BATON ROUGE – The final piece of the puzzle is finally in place for 2026-27 for Kim Mulkey and the LSU women's basketball team.
LSU announced the official addition of 6-5 forward Anna Minaeva from Russia Aug. 14. After months of speculation of when Mulkey would bring in Minaeva, who had rumored to be who the LSU staff had zeroed in on, the waiting game is over for both parties.
Minaeva landed in the United States Thursday. She is the second international signee this offseason for LSU joining Spaniard Noa Morro, who's been with LSU for much of this summer.
LSU VS UCONN IN NASHVILLE Kim Mulkey v Geno Auriemma. LSU women's hoops to face UConn in Nashville
The 17-year-old Russian has been playing professional basketball in her home country mostly for MBA Moscow-2, the second level squad before being promoted to the top flight team where she averaged 5.6 points with four rebounds in just 12 games.
At 6-5, Minaeva, albeit young, brings much-needed size to the low block for Mulkey and the Tigers. Both Ukrainian Kate Koval and sophomore Grace Knox have loads of experience with LSU and there won't be a lot of pressure for Minaeva to adapt and develop quickly.
Minaeva is known for her ability to play defense without getting into foul trouble and can time up her jumps to block shots, aspects of post play that LSU struggled with at times last season. The footwork she possesses in screen-and-pops and pick-and-rolls will bolster Mulkey's offensive system.
LSU women's basketball 2026-27 roster for Kim Mulkey
- G Mikaylah Williams, Sr., 6-0
- G MiLaysia Fulwiley, Sr., 5-10
- G Jada Williams, Sr., 5-8
- G Laila Reynolds, Sr., 6-1
- F Kate Koval, Jr., 6-5
- G Chloe Larry, Jr., 5-8
- F Grace Knox, Soph., 6-2
- F Meghan Yarnevich, Soph. 6-0
- G ZaKiyah Johnson, Soph., 6-0
- F Noa Morro, Fr., 6-3
- F Anna Minaeva, Fr., 6-5
- G Lola Lampley, Fr., 6-2
Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Kim Mulkey, LSU add Russian post Anna Minaeva to 2026-27 roster