LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey talks about breakout sophomore

The Tigers of Baton Rouge are about as star-studded as you’ll find in women’s college basketball. Names like Angel Reese and Mikaylah Williams often get all the attention, but several underrated players could prove pivotal for the team this year. Today, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey spoke about sophomore forward Sa’Myah Smith and what makes her so special.

Sa’Myah Smith has been “lights out” so far in 2023

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey generally isn’t the one to hype up too many players. She’s a coach, and she’s always looking for ways that her team can get better.

However, when sophomore forward Sa’Myah Smith comes up in conversation, she isn’t shy about how excited she is about her improvement in the offseason.

“You love to see young people, or anybody in life, be rewarded for hard work,” the Tiger head coach said during Thursday’s media availability. “She stayed here all summer. She stayed here all summer and worked in the strength and conditioning room, and it shows. And she’s just a quiet young lady, but one that is just playing lights out right now.”

When watching Smith play in 2023, it’s not hard to see the improvement from last season. In 2022, she started just two games for LSU, averaging 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Already this season, she’s doubled her averages from a year ago. Through four games, she’s started three times, averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

“It’s amazing what confidence will do for you,” LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey continued. “She’s just leaping forward. It’s not just improvement; it’s big leaps of improvement. Her confidence is out the roof right now.”

Every game can be a learning moment with LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey

Still, even with just how good she’s been in 2023, she hasn’t even begun to reach her true potential.

The sophomore out of DeSoto, TX, was listed as the No. 58 overall recruit in the class of 2022. While she was a highly sought-after prospect, there was little doubt that some time in a college weight room could do wonders for her overall game.

Even after just one full season, the improvement is already beginning to show, but if you ask LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey, there’s plenty more room for growth.

“I told her after the last game, she’s up here, and everybody else is down here when she quick jumps you, and she gets the ball knocked away. That’s just more strength, more maturity that will come with age, but keep doing that.”

Experience and maturity come with more time on the basketball court, which, so far in 2023, she’s getting plenty of. If the star sophomore forward can stay healthy and continue to show growth, don’t be surprised to see her become a household name.

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