LSU to unveil Seimone Augustus statue Jan. 15

The statue of LSU women's basketball legend Seimone Augustus will be unveiled outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 15, the school announced Thursday.

A native of Baton Rouge, Augustus helped led the Tigers to three straight Final Fours from 2001 to 2005 and earned two national player of the year honors as well as the Wooden Award and Honda Award, two of women's college basketball's highest awards, during her time with the team.

“Seimone came to LSU as one of the most heralded recruits in school history, and she left a legacy on our campus, our state, and the sport of basketball that will never fade," LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said in a release. “Seimone was a singular talent who inspired basketball players across the world and helped transform LSU’s Women’s Basketball team into a national powerhouse.

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"She will long be remembered as LSU’s greatest female student-athlete, and we are honored to recognize Seimone as one of the most iconic athletes to ever wear purple and gold.”

Augustus is the first female recipient of a statue on campus, and it will be perched alongside other LSU basketball greats "Pistol" Pete Maravich, Shaquille O'Neal and Bob Pettit.

After leading the Tigers to a 121-19 record during her four years, Augustus became the No. 1 pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, chosen by the Minnesota Lynx. She played 15 years, winning four championships.

She's won three gold medals with the United States Olympic Women's Basketball Team.

“Words can’t express the gratitude I feel in my heart,” said Augustus back in April. “To leave a timeless legacy of inspiration for generations to follow is a lifelong goal, and with this announcement, I am humbly honored. Representing Louisiana has always been and always will be a driving force in my continued pursuit to greatness.”

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.