In the world of college basketball, the departure of a star player can often spell trouble for a team. But for the LSU women’s basketball team, the absence of their former standout Angel Reese has surprisingly not led to a collapse—instead, they’ve been rebounding stronger than ever. Without their All-American forward, who was a key figure in LSU’s national championship win last year, the Tigers are proving they can still compete at a high level.
Angel Reese, known for her dominant presence on the court and her ability to turn games in LSU’s favor, left a significant void when she moved on. However, the Tigers have shown resilience, adapting to her absence with a blend of sharp defense, dynamic shooting, and a collective team effort. Players who once operated in Reese’s shadow are now stepping up, proving that LSU’s success wasn’t entirely reliant on one player.
One of the standout stories this season is the emergence of new leaders within the team. With Reese gone, senior guards and forwards have taken on larger roles, contributing not just offensively but also in terms of leadership. LSU’s ability to spread the scoring load across multiple players has created a more versatile and unpredictable offense, one that’s harder to defend against. The Tigers are no longer just a team that feeds the ball to one player; they’re a well-oiled machine with weapons all over the floor.
The defensive game, once primarily anchored by Reese, is also flourishing. LSU’s defense remains one of the best in the nation, suffocating opponents with intense pressure and team cohesion. The Tigers’ ability to defend without relying on a single player has been a testament to their growth and depth.
While the team has certainly found success without Reese, the question remains: Can they sustain this momentum throughout the rest of the season? The real test will come in high-stakes matchups and potential postseason play, where having a dominant player like Reese could make all the difference. But for now, LSU has proved they are more than capable of holding their ground, even without their former anchor.
