So far through the 2024 Tiger womenâs basketball season, one of the biggest surprises has been that of point guard Last-Tear Poa. As a matter of fact, her increased production of late has even had some fans wondering about the possibility of her earning a starting role in the near future. Still, it doesnât seem as though LSU coach Kim Mulkey is overly interested in any lineup changes ahead of their Texas A&M matchup on Monday.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey not concerned with lineup changes ahead of Texas A&M matchup
The Tigers will take on Texas A&M Monday evening in what figures to be yet another challenging SEC matchup. This will be the second time the two teams have faced off against each other, as the purple and gold came out on top 87-70 on January 11, 2024.
Notably, todayâs version of LSU womenâs basketball is wildly different from early Januaryâs version. In many ways, this was caused by a boost in level of play at the guard position.
More specifically, junior point guard Last-Tear Poa has really started coming into her own in recent outings, even earning 30 minutes of action vs. Alabama last week. Furthermore, averaging 25.3 minutes, eight points, three assists and 1.3 steals over the last three games, sheâs trending in a very positive direction.
Naturally, many fans have begun to wonder if this could turn into a more permanent move going forward â but if you ask LSU coach Kim Mulkey, lineup adjustments arenât exactly on the near horizon.
âNo. No, it doesnât matter who starts,â the Tiger head coach said when asked about possible lineup adjustments. âIâve said that from day one. People get so caught up into starting. Starting means nothing in my world. I want to be in the top eight, and (Last-Tear) Poa is in the top eight. Sheâs always been in the top eight â even when sheâs not playing the type of ball that she is now. You want to be in the rotation.
âYou donât just go and say, âOkay, now because you did this, go start,â and take Hailey (Van Lith) out. What purpose does that serve?â
With Poaâs recent surge in production, the purple and gold are faced with the luxury of having two more than capable veteran guards on roster. Now, itâs just a matter of balancing minutes to best fit what the roster needs on the court.
While it doesnât currently sound like any lineup changes are in the immediate future for 2024, it could be interesting to keep an eye on minutes at the guard positions. If Poa keeps improving at the rate she has, it could be difficult to keep her off the court. In turn, we might see fewer minutes at point for Hailey Van Lith â the current starting point guard â with a potential move to off-guard where sheâs likely a bit more comfortable anyways.
Tonightâs matchup will be a good indication of what we could see as postseason play rapidly approaches. The Tigers will take on Texas A&M in College Station for an 8:00 p.m. CST meeting that will be available to watch live on SEC Network.
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