LSU’s Johnson and Morrow Cleared to Play in NCAA Tournament Opener
Baton Rouge, LA – In a significant boost for the LSU Tigers, head coach Kim Mulkey has confirmed that key players Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow will be available for their highly anticipated first-round matchup against San Diego State in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. The announcement comes as a welcome relief for LSU fans who have witnessed the team struggle in Johnson’s recent absence.
Johnson, a dynamic guard and the team’s leading scorer, has been sidelined with persistent shin inflammation in her right leg. Her last appearance on the court was in the Tigers’ February 27 loss to Alabama. LSU has since posted a 1-2 record without her presence, highlighting her importance to the team’s success.
Morrow, a dominant forward known for her rebounding prowess, re-aggravated a left foot sprain during LSU’s loss to Texas in the second round of the SEC Tournament. Her availability was also a major concern for the coaching staff and fans alike.
The positive news regarding both players’ fitness was revealed during a press conference on Friday. When asked if she was feeling completely recovered, Johnson responded with a confident "Yep," signaling her readiness to return to action.
Despite their confirmed availability, both Johnson and Morrow are proceeding with caution in their recovery process. The two players made an appearance at Friday’s news conference sporting black Nike x Hyperice boots on their injured legs. These innovative boots are marketed by Nike as a "wearable and mobile high-top shoe that offers heat and dynamic air-compression massage on demand for athletes’ feet and ankles."
While Coach Mulkey didn’t delve into the specific scientific benefits of the boots, she expressed a willingness to trust her players’ judgment regarding their choice of off-court footwear. "I don’t know why they wear those boots," she quipped, adding, "I start singing that Nancy Sinatra song, ‘These boots were made for walking…’"
Johnson clarified that she intends to wear the boot whenever she is not actively playing, including during bench breaks and extended timeouts. This indicates a commitment to managing her injury and ensuring she remains as healthy as possible throughout the tournament.
Morrow, known for her resilience, expressed confidence that her injury would not significantly impact her performance. "I would say honestly a lot of people see me in a boot, and I go out, and I get a double-double," she stated, highlighting her ability to contribute even while dealing with physical discomfort.
The individual accolades received by Johnson and Morrow further underscore their importance to the LSU team. Earlier this week, both players were recognized as AP All-Americans, with Morrow earning second-team honors and Johnson securing a spot on the third team. This recognition is a testament to their outstanding performances throughout the season.
The statistics speak volumes about the impact of Johnson and Morrow on LSU’s success. The Tigers boast a stellar 26-3 record this season when both players are in the starting lineup. Johnson leads the team in scoring, averaging an impressive 18.9 points per game, while Morrow averages 18.5 points per game and tops the nation with an astounding 13.6 rebounds per game.
Coach Mulkey expressed optimism about the players’ progress, stating, "Both of them have had some days to rehab and start feeling better, and they’ve been practicing. So it doesn’t seem to be limitations on how long they can play or anything like that." This suggests that both Johnson and Morrow are expected to play significant minutes in the game against San Diego State.
The availability of Johnson and Morrow is a major morale boost for the LSU Tigers as they embark on their NCAA Tournament journey. Their presence on the court will undoubtedly provide a significant advantage against San Diego State and potentially beyond. The Tigers’ chances of making a deep run in the tournament are significantly enhanced with their two star players healthy and ready to compete.
The dynamic duo of Johnson and Morrow brings a unique blend of scoring prowess, rebounding dominance, and defensive tenacity to the LSU lineup. Their leadership and experience will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the NCAA Tournament.
The focus now shifts to the game itself. LSU is heavily favored to win, but March Madness is known for its unpredictable nature. A healthy Johnson and Morrow will be key in ensuring LSU lives up to expectations and advances to the next round.
San Diego State will undoubtedly prepare a strategy to try and contain Johnson and Morrow. How well LSU’s other players contribute will also be vital. The Tigers can not solely rely on their two stars to carry the team. Solid performances from the supporting cast will be essential for LSU’s success.
The game is set to be a compelling contest, with LSU looking to assert its dominance and San Diego State aiming to pull off a major upset. The availability of Johnson and Morrow adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the matchup.
LSU fans are eager to see their team compete at its full potential, and the return of Johnson and Morrow to the lineup gives them reason to be optimistic. The Tigers are determined to make a deep run in the tournament and bring home another national championship. The journey begins against San Diego State, and with Johnson and Morrow ready to lead the charge, LSU is poised to make a statement.
