LSU Women's Basketball Embraces Male Practice Players Ahead of Sweet 16

LSU's women's basketball team has made headlines during the NCAA Tournament for their unconventional decision to fly male practice players to Spokane for their Sweet 16 matchup. Coach Kim Mulkey advocates for this approach, believing that practicing against men provides her team with rigorous training. One of the practice players, Baker Smith, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The decision has sparked debate, with some, like WNBA player Cameron Brink, expressing discomfort with the idea of male players in women's practice sessions. Despite the controversy, LSU is favored to advance in the tournament, reflecting the team's strong preparation and Mulkey's coaching philosophy. The move highlights the ongoing discussions around gender dynamics in sports and training environments.