The LSU Tigers are hitting the ground running this season, making a powerful statement with a staggering 114-53 exhibition victory over Xavier. As Kim Mulkey enters her fourth year as head coach, she is eager to replicate the success of the 2022-23 season, when she led the team to its first-ever National Championship. This season, though, Mulkey might have to adopt a different strategy, focusing on fully utilizing her roster, especially with star player Angel Reese absent. But her recent comments once again highlight the serious issues one of the team’s rotational players Izzy Besselman is going through.
After the commanding exhibition victory, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey took to the podium to address the media. Just as reporters were gearing up to inquire about the injury status of her players, Mulkey preemptively began discussing each player’s absence, stating she wanted to clear up any confusion before anyone had a chance to ask. However, among those missing from the lineup was Izzy Besselman, and Mulkey provided some serious concerns regarding the reasons for her absence from the game.
“Let me answer before you ask. Y’all, y’all going to ask and I’m going to answer it. Izzy Besselman has a heart condition they’ve been dealing with all preseason. She’s seen four cardiologists. We’re going to do the best we can, don’t know anything, what’s causing it or anything,” stated Mulkey in the post-game press conference. While Besselman’s contributions on the court have been limited, averaging just two minutes of play over her two years with LSU, her health concerns can be understandably worrying for her teammates.
As Mulkey noted, the team has been “dealing with [Besselman’s condition] all preseason.” The head coach previously brought attention to Izzy Besselman’s health concerns last month when LSU kicked off its practice sessions for the upcoming season. At that time also she revealed that Besselman was unable to participate in practice due to her heart issue.
This ongoing challenge not only limits LSU’s options off the bench but also raises concerns about Besselman’s future career, depending on the seriousness of her condition. However, the head coach also revealed the reasons behind other player’s absence from the exhibition game.
Kim Mulkey on LSU’s other missing players from the exhibition game
“Mikaylah (Williams) turned her ankle day before yesterday, no reason to play her in a game like this. Poa is taking care of business off the floor and I just chose not to play Sa’Myah (Smith),” Mulkey explained, addressing the status of other players missing from the exhibition game’s roster. “Anybody I forget? All right,” she asked, making sure all bases were covered.
Williams’ injury could complicate matters for Mulkey, especially since she was a regular starter last season, averaging 14.5 points per game. Still, resting her during these exhibition games might be the right call to ensure she’s ready for the start of the campaign. However, Mulkey’s explanation for Last-Tear Poa’s absence left some questions unanswered as she simply said the player was busy with “business off the floor,” without providing any further details.
Poa was absent from both the team warmups and the bench during the game. The media last saw her with the team during preseason practice at the end of September, where she participated in drills. Over the past two seasons under Mulkey, Poa has been a reliable contributor off the bench, missing only one game last year due to a concussion sustained late in the SEC Tournament semifinals against Ole Miss.
Mulkey’s mention of “off-the-floor business” may stem from Poa’s recent Instagram activity. In her posts, she soaked up the sun in a stylish two-piece black dress, complete with a chic handbag, likely enjoying some time by the ocean. Meanwhile, Sa’Myah Smith’s absence from the roster was strictly a coaching decision. Smith played just seven games last season before sustaining a season-ending knee injury.
As the LSU Tigers prepare for their season opener on November 4th against Eastern Kentucky, all eyes will be on head coach Kim Mulkey. It’ll be fascinating to see how she navigates the challenges of injuries and makes strategic adjustments without Angel Reese on the roster. One thing is certain: the team will be rallying together, hoping for Izzy Besselman’s speedy recovery.
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