BATON ROUGE, La. – In an impressive display of talent, five players from the LSU women’s basketball team have been named to the prestigious John R. Wooden Award Top 50 watch list, recognizing them as some of the most outstanding college basketball players in the nation. The players earning spots on this pivotal preseason watch list are senior Flau’jae Johnson, juniors MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams, sophomore Kate Koval, and freshman Grace Knox.
Flau’jae Johnson from Savannah, Georgia, has proven to be a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense over her three-plus seasons at LSU. Currently the team’s second leading scorer, Johnson is averaging an impressive 17.2 points, along with 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. She is celebrated not only for her scoring ability but also for her presence on the All-SEC First Team and multiple watch lists, including the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award and the Naismith Trophy for Women’s College Player of the Year.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, a transfer from Columbia, South Carolina, has made an immediate impact on the Tigers’ roster, serving as their leading scorer off the bench with an average of 17.6 points per game. Her aggressive defensive play has resulted in 24 steals, significantly outpacing her teammates. Fulwiley’s remarkable performance has earned her a spot on the All-SEC Second Team and numerous individual award watch lists.
Mikaylah Williams, hailing from Bossier City, Louisiana, continues to showcase her scoring prowess, averaging 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. Her standout performance includes a season-high of 18 points against Charlotte, contributing to a decisive 117-59 win for LSU. Williams has also been recognized with nominations on several prestigious watch lists, affirming her elite status in college basketball.
Kate Koval, originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, has quickly become a reliable post presence for the Tigers. Nearly averaging a double-double with 9.4 points and 8.2 rebounds, Koval achieved back-to-back double-doubles in her recent games against Georgia Southern and Charlotte, marking significant milestones in her early career.
Freshman Grace Knox from Las Vegas, Nevada, has proven her worth by providing crucial contributions off the bench, registering averages of 9.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while scoring in double figures in four of her first five collegiate outings. She has already been recognized by the USBWA Tamika Catchings Award Watch List, which honors the nation’s top freshman.
The Wooden Award is not only a testament to athletic performance but also considers players’ academic achievements and character. With voting conducted by over 1,000 basketball media experts, players are evaluated on their contributions throughout the season, including the NCAA Tournament, culminating in the announcement of the All-American teams and the Player of the Year during the Final Four weekend.
The Women’s Wooden Award has been celebrating top female basketball talent since its establishment in 2004 and remains a prestigious accolade in the landscape of college sports. With LSU’s powerful representation among the watch list candidates, the team is poised for a competitive season ahead.