Stephen A. Smith Predicts Kim Mulkey, LSU Women’s Basketball to Get Upset in Tourney

As March Madness approaches, the basketball world begins to buzz with anticipation and speculation about which teams will rise to the occasion and which will falter under the pressure. While much of the attention is focused on the men’s NCAA Tournament, the women’s tournament has steadily been gaining recognition and excitement, particularly due to the success and growing prominence of several programs. Among the standout teams in recent years is the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, under the leadership of their iconic head coach, Kim Mulkey. Mulkey, known for her fiery personality, relentless competitiveness, and previous success at Baylor, has made LSU a top-tier program in a short amount of time.

However, in a surprising prediction, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has voiced his belief that Kim Mulkey and LSU could face an upset in the upcoming women’s NCAA Tournament. Given Smith’s history of bold, often controversial opinions, his prediction has sparked widespread debate among fans, analysts, and the broader basketball community. This bold assertion begs the question: What factors make LSU vulnerable in the tournament, and why does Smith believe the Tigers are not as guaranteed a contender as many think?

In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why Stephen A. Smith has made this prediction, analyzing LSU’s current roster, their potential weaknesses, and the challenges they may face in the high-stakes environment of March Madness. Additionally, we’ll look at the broader context of LSU women’s basketball under Kim Mulkey and evaluate whether Smith’s prediction is an outlier or a reflection of deeper concerns surrounding the Tigers’ championship aspirations.

1. LSU’s Dominance Under Kim Mulkey: A Quick Rise to Prominence

Kim Mulkey’s arrival at LSU was a watershed moment for the program. After a successful tenure at Baylor, where she built a dynasty that included three NCAA championships and numerous Final Four appearances, Mulkey took over at LSU in 2021. It didn’t take long for her to transform the program, attracting elite recruits and immediately making LSU a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. In just her second season at LSU, the Tigers became a serious contender for the national title, with a mix of seasoned players and top recruits under Mulkey’s tutelage.

The most significant player driving LSU’s success has been Angel Reese, a dominant forward and one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Reese’s scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and all-around play have made her a standout on the national stage, drawing comparisons to some of the best players in the history of the game. Add to that the contributions of players like Flau’jae Johnson, Alexis Morris, and others, and it’s easy to see why LSU has been a powerhouse in recent years.

Under Mulkey’s leadership, LSU has earned recognition for its suffocating defense, explosive offense, and deep roster. The Tigers have climbed to the top of the rankings, and their dominance has made them one of the favorites heading into the NCAA Tournament. The combination of Mulkey’s coaching pedigree and the raw talent on the roster has positioned LSU as a top contender for a national championship.

2. Stephen A. Smith’s Bold Prediction: Why LSU Could Be Upset

Despite LSU’s recent success, Stephen A. Smith has raised eyebrows with his prediction that the Tigers could face an upset in the upcoming tournament. Smith, known for his loud, opinionated style, has made no secret of his belief that LSU is vulnerable in the high-pressure environment of March Madness.

One of the main reasons Smith has voiced concerns about LSU is their reliance on Angel Reese. While Reese is an incredible player and arguably the best in the country, Smith believes that LSU’s success is overly dependent on her. In a tournament as unpredictable as March Madness, teams that rely too heavily on one player can become easy targets for opponents who are capable of shutting down that player or forcing others to step up. Smith has pointed out that if Reese has an off night or faces an opponent that can neutralize her impact, LSU could struggle to execute their game plan and get knocked out of the tournament.

This concern about over-reliance on a single player is not unfounded. In the past, teams with star players have faltered in the tournament due to the immense pressure of having to perform at the highest level every game. LSU’s inability to consistently get contributions from other players, or the failure to find a solid offensive rhythm without Reese’s dominance, could expose weaknesses in their game plan and make them vulnerable to upsets.

Smith also noted LSU’s inconsistency at times during the regular season. While LSU has been impressive overall, they have had moments where they struggled to close out games or faced stiff competition in conference play. In a tournament format where one loss can eliminate a team, these inconsistencies could be disastrous. If LSU enters the tournament without finding their full stride, they could find themselves on the wrong side of an upset.

