​Kim Mulkey Honors Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson Reunion Ahead of Dream-Storm Showdown
Kim Mulkey, a legendary figure in LSU women’s basketball and a coach who has mentored numerous future WNBA stars, celebrated a special reunion on the eve of a Dream-Storm game. Before Atlanta hosted Seattle, Mulkey took to social media to spotlight the long-awaited reunion of two key players from LSU’s 2023 national championship squad: Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson.
“Wow! I watched my girls bring a Natty to LSU and now I’m seeing them shine in the WNBA! Proud to watch these two LSU Tigers tonight in Atlanta! Tune in on Prime Video at 7:00 pm CT!” Mulkey posted. The message resonated deeply with LSU fans who remember both players’ pivotal roles in clinching LSU’s first-ever NCAA women’s basketball national title. Now, just three years later, Reese and Johnson are two of the league’s brightest stars, meeting as opponents for the first time this season.
Mulkey’s sentiments underscore the extraordinary talent she helped cultivate on that championship roster. Reese arrived in Baton Rouge ahead of the 2022-23 season and quickly established herself as one of the nation’s most dominant players. She posted a consistent double-double during LSU’s title run and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after guiding the Tigers to a championship victory over Iowa. Her presence inside the lane and on the boards helped redefine LSU’s identity, making them a perennial force in women’s college basketball.
Johnson, meanwhile, burst onto the scene as a freshman, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors and delivering scoring, defense, and energy that energized LSU’s memorable season. Over time, she emerged as a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection and one of the program’s faces, setting the stage for a high-profile career that continues into the 2026 WNBA Draft era.
Mulkey’s public acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the wealth of talent that came together on that LSU championship squad. Reese and Johnson both entered Thursday’s game playing significant roles for their teams, adding extra significance to their reunion on the court.
Reese has continued to establish herself as a top forward in the WNBA with the Dream, posting 14.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game through 21 appearances. The 24-year-old has recorded double-doubles in four of her last five outings and remains among the league’s leading rebounders, even as Atlanta navigates a five-game skid.
Johnson has enjoyed a strong rookie season after being selected eighth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft and then traded from the Golden State Valkyries to the Storm on draft night. She entered Thursday averaging 12.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. The guard has flashed the versatile skill set that made her a standout at LSU, including a recent stretch in which she scored at least 20 points in three of five games. Her performance on the court reflected the complete game that highlighted her college career and suggested a bright professional future.
This reunion highlights the enduring impact of LSU’s 2023 championship roster and the progress of its alumni as they transition to the professional ranks. It also underscores Mulkey’s legacy as a developer of elite talent and a coach who remains deeply connected to the players who helped define an era of LSU basketball. As Reese and Johnson continue their WNBA journeys, fans are reminded of how a single college program can produce a lasting pipeline of impact at the professional level.