Tigers' $36 Million Kim Mulkey awards LSU player full scholarship for college

LSU Tigers coach Kim Mulkey awarded a full scholarship to junior guard Izzy Besselman. The team shared the video of Mulkey sharing the news with the guard and the Tigers players on X on Wednesday.

"While we're passionate in teaching and correcting, it's also important that we've enthusiastically applauded the behavior that we believe is the standard for excellence in our program," coach Mulkey said in the video. "She has had an incredible attitude and is an energy giver in practice and displayed an amazing attitude."

Izzy Besselman expressed her gratitude to Kim Mulkey and her teammates, saying:

"I just want to thank you, Coach Mulkey, and all the staff and my teammates. You didn't have to do this, I know that. And you doing this just means so much to me and my family. So, thank you."

Mulkey signed a 10 year, $36 million contract in September 2023. Meanwhile, Besselman joined the Tigers in 2022 as a walk-on recruit. She played sparingly in the last two years, averaging 1.9 minutes as a freshman and 2.1 minutes last season. She has scored a total of 12 points and 17 rebounds throughout her LSU career.

Izzy Besselman has not been in action this season with the Tigers because of a heart condition. After LSU's exhibition game against Xavier in October, Kim Mulkey addressed the guard's absence.

“Let me answer before you ask. Y’all, y’all going to ask and I’m going to answer it. Izzy Besselman has a heart condition they’ve been dealing with all preseason," Mulkey said. "She’s seen four cardiologists. We’re going to do the best we can, don’t know anything, what’s causing it or anything.”

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Kim Mulkey's LSU Tigers remain undefeated as they seek another championship

After last season's Elite Eight exit, Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers are hoping for a repeat of their 2023 NCAA championship win. They have been on a successful run and are on a 13-game winning streak.

The Tigers' final game before Christmas break is on Thursday when they will be traveling to Chicago to play against the UIC Flames. The tip-off is a game in front of a hometown crowd for LSU guard Aneesah Morrow. Kim Mulkey spoke on this during the press conference after Tuesday's win over Seton Hall.

“It’s not easy to always take them back home, but we’ll try. It’s just something in your heart. I remember when I was a player. I always wanted to go back home and play in front of people that watched me grow up.

"It’s hard to do because you have to get an opponent to agree to it. We brought all our cameras crew with us so that everybody can see where she [Morrow] grew up and what it was like for her growing up in Chicago."

The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 P.M. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.