LSU women's basketball looks different in the frontcourt ahead of the 2026-27 season. Head coach Kim Mulkey lost a player poised for a starting spot, then brought in multiple players who have yet to log a minute at the college level.
Kate Koval abruptly left the team in August shortly after LSU signed Anna Minaeva, who hails from Russia. Koval, who is from Ukraine, announced in a statement that she had no intention of leaving the team but learned of the addition after the transfer portal closed. The NCAA allowed Koval to transfer, and she went to Baylor.
The Tigers return one true forward who contributed heavily last season. It remains to be seen if they can find their next strong presence to follow in the footsteps of Angel Reese and Aneesah
Morrow, both of whom are excelling in the WNBA.
The backcourt rotation goes deep, and LSU possesses multiple players who will spend time at the three and four this season. But can the purple and gold find a reliable paint presence throughout the 2026-27 season?
Here are the LSU players who will see time in the frontcourt this year.
Returner: Grace Knox
Knox is the only post player returning who logged significant minutes last season. The 6-foot-2 forward made 11 starts and averaged 8.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a freshman. She's a shoo-in for a regular starting role, especially as the Tigers work their other forwards back to full strength.
Last year, Knox fared well with her aggressive play style in the paint on both ends of the floor. Her key to success this year is improving as a rebounder and shooter, especially when going against some of the country's toughest bigs in the SEC.
Newcomers: Noa Morro, Anna Minaeva
Morro and Minaeva joined LSU in the offseason and both will be suiting up for their first seasons of college basketball. Mulkey raved about their abilities in addition to discussing how their height will be a major asset to the team. Both dealt with health issues in the early goings of the offseason, which may limit their impact early in the nonconference slate.
The 6-foot-3 Morro has the experience to contribute right away and could eventually work her way into the starting five. Hailing from Spain, she averaged eight points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game through 25 games with KutxaBank Araski. She also popped shots from beyond the arc and distributed passes at a high level.
The 17-year-old Minaeva may need to play a larger role this season than previously expected with the departure of Koval. She averaged 11.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in two Russian professional leagues.
Both ways: Mikaylah Williams, ZaKiyah Johnson
Both Williams and Johnson have the ability to compete inside with their frames and strength. They shoot well in the midrange and crash the boards in the three and four spots. But neither is a true forward with developed post moves.
How much time Williams and Johnson spend at the four depends largely on the health of Morro and Minaeva. But the guards hold their own against SEC bigs in competing for rebounds, taking shots in the paint and on defense.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU women's basketball position preview: Forward depth remains question
