Unraveling the Enigma: The Hidden Truth Behind LSU Forward Angel Reese's Mysterious Absence
LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey announced that Angel Reese, the team's star player, will make her highly anticipated return to the defending national champion's lineup on Thursday against No 9 Virginia Tech, ending the mystery surrounding her absence
LSU's women's basketball coach, Kim Mulkey, announced that star player Angel Reese will make her return to the defending national champions' lineup on Thursday against No. 9 Virginia Tech. Reese has been absent from the team since the Tigers played against Kent State on November 14.
Even before sitting down for her scheduled Wednesday press conference, Mulkey boasted:
"Angels back."
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey addressed the media on Wednesday, but she declined to provide an explanation for the absence of the seventh-ranked Tigers' star forward during their last four games. Reese did not accompany the team for their recent high-profile, two-game series against Niagara and Virginia at the Cayman Island Classic.
"Shes coming back after not being with the team," Mulkey said. "Weve moved on."
On the court, Reese is one of the best players in the country.
She earned the title of 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player following the Tigers' 102-85 victory over Iowa in the NCAA national championship game in April. The first team All-American maintained averages of 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game throughout the season.
LSU Lady Tigers player Angel Reese #10 poses for a portrait during media day at the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four in Dallas, Texas, on March 29, 2023. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Angel Reese is hailed as the greatest athlete to emerge from LSU sports, both male and female, by Shaquille O'Neal. Off the court, Reese enjoys immense popularity, boasting over three million followers across her Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube accounts.
Speculation about the superstar's absence from the team flooded social media, prompting Reese to address the rumors on X, previously known as Twitter, on November 19 with a post that read: "Please don't believe everything you read."
In response to questions about Reese's readiness to play against the Hokies with minimal practice, Mulkey stated, "Angel is available to play tomorrow. But just so you know, Angel has been practicing."
"Do you wanna know how many hours? How many days? Specifics? She is not going to show up tomorrow and play a game."
Mulkey said she didnt expect Reese to be rusty in her return.
"I really think Angel will just be like Angel. I mean she has just been good, really good in practice."
The head coach was repeatedly asked about Reeses high-profile, two-game set absence.
Mulkey emphasized the sanctity of the locker room to the media, stating that what happens within its confines should remain private. "Angel's return brings us great joy and she is in good spirits," she added enthusiastically.
The Tigers-Hokies tilt on Thursday night is a 2023 Final Four rematch between the two programs; LSU won that game 79-72 en route to the national championship.
