Greenville, South Carolina —In response to a question on Thursday, Kim Mulkey stated that she is still unsure of Mikaylah Williams’ status for Friday’s Southeastern Conference Tournament opener against LSU.
Williams, a rookie guard who began the first 29 games for the Tigers, is currently treating plantar fasciitis in her foot. She sat out LSU’s 77-56 victory against Kentucky on Sunday as a preventative measure, according to Mulkey, to make sure she’ll be OK for the NCAA Tournament.
Mulkey told The Advocate on Thursday, “In a perfect world, I’d like to rest her the whole tournament.” However, if I have to glance down there and ask, “Hey, could you please wait two or three minutes?” ‘Hey, do you think it’ll hurt anything?’ you ask the trainer as you glance at them. and simply take it from there.”
Williams was replaced in the starting lineup against Kentucky by Last-Tear Poa, while freshman Janae Kent played 14 minutes. That was the most of her since December. Kent took one of five shots from the floor, pulled down three rebounds, and made two mistakes.
Williams averages 15 points each game, so LSU will need to find a way to replace her if she is unable to play.
Mulkey explained, “It’s just precautionary.” I simply can’t take a chance on anything like this, where you wind up having a stress reaction later on, or something else, because I’m quite sensitive to feet and backs. I refuse to do it.
The No. 2 seed Tigers take on the winner of Thursday’s game between No. 10 Arkansas and No. 7 Auburn at 5 p.m. on SEC Network.