3. The Intensity and Pressure of March Madness

March Madness is renowned for its intensity and the unpredictable nature of the tournament. The single-elimination format leaves little room for error, and teams that may have appeared invincible during the regular season can be knocked out by underdogs who get hot at the right time. The pressure of the tournament is unlike anything else in college basketball, and it has a way of exposing the vulnerabilities of even the most talented teams.

LSU, despite its dominance throughout the season, is still relatively new to being at the very top of women’s college basketball. While the Tigers have made a name for themselves under Mulkey, their experience in navigating the high-pressure games of the NCAA Tournament is still somewhat limited. Mulkey’s championship pedigree with Baylor is undeniable, but LSU’s program is still in its growth phase, and their relative lack of tournament experience could put them at a disadvantage when compared to teams with more seasoned tournament veterans.

Moreover, the psychological pressure of March Madness can often take its toll on teams that are expected to perform. With LSU being one of the top-ranked teams heading into the tournament, they will undoubtedly face enormous expectations. In a tournament filled with elite talent and high stakes, it’s not uncommon for even the most confident and talented teams to falter when the pressure mounts.

4. Potential Pitfalls in LSU’s Game: Offensive and Defensive Inconsistencies

While LSU has been one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball in recent years, they are not without their weaknesses. As Stephen A. Smith pointed out, the Tigers have had moments of inconsistency that could pose a problem in the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament.

On the offensive end, LSU has sometimes struggled with shooting consistency. While they have a dynamic scorer in Angel Reese and other players capable of filling up the stat sheet, there have been games where the offense sputters, especially when facing tougher competition. If the Tigers struggle to put points on the board or get out of their offensive rhythm, it could lead to an early exit in the tournament. In March Madness, teams that cannot consistently score, especially in tight games, often find themselves on the losing end.

Defensively, LSU has been strong for the most part, but they have been vulnerable to teams with high-scoring offenses or those that can spread the floor and exploit defensive gaps. In the tournament, they will face a range of teams that are capable of putting up points quickly, and LSU will need to maintain defensive discipline and focus. If they fail to lock down defensively, it could open the door for opponents to exploit their weaknesses and pull off an upset.

Additionally, LSU’s depth and bench play have sometimes been an area of concern. While the Tigers have a talented starting lineup, their bench has occasionally struggled to contribute in crucial moments. In a single-elimination tournament where every minute counts, relying on just a few players to carry the load could be risky.

5. The Challenges of Being a Target

Another factor that could contribute to LSU’s vulnerability is the fact that they are now a marked team. As one of the top teams in the nation, the Tigers will face heightened scrutiny and the added pressure of being the team to beat. Every opponent they face will be bringing their best game, knowing that beating LSU would be a monumental achievement. The target on LSU’s back could lead to emotional and mental fatigue, and that could manifest in poor performances or missed opportunities.

In previous years, LSU may have flown under the radar, but now, with their high ranking and success under Kim Mulkey, they are no longer an underdog. The added pressure of being a favorite can have both positive and negative effects. If LSU can handle that pressure and stay focused, they will have a strong chance of going deep in the tournament. However, if they succumb to the weight of expectation, they could face an early exit.

Conclusion: Is Stephen A. Smith’s Prediction Right?

Stephen A. Smith’s bold prediction that LSU will face an upset in the upcoming NCAA Tournament is certainly thought-provoking. While LSU has been dominant under Kim Mulkey and boasts an impressive roster, there are legitimate concerns about their consistency, their reliance on Angel Reese, and their ability to handle the pressure of March Madness.

The Tigers are a talented team, but the unpredictability of the tournament, coupled with their relative lack of experience in the tournament spotlight, makes them susceptible to an upset. If LSU can address their inconsistencies, find secondary scoring options, and weather the pressure of being a top contender, they have the potential to make a deep run. However, as Stephen A. Smith correctly points out, the nature of March Madness means that anything can happen, and LSU is not immune to the surprises that this tournament often brings.

As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to see whether LSU can prove their doubters wrong and live up to their potential or if Stephen A. Smith’s prediction of an upset will come to fruition. Regardless of what happens, LSU’s journey through March Madness will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament.