I remember watching LSU women's basketball a few years back and thinking they were good, but not championship material. Fast forward to today, and they've transformed into legitimate national championship contenders. What's fascinating about their journey is how it mirrors what we've seen in other programs, like the University of the Philippines team that famously broke their own championship drought. Both programs demonstrate how cultural shifts within a team can exorcise what fans might call "curses" or long-standing limitations.

When Kim Mulkey took over as head coach in April 2021, she brought more than just her impressive resume—she brought an entirely new mindset. I've followed her career since her Baylor days, and what strikes me most is her ability to instill what I'd call "championship habits" from day one. She didn't just want to win games; she wanted to build a program that expects to compete for titles every single year. The transformation began with recruiting, where LSU landed what many consider the top transfer class in the country last season, including Angel Reese from Maryland. Reese alone averaged 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds last season, numbers that would be impressive for any player, let alone someone in their first year with a new program.

What really stands out to me is how quickly the team chemistry developed. I watched several of their early games last season, and you could see the players buying into Mulkey's system almost immediately. They play with a confidence that's rare, even among top programs. It reminds me of how the University of the Philippines men's basketball team broke their own long championship drought in 2021—they didn't just have talent, they had this collective belief that they could overcome decades of frustration. LSU's women seem to have tapped into that same energy, shaking off whatever mental barriers might have existed before.

The numbers tell part of the story—LSU improved from a 9-13 record the season before Mulkey arrived to 26-6 in her first year, one of the most dramatic turnarounds I've seen in women's college basketball. But statistics don't capture the cultural transformation. Having covered college sports for over a decade, I've noticed that championship teams often share this intangible quality where players elevate each other's performance. At LSU, you see it in how they celebrate each other's successes on the court, how they communicate during tight games, and how they've developed what I'd call a "clutch gene" in close contests.

Their recruitment strategy deserves special attention because it's been absolutely brilliant. Beyond Reese, they've brought in players like Flau'jae Johnson, who contributed 11.0 points per game as a freshman last season. What impresses me most is how Mulkey has blended experienced transfers with homegrown talent, creating what I consider the perfect balance for a championship run. They're not relying on one superstar; they've built a deep roster where different players can step up on any given night. This depth becomes crucial during tournament time when injuries and fatigue can derail less-prepared teams.

The fan support has been another critical factor. I attended a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last season, and the energy was electric—comparable to what I've experienced at traditional powerhouses like UConn or Tennessee. Attendance numbers jumped from averaging around 2,100 fans per game to regularly drawing crowds of over 8,000, with several sellouts. This kind of home-court advantage isn't just nice to have; it genuinely impacts games, especially during those crucial moments when players need that extra boost.

Looking at their performance in the NCAA tournament last season, where they reached the Sweet Sixteen before falling to Ohio State, you could see the foundation being laid for something bigger. They played with a fearlessness that you typically only see in established championship programs. What I particularly admired was how they handled pressure situations—they seemed to thrive on it rather than shrink from it. This mental toughness, combined with their physical talent, makes them particularly dangerous in single-elimination tournament settings.

The SEC conference itself has become increasingly competitive, which I believe has prepared LSU well for national championship contention. Night in and night out, they're facing teams like South Carolina and Tennessee that push them to elevate their game. Some people argue that playing in a tough conference can wear a team down, but I've always believed it builds the resilience needed for deep tournament runs. LSU's players are battle-tested in ways that teams from weaker conferences simply aren't.

What really convinces me about LSU's championship potential is their adaptability. I've watched them adjust their game plan mid-game multiple times this season, something that separates good teams from great ones. When their outside shooting isn't falling, they attack the paint. When facing a zone defense, they've shown the patience to work for high-percentage shots. This flexibility, combined with Mulkey's tournament experience—she's won national championships as both a player and coach—creates what I consider the perfect storm for championship success.

As we look toward the upcoming NCAA tournament, I'm putting LSU in my Final Four predictions without hesitation. They've checked every box that I look for in championship teams: elite talent, experienced coaching, strong team chemistry, mental toughness, and proven ability to win close games. Their journey from mediocrity to contention happened faster than anyone expected, but when you examine how systematically they've addressed every weakness, it makes perfect sense. Just like the University of the Philippines team that broke their long curse, LSU women's basketball has transformed not just their roster but their entire identity, and that's why they're poised to compete for college basketball's ultimate prize.