LSU WBB head coach Kim Mulkey speaks to the media for the first time since the Elite Eight loss against UCLA.
Mulkey said that although there are 8 new women on the team, she sees lots of talent and believes they will have fun this season. Although they’ve been together for a short time, she knows they have a common goal.
“I like their disposition,” Mulkey said. “They’re here to play basketball and to get an education. They almost all have a Flau’Jae joy to them. They’re all excited. They’re all happy. They’re all really focused on basketball and I’m excited about that.
With only two starters returning (Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams), Mulkey doesn’t view that as anything to worry about. Instead, it’s time to go to work and see how good the team can become.
“I don’t view that in any other way other than to go to work,” Mulkey said. “Let’s go to work. This is what you get paid to do and lets see how good we can become. You know the talent is there, but you know this is a different level and lets see how good we can become.”
Mulkey also talked about the transfer guard from South Carolina MiLaysia Fulwiley. Mulkey says she’s challenging her to play the point guard position, but she’s not taking away the idea of her playing the off guard position.
“She’s beaten me too many times for me not to have taken her into this program,” Mulkey said. “She’s a big shot. Big steal. Spectacular move. I’m going to challenge her to learn the point guard position, but I’m not going to take away her ability to play the off guard either. A lot of that will depend on how quickly she catches on what we need her to do as a point guard.”
“She’s fitting in well. Ballers want to play with ballers. She’s going to be fun to watch. Now the LSU fans get to cheer for her instead of booing her.”
With Mulkey being consistent with a run and score offense, Johnson, Williams and Fulwiley being on the same team could help improve the overall team production.
“On paper, it’s very obvious with those three players being the top players in the country on the same team. You should. We’re not going to walk it up. I don’t find that that wins championships. Those postal runs with those three, we’ll figure it out.”
Mulkey speaks on Johnson and what she’s looking for her to do in order for her to take it to the next level as a leader.
“Put it all together and just be grown. Don’t have any melting moments. Don’t have any baby moments. Don’t let a bad call affect you. Don’t let bad play affect you. This is it. This is your senior year and go out and enjoy yourself. Be a good leader.”
