From Sue Bird’s Legacy to the New Era: LSU Stars Take Over the WNBA

The WNBA is witnessing a seismic shift in talent, and the epicenter of this transformation is undoubtedly Louisiana State University (LSU). As the league prepares for another thrilling season, the spotlight shines brightly on three powerhouse athletes: Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Angel Reese. While the league has been defined by legends like Sue Bird—whose leadership and precision shaped the Seattle Storm into a dynasty—a new generation of Tigers is ready to write their own history.

Flau’jae Johnson: Carrying the Torch at the Seattle Storm

In a poetic twist of fate, Flau’jae Johnson is beginning her professional journey with the Seattle Storm. For any player entering the Storm’s locker room, the shadow of Sue Bird is an inspiration. Johnson, selected eighth overall before being traded on draft night, enters the league with a stellar collegiate pedigree.

During her four-year tenure at LSU, Johnson became a rare staple of consistency in the era of the transfer portal. Her accolades include:

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• Elite Scoring: Averaged 14.2 points per game, finishing as one of only 14 active players with over 2,000 collegiate points.
• National Recognition: A Third Team All-America selection (AP and USBWA).
• Versatility: A finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, cementing her status as one of the nation’s top shooting guards.

Aneesah Morrow: The Double-Double Machine

While Johnson takes on the Pacific Northwest, Aneesah Morrow is preparing for her second season with the Connecticut Sun. Morrow isn’t just a player; she is a statistical anomaly. Her impact on the court is immediate and overwhelming.

Morrow’s college career was nothing short of historic, earning her the Katrina McClain Award. Some of her most staggering achievements include:

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• Historic Rebounding: One of only two players in NCAA DI history to secure more than 100 career double-doubles (104 total).
• Scoring Power: Ranking among the top 25 all-time in NCAA DI history with 2,852 career points.
• Dominance: A member of the exclusive club of players with at least 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds.

Angel Reese: Redefining the Glass in Atlanta

Angel Reese, the catalyst behind LSU’s 2023 NCAA Championship, is embarking on a new chapter with the Atlanta Dream. After a rookie season with the Sky that shattered existing benchmarks, Reese is now looking to dominate in a new jersey.

Reese’s entry into the WNBA was explosive, characterized by a hunger for the ball that mirrors the greatest to ever play the game. Her record-breaking rookie stats include:

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• The Rebound Queen: A single-season WNBA record of 448 rebounds.
• Consistency: A rookie record of 26 double-doubles, including a historic stretch of 16 consecutive double-doubles.
• All-Star Caliber: A two-time All-Star who averaged a league-leading 13.1 rebounds per season.

The Mulkey Effect: A Pipeline to Professionalism

The success of these three women is no coincidence. Under the guidance of Coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has become a premier factory for professional talent. Flau’jae Johnson marks the 25th LSU player ever selected in the WNBA Draft and the 26th player drafted under Mulkey’s leadership.

As these athletes step onto the court, they aren’t just representing their new teams; they are carrying the torch of excellence. From the foundational brilliance of players like Sue Bird to the modern dominance of the LSU trio, the WNBA is evolving into a faster, stronger, and more exciting league than ever before.

Stay tuned to the WNBA League Pass to catch every game and witness the rise of these future legends.