I was able to do a Q&A with 2024 LSU Women's Basketball commit Jada Richard out of Lafayette Christian Academy in Lafayette,La. We discussed her Junior season and why she chose LSU, whats it like to be recruited by Kim Mulkey and more.
Jada Richard - Lafayette Christian Academy -5'8"
ESPN HoopGurlz Ranking National No.87 & LA No.1
4 Star -PG
Points per game 28.2
Assists per game 5
Steals per game 4
Rebounds per game 5
Jada score 831 points this year, she now has 2,021 points in three years.
Jada on her senior season "My team has grown a lot over the years. Between just maturing within basketball or just attitudes and work ethics. Being a part of LCA comes with a winning culture and phenomenal work ethic. I’m super proud of my teammates for always sacrificing for our team and being willing to work." In the finals of The Showdown on The Lake Tournament in Lake Charles against Wossman she scored 47 points and was Tournament MVP. In the All State Sugar Bowl Tournament Jada was MVP and she added "we lost to Bartlett out of Tennessee in overtime." It was only the second time in tournament history where the losing team player was the MVP she scored 35 points. Jada has played all three of her seasons with the LCA Knights and each season they have finished as state champions and gives the school a total of 5 state championships.
Jada discussed what it is like being recruited by Coach Kim Mulkey "Having a relationship with Coach Mulkey is kind of surreal but a huge blessing. I always followed coach Mulkey since her Baylor days but hadn’t yet got in contact with her. I love how despite her success and accolades she still remains humble and hard working. She reminds me of myself. What went into the decision to commit to LSU "It’s just something about purple and gold that seems to look well on me. The support that Louisiana has for lsu is amazing." She added " I feel that nothing is better than the support of your family and your stomping ground. Being from Louisiana we’re always underestimated and not given credit . Receiving an opportunity to play for a legendary coach and defending national championship team in my home state is a opportunity I couldn’t pass up."
Regarding her relationship with the LSU staff "I love the staff at LSU. I feel that the staff is all for the betterment and development of women’s basketball but also us as people. I feel they fit my hungry attitude which is another reason I chose LSU. "
Richard shred her goals for her Senior season at LCA. She stated" Next season I plan to be the best version of myself, whether that’s being the best teammate I can be, or the best water girl I can be. Of course another state championship is in the picture but nothing means more to me than a foundation of self driven people. So my goal would be to continue to pour into my teammates and help and encourage them to reach their goals."
We also discussed the LCA2LSU movement being that there are numerous LCA stars on the LSU football team like Sage Ryan, Fitzgerald West, Jordan Allen, Princeton Malbrue. Then there is Ju'Juan Johnson who is currently committed and the Tigers are pursuing Melvin Hills III . Richard shared her thoughts on the movement "I love the #LCA2LSU movement. Honestly I feel LCA not only unleashes a great work ethic in athletes but LCA’s staff drives to also build character. That’s why I feel our athletes have so much success."
When she is not on the hardwood Richard says " Outside of basketball I enjoy sleeping, watching YouTube ,and reading my Bible." She says her favorite chapter of the Bible is Psalms. She wanted to give thanks to some important people to her staing "Coach Marcus (my trainer) has helped me a lot in the growing phases of basketball mentally and physically. Helping me to play the game the right way and focus on simplicity and efficiency. From LCA Coach Reggie has really helped me grow spiritually and was a true eye opener for my potential off of the court."
LSU is getting a true play maker and facilitator at the point guard position and also a relentless defender. After keeping arguably the top player home in Mikayla Williams for the the 2023 class they struck gold again with getting a commitment from Jada Richard. For 2 straight years to keep the best in the boot home to play for the in state LSU Tigers.
If you enjoyed this article please hit the like button and leave a comment
class
Comments