SPOKANE, Wash. — Baker Smith, one of the LSU women’s basketball practice players, was going on a family trip to Disney World until a text message completely changed his plans.
“I was walking to practice, got a text and immediately called my Mom,” Smith said. “I was like, ‘Mom, look, I know we were supposed to be on a family trip right now, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’ I couldn’t pass it up.”
For the first time, LSU flew out its practice players, including Smith, to the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Five players made the trip to Spokane for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Smith said that because there are 15-20 practice players, a different group of five could be going to Tampa if the Tigers advance.
Smith is a junior studying civil engineering. He played in high school and decided to join the “dream team” to continue playing while being in school.
“Just to be in that gym listening to coach (Kim) Mulkey everyday, as somebody who loves basketball is just such an honor,” Smith said. “The things that you hear, life lessons, just outstanding stuff.”
In Smith’s first year, practice players did not travel with the team to the Big Dance. However, he and a few other guys got in his car and…
