Answering the question, “How is LSU doing?” is not easy. It’s a complex question about player-coach dynamics, power structures and transparency, more so than about a win-loss record or which players are performing well for the No. 7 Lady Tigers.
It all started on Nov. 14 when Mulkey benched star player Angel Reese in the second half of a 109-79 victory over Kent State. The benching did raise eyebrows, but most just speculated about the reason and expected any issues to be resolved by the next game.
That wasn’t the case.
In the following matchup versus Southeastern Louisiana, Reese didn’t play and wasn’t even on the bench. In response to a question about her absent star, Mulkey said postgame, “Angel is a part of this basketball team, and we hope she’s back with the team soon. I’m not going to answer any more than that.”
Reese missed the Texas matchup on Nov. 20, as well as the Cayman Islands Classic. Throughout the ordeal, Mukley continued to give vague answers, refusing to disclose anything or provide a better understanding of what was going on. Was this a health issue for Reese? Something related to academics? An argument with a coach that went south?
The lack of transparency created confusion, causing…
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