UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Aneesah Morrow has demonstrated a remarkable ability to track down the ball, consistently displaying impressive skills on the boards. It’s no surprise that she leads the nation in rebounds.

The LSU senior attributes much of her tenacity to her mother, Nafeesah Morrow, who was a basketball standout at Nebraska. “She has always been a huge mentor for me. Just listening to her stories and everything she has experienced,” Morrow shared. “I looked up to her, especially when she would beat me in one-on-ones and three-point contests. She has been my inspiration and is a talented player from Nebraska.”

Currently averaging 14.1 rebounds per game, Morrow will be able to connect with her mother and family on Thursday when No. 5 LSU visits Chicago to take on UIC, marking a homecoming for the talented athlete. Morrow initially spent her first two years of collegiate basketball at DePaul before transferring to LSU with aspirations of contending for national titles.

The 6-foot-1 forward cemented her place in NCAA Division I history on Tuesday when she recorded 19 rebounds in a 91-64 victory against Seton Hall. This performance elevated her career total to 1,412, placing her within reach of the top three rebounders in NCAA history at her current rate.

“No rebound is a bad rebound,” Morrow said with a smile after the game. “I find ways to contribute to my team, whether that’s through rebounds, steals, or defensive plays.”

Seton Hall’s head coach, Tony Bozzella, has a longstanding recognition of Morrow’s abilities, having faced her during her tenure at DePaul. He has consistently admired her rebounding skills, noting that she achieved a career high of 27 rebounds against his team while playing for the Blue Demons. “Her work ethic is extraordinary. She is relentless in her pursuit of the ball,” he mentioned. “Her willingness to understand where opportunities for rebounds will arise is impressive … Her energy and determination are unmatched.”

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey attributes Morrow’s success to her exceptional work ethic. “She embodies a walking double-double,” Mulkey stated. “When you attend a game and see No. 24 on the court, I want you to notice how hard she competes. Observe how she manages to rebound against players taller than her. She never tires and has the ability to shoot from outside. She can also match up well down low. Coaching her is a delight because she brings that consistent effort every single day.”

Morrow mentioned that over 40 family members will attend the upcoming game, alongside former classmates from high school and elementary school. She is also scheduled to visit Simeon Career Academy, where she had an illustrious high school career. “This visit means a lot to me,” Morrow expressed. “I believe it will feel somewhat like déjà vu. I am eager to inspire the students there and to see the state championship trophies that represent my achievements during my time at the school.”

Although Morrow hasn’t had many opportunities to return home to Chicago, she did attend a Chicago Sky game this summer to support her former LSU teammate, Angel Reese. “I spent a few days with my family there. I enjoyed going downtown and doing a little shopping,” she noted.