Star player Angel Reese will return to the LSU lineup on Thursday after a mysterious multi-game absence.
Coach Kim Mulkey announced Reese's return but did not explain the reasons for her absence over the past 4 games.
Reese is one of the best players in college basketball and was the 2023 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
Reese has over 3 million followers on social media, sparking speculation during her absence.
Mulkey said Reese has been practicing with the team and will play like normal despite minimal preparation time.
Mulkey declined to give specifics on Reese’s absence, citing “sacredness” of the locker room.
Both Mulkey and Reese said they are “happy” to have Reese back with the team.
Thursday’s game against Virginia Tech is a 2023 Final Four rematch that LSU won 79-72.
Mulkey expects no rust from Reese in her return to action after missing 4 games.
Mulkey said the team has “moved on” from Reese’s unexplained absence as she returns to the defending champion lineup.