As Kim Mulkey continues to solidify her reputation as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball, the LSU Tigers are primed for another deep run in the NCAA tournament. After their historic championship win in 2023, the team has only gotten stronger, with ZaKiyah Johnson and Grace Berger showing flashes of brilliance in their early games. However, to ensure that LSU stays ahead of the competition and continues to build a championship-caliber program, Mulkey needs to make a strategic move in the transfer portal. Specifically, there is one star point guard who could be the missing piece for LSU’s already elite roster.

ZaKiyah and Grace Shine: LSU’s Rising Stars

Before delving into the need for a new point guard, let’s first recognize the phenomenal performances from ZaKiyah Johnson and Grace Berger. ZaKiyah Johnson, a highly-touted 5-star recruit, has already demonstrated why she was one of the most coveted players in the country. With her scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility, ZaKiyah has quickly become a key contributor for LSU. Her impact has been felt on both ends of the floor, and she looks poised to lead the Tigers to another successful season.

Grace Berger, a seasoned player with college basketball experience, has added a level of stability and leadership to LSU’s backcourt. Known for her high basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and scoring versatility, Grace has quickly meshed with the team and established herself as a crucial player in LSU’s rotation. Her veteran presence has helped guide LSU through some early-season challenges, and she has shown that she can step up when it matters most.

While ZaKiyah and Grace have been impressive in their roles, there’s still one area of LSU’s roster that could benefit from an upgrade: the point guard position. Adding a true point guard to facilitate LSU’s offense and provide additional ball-handling could be exactly what Kim Mulkey needs to push the team over the top.

The Need for a Star Point Guard

Despite the impressive performances from ZaKiyah and Grace, LSU’s backcourt could use a dedicated point guard to run the show. While both players are capable of handling the ball and creating offense, a true point guard who excels at distributing, setting up teammates, and controlling the tempo could help take the team to the next level.

A point guard who can control the pace and make the right decisions on the fly would relieve some of the pressure off of ZaKiyah and Grace, allowing them to focus more on their scoring and leadership roles. With the NCAA tournament in sight, having a strong floor general could be the key to LSU’s success.

Who Should Kim Mulkey Target in the Portal?

One player who could be an ideal fit for LSU is Jordyn Merritt, a standout point guard who recently entered the transfer portal. Merritt, who previously played for a top program, has demonstrated exceptional playmaking skills and the ability to run an offense. Her court vision, ability to set up teammates, and experience in high-pressure situations make her a perfect candidate to complement LSU’s already-talented roster.

Merritt’s quickness and ability to break down defenses would add a new dynamic to LSU’s offense. She’s also an experienced leader, having played in big games and thrived under pressure. Her presence would give LSU an immediate boost at the point guard position, allowing ZaKiyah and Grace to focus on what they do best—scoring and defending.

Why Merritt is the Perfect Fit for LSU

Merritt’s strengths as a distributor and floor general would be a perfect complement to LSU’s high-powered offense. The Tigers have one of the most dangerous frontcourts in the nation, with players like Flau’jae Johnson, Angel Reese, and ZaKiyah contributing on both ends of the floor. Adding a point guard who can consistently get them the ball in the right spots would elevate LSU’s offense even further.

Another reason Merritt could be a perfect fit is her ability to defend. While LSU is known for its intense defensive style, having a point guard who can lock down opposing ball handlers would add another layer to the team’s defensive prowess. Merritt is known for her quickness, anticipation, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, making her a perfect fit in Kim Mulkey’s defensive system.

The Power of Kim Mulkey’s Recruiting and Development

What makes Kim Mulkey such an exceptional coach is her ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop them into championship players. Since taking over at LSU, Mulkey has already turned the program into a national powerhouse, leading the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA Championship in 2023. Her experience with developing point guards and leadership on the court would be crucial in helping Merritt thrive in the LSU system.

Mulkey has shown that she can work with a variety of player types—whether it’s a star scorer like Angel Reese or a defensive stopper like Flau’jae Johnson—and develop them into impactful contributors. The addition of a veteran point guard like Merritt would only enhance Mulkey’s ability to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

What This Means for LSU’s Championship Pursuit

With ZaKiyah Johnson, Grace Berger, and potential additions like Jordyn Merritt, LSU’s future looks incredibly bright. Mulkey has already set the tone for a dominant program by building a team that combines talent, depth, and experience. However, adding a true point guard to complement their existing stars could be the final piece to ensure the Tigers stay competitive and continue their championship pursuit.

The Tigers have the pieces in place for another strong season, but with the right point guard, LSU could be nearly unstoppable. Having a floor general who can run the offense, set up teammates, and defend at a high level would take LSU to a new level of dominance.

Looking Ahead: LSU’s Championship Potential

As the 2024 season approaches, Kim Mulkey has the opportunity to make another significant move by targeting a star point guard in the transfer portal. By securing a player like Jordyn Merritt, LSU could further solidify their position as one of the top teams in women’s college basketball. With the combination of ZaKiyah, Grace, and a potential new point guard, LSU would have the perfect mix of talent and experience to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and possibly capture another national title.

LSU fans have every reason to be excited about the future of their program. With Mulkey at the helm, LSU is poised to continue its rise as one of the most dominant teams in the country. The addition of a star point guard could be just what they need to keep their championship window wide open.