Following their NCAA Championship win against Iowa, two LSU women’s basketball players decided to commit to the WNBA draft. Forward Ladazhia Williams and guard Alexis Morris announced via social media last Tuesday that they were declaring for the WNBA draft. Morris was the first to share her announcement on Instagram, and Williams soon followed. The pair both received hundreds of comments with positive words of encouragement.
Ladazhia Williams and Alexis Morris were drafted Monday night in the WNBA draft. Williams was chosen 17th overall by the Indiana Fever. The Fever picked Ladazhia in the second round with their fifth pick. Alexis Morris was 22nd overall by the Connecticut Sun. Morris was their first pick in the second round.
Photo Cred: Tempo News
Alexis Morris is a 5’6 guard from Beaumont, Texas. Morris lost a year of eligibility due to COVID-19; therefore, she is a fifth-year senior. Morris started her freshman year at Baylor University under then-head coach Kim Mulkey. Alexis was excited to be reunited with Mulkey and finish her collegiate basketball days with the coach that first recruited her. During her time at LSU, Morris was named SEC player of the week during the month of February and second team all SEC.
Throughout her time in Baton Rouge, Morris averaged 15.2 points in 64 games. Morris shined brightest in this year’s NCAA Tournament. She averaged 16.8 points and 3.8 assists throughout March Madness. She scored over 20 points in the final three games of the season. LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey was one of the people in attendance to support her players during Monday’s draft. Morris interviewed with ESPN reporter after being drafted by the Suns and said that her coach whispered some words of encouragement before her selection.
Photo Cred: SI
“Be patient,” said Mulkey. “You’re a champion, and you’re going to continue to be a champion.”
Ladazhia Williams was the No. 48 overall prospect in the Class of 2017. Williams transferred to LSU as a graduate student. She is a 6’4 forward from Bradenton, Florida. Williams played her freshman year at the University of South Carolina before transferring to Missouri and finishing her last three years there. In a critical performance in the Sweet Sixteen, Williams helped the Tigers survive and advance. Her 24-point performance led LSU to its tightest game of the tournament as the Tigers slid past the Utes to keep their championship hopes alive. Williams stepped up again in the National Championship with 20 points in the win vs. Iowa.
Photo Cred: USA Today
LSU has had 22 players drafted into the WNBA, and Coach Mulkey has had 23 players drafted into the league. Khayla Pointer and Faustine Aifuwa were Coach Mulkey’s first players at LSU drafted. LSU is just getting started sending players to the WNBA. Star player Angel Reese is returning to school.
