Kim Mulkey knows how to win. The LSU coach has three national championships on her resume from her time at Baylor, and is the only person in college basketball history – men’s or women’s – to win titles as a head coach, assistant coach, and a player. She is also one of the most respected and influential figures in women’s basketball, earning praise from players, coaches, and fans alike.
One of those players is Angel Reese, who faced Mulkey’s LSU team in the Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA tournament. Reese, who had 21 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort, was impressed by what Mulkey has done with the Tigers in her first season.
Angel Reese: “I think LSU, by itself, has put women’s basketball on the map. We’ve grown women’s basketball for being who we are.” pic.twitter.com/qiPEQuraoE
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) April 1, 2023
“LSU has put women’s basketball on the map,” Reese said. “We’ve grown women’s basketball for being who we are, and I embrace that.”
Although Angel Reese did not mention Kim Mulkey by name, the head coach was a major factor in their success. Reese’s statement reflects the impact that Mulkey has had on LSU’s program and women’s basketball in general. Mulkey has transformed LSU from a struggling program that had not reached the Sweet 16 since 2014 into a title contender that finished second in the SEC regular season and tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2008.
She has also recruited some of the top players in the country, such as Hannah Gusters, Sarah Andrews, and Raven Johnson, who followed her from Baylor to LSU. She has instilled a winning culture and a high standard of excellence at LSU, which has translated into success on the court.
How Kim Mulkey transformed LSU’s fortunes?
Mulkey’s impact on LSU is not only evident in their record and ranking but also in their style of play and identity. Mulkey has implemented her trademark aggressive defense, which forces turnovers and disrupts opponents’ rhythm.
She has also emphasized rebounding, transition offense, and balanced scoring. LSU ranked second in the SEC in scoring defense (56.7 points per game), first in steals (11.9 per game), first in turnover margin (+6.4 per game), second in rebounding margin (+8.9 per game), and third in scoring offense (75.6 points per game).
LSU also showcased their depth and versatility throughout the season, as they had nine players average at least 10 minutes per game, and six players average at least eight points per game.
Mulkey also integrated her newcomers seamlessly into her system, as Gusters, Angel, and Andrews all made significant contributions as freshmen. Gusters, a 6-foot-5 center who was ranked as the No. 6 recruit in the nation by ESPN, averaged 10 points and 5.9 rebounds per game and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
This includes Angel who joined LSU in the 2022-23 season and has averaged 23.3 points and 2.2 assists per game, and Andrews, a 5-foot-7 guard who was ranked as the No. 7 recruit by ESPN, averaged 8.9 points and 2.6 assists per game and was also named to the SEC All-Freshman team.