earlier today on social media.

Grateful for these last four years and excited for this next chapter. #BAYOUBARBIEOUT pic.twitter.com/EvkzUW08JV

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 3, 2024

This the first of two expected decisions to be made today for the purple and gold, as guard Hailey Van Lith will also need to decide on whether to stay or go later this afternoon.

Coach Kim Mulkey gives heartwarming statement following the announcement

In just two seasons under head coach Kim Mulkey, it’s hard to deny the fact that Angel Reese will go down as one of the best players to ever go through the Lady Tiger basketball program.

After averaging 20.8 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game over the course of her LSU career, she did everything it took to win, and her trophy case shows it. Among her many accomplishments with the purple and gold include the 2023 National Championship, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year, a two-time All-Defensive Team selectee and a two-time All-American.

Now, she’ll take her stardom to the next level, and it’s safe to say she’ll be missed by coach Kim Mulkey and the entire LSU women’s basketball program. Following her decision, the Tiger head coach released a statement, expressing just how much she meant to the team as a whole.

Statement from Kim Mulkey on Angel Reese’s decision to declare for the WNBA Draft. #LSU pic.twitter.com/EuDBqvstZo

— Reed Darcey (@byreeddarcey) April 3, 2024

In two seasons together, LSU forward Angel Reese and head coach Kim Mulkey won 65 games, a national championship and nine total NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament games.

The 2024 WNBA Draft is set to take place on April 15, 2024 and will be available to watch live on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. CST. Right now, Reese is being projected as a likely top-10 selection, and a near lock for the first round.

This article first appeared on LSU Glory and was syndicated with permission.

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