Mulkey says Reese “has inspired countless people, young and old.”
The relationship between Angel Reese and Kim Mulkey seemed to hit some snags this season, but the head coach made it clear he has feelings for the future WNBA star.
Reese missed four games early in the year, which was supposed to be a suspension, and Mulkey was often silent about why Reese was absent.
But Reese led LSU to the Elite Eight, where they lost to Iowa in a rematch of last year’s national championship.
About two days after the loss, Reese announced that she had declared for the WNBA draft.
Mulkey and Reese hugged for a long time when Reese fouled out in the game against the Hawkeyes, and Mulkey paid tribute to Reese in an Instagram post.
“[Tick emoji] National Champion. [Soon to graduate from LSU. [Inspired countless people, young and old. Keep growing the game @angelreese10,” Mulkey wrote. In the photo, the two can be seen hugging.
Reese commented, “Thanks Coach!!!” with a fiery heart emoji.
“I did everything I wanted to do in college,” Reese said when she revealed to Vogue her decision to join the WNBA. “I won a national championship, I was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, I was an All-American. My ultimate goal is to go pro and be one of the best basketball players of all time. I feel like I’m ready.
Reese began her college career at Maryland, where she played for two seasons before transferring to LSU. In 2022-23, she averaged 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game. She was a unanimous All-America selection, led LSU to the national championship and won the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
She was thrust into the spotlight at this national championship. Her tantrum against Caitlin Clark became one of the highlights of the game. It catapulted her to stardom, which helped her land lucrative national contracts, including with Sports Illustrated.