LSU womens basketball head coach Kim Mulkey shed more light on the mystery health battle that guard Izzy Besselman is fighting off the court.
Last Thursday, the Tigers secured a commanding exhibition win over Xavier, more than doubling the Musketeers score in a 114-53 victory. Junior FlauJae Johnson picked up right where she left off last season, finishing the night with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Following the contest, however, Mulkey turned her attention to those that didnt suit up for LSU. Speaking to reporters, she revealed that Besselman continues to remain sidelined with a heart condition that doctors have yet to figure out.
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Let me answer before you ask. Yall, yall going to ask and Im going to answer it. Izzy Besselman has a heart condition theyve been dealing with all preseason. Shes seen four cardiologists. Were going to do the best we can, dont know anything, whats causing it or anything, Mulkey said during a post-game press conference.
This isnt the first time that Mulkey has publicly addressed Besselmans unique condition. Last month, the 62-year-old divulged that the Junior wouldnt be participating in preseason practices until she is officially cleared by a cardiologist.
A walk-on to LSU, Besselman excelled at the high school level while playing for The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. Over four years, she averaged 21 points and eight rebounds en route to being named a three-time District MVP and a three-time All-Metro selection.
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Since joining the Tigers, Besselman has seen sparse playing time off the bench. In 20 appearances last season, she amassed six points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block.
Heading into this 2024-25 campaign, the Tigers are boasting a different looking roster from last year following the departures of guard Hailey Van Lith forward Angel Reese, who joined TCU and the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, respectively. LSU was additionally without Mikaylah Williams, SaMyah Smith, and Last-Tear Poa for last weeks game due to minor injuries or off-court obligations.
In the absence of several of her players, Mulkey relied upon a versatile group to get the job done against Xavier. Senior Aneesah Morrow shined with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and five steals, while transfers Shayeann Day-Wilson and Kailyn Gilbert received sizable minutes after beginning the game in the starting five.
We have a lot of guards on this team, Mulkey said. And they all bring something different to the table.
Johnson, meanwhile, shot 13-of-19 from the field and 2-of-4 from behind the arc en route to recording a double-double. [FlauJae] was phenomenal and I think what youre seeing from her is comfort, Mulkey said. Shes a leader and its because she has all the experience and puts in the work. She and Morrow were the most comfortable out there tonight. Im not surprised either one of them had double-doubles.
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