Uncertainty surrounds LSU forward Angel Reese’s absence as she prepares for a major game Thursday

Originally published at 6:18 AM EST on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey announced that star player Angel Reese will rejoin the defending national champions' lineup on Thursday in their game against No. 9 Virginia Tech.

Reese has been notably absent from the team since the Tigers' matchup against Kent State on November 14.

Before even beginning her scheduled press conference on Wednesday, Mulkey confidently stated:

LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey did not provide details about why Angel Reese, the team’s star forward, has missed the Tigers' last four games. Reese didn’t travel with the team last week for their high-profile, two-game set against Niagara and Virginia at the Cayman Island Classic.

“She’s coming back after not being with the team,” Mulkey said. “We’ve moved on.”

On the court, Reese is one of the top players in the nation. She was named the 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player after LSU’s 102-85 victory over Iowa in April’s NCAA national championship game. The first-team All-American averaged 23 points and 15.4 rebounds last season.

Off the court, Reese is one of the most popular athletes in the country, boasting over three million followers across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

Amid speculation on social media about her absence, Reese posted on November 19, “Please don’t believe everything you read

When asked if Reese would play against No. 9 Virginia Tech on Thursday with minimal practice beforehand, Mulkey clarified, “Angel is available to play tomorrow. But if you want to know, Angel has been practicing. Do you want specifics—how many hours? How many days? She is not just showing up tomorrow to play a game.”

Mulkey added that she didn’t expect Reese to show signs of rust in her return. “I really think Angel will just be Angel. She’s been really good in practice.”

Despite repeated questions about Reese’s absence, Mulkey emphasized the importance of keeping certain matters private. “There’s a sacredness to a locker room. What’s in that locker room stays in that locker room,” she said. “Angel is back, and we are happy, happy, happy. She’s happy, happy, happy.”

Thursday night’s game against the Hokies marks a rematch of the 2023 Final Four, where LSU defeated Virginia Tech 79-72 on their way to the national title.

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