LSU women’s basketball freshman Bella Hines opens up on Jordan Brand, relationship with Kim Mulkey and more…..

LSU Freshman Bella Hines Opens Up About Her Relationship With Michael Jordan Daughter And Kim Mulkey

Here’s a comprehensive article—roughly 600 words—on LSU freshman Bella Hines, focusing on her NIL partnership with Jordan Brand, her bond with Coach Kim Mulkey, and more:


From New Mexico to Baton Rouge: The Rise of Bella Hines

Growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bella Hines didn’t pick up basketball until around sixth grade—preferring to avoid softball. A standout debut saw her pour in 28 points, launching what would become an extraordinary high school career and earning her the No. 23 rank in the 2025 class according to 247Sports). She finished with more than 3,000 career points, becoming one of the top scorers in New Mexico history


Signing with Jordan Brand: A Historic Deal

Hines made headlines off the court too—during her junior year, NIL offers flooded in from major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. But one stood above the rest: Jordan Brand. In November 2024, she became the first active high school athlete to sign with Jordan Brand—a landmark move in NIL history

She credits her connection here to Jasmine M. Jordan, who guided her through the process and emphasized the human over the purely athletic. “They care more about you as a person than as a player… very family‑oriented,” Hines said. Though Jasmine has stepped back from active NIL dealings, they still speak regularl

A visible symbol of her new role, Hines attended the WNBA All-Star game as part of the Jordan Brand family, posting photos with other sponsored athletes—including future LSU teammate Mikaylah Williams—and participating in interviews aimed at inspiring younger girls


Building the Bond: Hines and Coach Kim Mulkey

When choosing a college, Hines had several offers from high-profile programs. Yet LSU stood out from the moment she visited. She and her family shared a meal with Kim Mulkey and the coaching staff. Hines recalls how Mulkey made her feel at home—“cracking jokes the whole time… making us feel so welcomed”—and Coach Mulkey’s energy stood out immediately).

Their connection was put on full display via a viral TikTok during her campus visit where she and Mulkey performed “the gritty,” a playful moment captured and shared online. Hines admired Mulkey’s big personality, which matches her own, and appreciated the passion she brings to coaching.

Hines also praised Mulkey’s assistant coach, Gary Redus, calling him “super cool, super supportive”—one of her biggest hype men and a key influence in her decision to commit.


On-Court Ambition and Playing Style

Hines brings elite scoring to LSU—she averaged nearly a 3,000-point high school career—but she’s also committed to defense. “Shooting ability is something a lot of teams need… and defense keeps you on the floor,” she said, adding that she loves taking charges and is willing to sacrifice her body for the team’s benefit.

She idolizes Kobe Bryant’s killer mindset and hopes to model aspects of her game on Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers—two of the NCAA’s most dynamic young players . Beyond individual accolades, her ultimate goals are to win a national championship, learn from upperclass teammates, and use her platform to uplift youth in New Mexico


Looking Ahead: What LSU and Jordan Brand Mean to Hines

For Hines, LSU isn’t just a team—it’s a community. Joining a program co-led by Angel Reese, Divine Bourrage, Grace Knox, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Jada Richard—some of whom she already knew—offers a welcoming space to learn and grow ). She referenced Jada Richard as someone who’s “taken her under her wing.”

At the same time, her affiliation with Jordan Brand gives her a blueprint for professional conduct and branding long before stepping foot on The Pavilion court in Baton Rouge. The brand’s emphasis on legacy, personal values, and community matches Hines’ own approach.


Summary

Bella Hines’ journey from a local rec center in New Mexico to signing a historic NIL deal and joining LSU under Kim Mulkey carries both promise and purpose. Her blend of scoring talent, full-court defensive hustle, and off-court maturity—guided by strong relationships with both LSU’s coaching family and Jordan Brand—point toward a freshman season with not only athletic impact but lasting influence. Hines isn’t just chasing championships—she’s positioning herself as a role model and a bridge from her hometown to the broader world of women’s basketball.

Let me know if you’d like more about her high school career, NIL specifics, or LSU program preview!

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