Kim Mulkey gives the latest on S'Myah Smith's injury
Sophomore forward S’Myah Smith is out for the year after tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said on Wednesday afternoon’s press conference.
“S’Myah had her other knee torn up in high school, so she’s been through this,” Mulkey said. “It’s ACL, MCL, meniscus. Can’t have her surgery until the MCL can heal a little bit, so that’ll probably be three weeks.
“The timing of her injury is just so sad for her because she’s improved by leaps and bounds. She stayed here all summer. Angel being back helps, but there’s no substitution for what S’Myah brings to our team and what she’s added so far.”
Smith suffered the injury in the first game of the Cayman island Classic against Niagara on a fast break where Smith went down with a non-contact leg injury. Smith did not return for that game and was in a brace on the sideline for the second game against Virginia Tech.
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Smith had made significant strides forward from her freshman season, averaging 11.7 points and 7.6 rebounds, while shooting a team-high 66 percent from the field in seven games. Smith has been heralded for her work ethic over the offseason when she stayed at LSU and worked to put on muscle to replace LaDahzia Williams at the center position. Smith had 11 blocks in her seven games and was establishing herself as a key piece for the Tigers in 2023.
LSU prepares to take on Virginia Tech on Thursday night in the PMAC in a top ten matchup and a rematch of last year’s Final Four game where LSU came back from down nine to start the fourth quarter and won. The Hokies have two-time ACC Player of the Year in Elizabeth Kitley, a 6-foot-6 center who is averaging 24.3 points and 11.5 rebounds. Without Smith, LSU will be in for even more of a challenge on the inside.
Smith’s freshman season at LSU
“Earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team, playing in all 36 games for the Tigers as LSU’s first forward off the bench … Started two games during her freshman season … Averaged 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds during the year … Showed the potential to become an elite defender in the paint with 38 blocks throughout the season … Recorded her lone double-double of her freshman season in her college debut against Bellarmine with 12 points and 11 rebounds … Played productive minutes in the National Championship against Iowa with starters in foul trouble … Along with scoring two points and grabbing two rebounds in the championship, Smith’s lone block swung the momentum in LSU’s direction and led to a fast-break bucket.”
