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So like many LSU WBB fans, I naively overlooked Central Michigan. I was more so looking forward to Ohio State who I thought we could beat and advance to a Sweet 16 at least. Central Michigan (and MAC in general) was obviously under-ranked based not only on their "close" victory over us, but their domination of Ohio State (who I still think we would have beat). Ultimately, I think had we gotten a "normal" 11 seed, we would have at least advanced to the Sweet 16 (but of course, I can't really back it up with anything substantive, but I'm sure there are plenty WBB fans that would agree).

But what does previously undefeated UCONN losing in the final four for the second straight year mean for LSU? Well, I think tonight proves again there is much parity in women's basketball. Mississippi State upset them last year, and this year Notre Dame upsets them to advance to the championship to face, who else?, but Mississippi State. I liked how we played Mississippi State this year for most of the game, even before Ayana Mitchell really found her footing and we started playing some of our best basketball. Even more impressive given how State is heavy on senior starters and we relied mostly (minus Raigyne) on 1st or 2nd year players. Yes, we lost to them, and yes we loss to Texas A&M in the SEC tournament right before we could face them again. But ultimately, this game is seeming more and more about matchups and showing the parity that truly exists. All our losses were pretty close, and it shows that even with a young team, we could hang with anyone (even when we had a rough offensive game...our defense was pretty solid).

So ultimately, the fact that there is far more parity than most seem to acknowledge really speaks to the future of WBB, but also LSU. Our heavy freshmen/sophomore team can do some serious damage next year if they put in work in the off season, which I expect to occur.

This is not a pro-Nikki post (nor will it be anti-Nikki post). I think the young players she has now have GREAT potential. However, if they greatly under-perform their capabilities next year AND she doesn't secure a good recruiting class for 2019, I will certainly not be pro-Nikki. Based on what I have seen this past year with what she had, I am cautiously optimistic. However, like many, I believe she is a great on-court coach/can develop players, but have been more reserved on her recruiting. Class of 2017 was good (and makes me optimistic for the future) but class of 2019 is crucial following a lackluster 2018.

Bruh, I couldn't agree with you more. We do have the potential to be an even better team moving forward than this past season. But the recruiting MUST get better in order for it to continue. If not, I won't see a reason to keep coach Caldwell past the end of her contract.