Kim Mulkey Can’t Dodge Shots from Critics as LSU Falls Into a Slump

When Kim Mulkey took the reins of the LSU women’s basketball program in 2021, she brought with her a legacy of success that was nothing short of remarkable. A three-time NCAA champion as the head coach at Baylor, Mulkey was viewed as the perfect candidate to elevate LSU’s program to new heights. The 2021-2022 season showed early promise with a strong start, and in her second season, the Tigers, led by Mulkey, found themselves as one of the top teams in the nation.

However, as the 2024 season has unfolded, LSU has encountered a rough patch. The team has fallen into a slump that has raised eyebrows, with fans and pundits alike questioning Mulkey’s ability to sustain success at LSU. While it’s easy to attribute the dip in performance to injuries, tough competition, and various other factors, there’s a growing chorus of critics who are wondering whether Mulkey can live up to the lofty expectations placed on her when she arrived in Baton Rouge.

The Rise of Kim Mulkey

Kim Mulkey’s ascent to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball is nothing short of legendary. Her coaching career at Baylor was marked by consistent success, including three national titles, multiple Big 12 titles, and a string of NCAA tournament appearances. Her style of play — fast-paced, aggressive, and disciplined — was a perfect fit for the talent she cultivated at Baylor. The program became a powerhouse under her guidance, and Mulkey’s reputation as one of the best coaches in women’s college basketball was solidified.

Her decision to leave Baylor and take over LSU’s program in 2021 was seen as a game-changer. LSU had a solid program but hadn’t been able to break through to the level of elite teams like UConn, South Carolina, or Stanford. Mulkey’s arrival immediately brought a new level of excitement and optimism to Baton Rouge. Her history of winning, paired with LSU’s competitive basketball culture, created a perfect storm for success.

In her first season, Mulkey led the Tigers to a solid finish, and in the second season, the expectations soared. With the influx of top-tier recruits, including the arrival of superstars like Angel Reese, the stage was set for LSU to not only compete for SEC titles but also to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The LSU Slump

Despite the early promise, LSU’s 2024 season has taken a surprising downturn. The team has faced several tough losses, both in SEC play and in non-conference games, leaving them vulnerable in the rankings and at risk of missing out on key tournament opportunities. A few things have contributed to the team’s recent struggles, and the spotlight is now squarely on Kim Mulkey.

1. Injuries and Roster Changes

One of the main factors contributing to LSU’s recent slump is injuries. While no team is immune to the toll of injuries, the Tigers have been hit particularly hard in key areas. Players who were expected to be leaders on both ends of the floor have missed significant time, throwing off team chemistry and forcing Mulkey to adjust on the fly.

Angel Reese, a standout player and one of the team’s primary offensive weapons, has dealt with some nagging injuries that have limited her production. As a player who was expected to carry LSU through this season, Reese’s struggles have been a significant blow to the team. Her presence on the court is crucial for LSU’s success, and her absence or less-than-100% performance has forced Mulkey to look for alternative solutions.

Additionally, some of LSU’s depth has been tested, and the lack of consistent production from other players has made it difficult for the team to recover. While Mulkey is known for her ability to adapt and develop players, it’s clear that injuries have disrupted the team’s rhythm.

2. Tougher SEC Competition

The SEC has long been known for its competitiveness, and this season has been no different. Teams like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State have all proven to be formidable opponents, and LSU has found itself in tight battles throughout the conference schedule. South Carolina, in particular, has emerged as an even more dominant force under head coach Dawn Staley, making it increasingly difficult for any team, including LSU, to compete for the top spot in the conference.

LSU’s defense, which was one of its strongest points in previous seasons, has shown vulnerabilities this year. Opponents have capitalized on those weaknesses, making it difficult for LSU to string together consistent wins. In a conference as stacked as the SEC, even a slight dip in performance can lead to a series of losses that spiral into a slump.

3. Offensive Struggles and Lack of Consistency

In addition to defensive issues, LSU has also struggled with offensive consistency. The team, which was once lauded for its fast-paced and efficient offense, has become bogged down at times in its execution. Turnovers, poor shot selection, and inability to generate open looks have plagued LSU throughout the season. This has been especially evident in their losses to ranked teams, where the Tigers have failed to keep up in high-pressure situations.

Mulkey’s offense is designed to be dynamic, with the ball moving quickly and players working off each other. However, when key players are off or the team becomes too reliant on one individual, LSU has struggled to find the offensive rhythm that made them so dangerous in the past. In particular, the inconsistency in outside shooting and the lack of secondary scoring behind Angel Reese has led to a reliance on contested shots and difficult possessions.

4. Chemistry and Leadership Issues

Every successful team needs a strong leader on the floor, and LSU has been searching for that spark this season. While Reese is undeniably talented, the team has sometimes lacked a clear vocal leader to rally the players when things get tough. Mulkey’s leadership is vital, but there’s a growing sense that the team needs someone who can step up in key moments, especially in crunch-time situations.

This lack of leadership has been exacerbated by the team’s struggles with chemistry. The starting lineup has fluctuated, and players have been forced to adjust to different roles. When a team lacks consistency in its lineup and struggles to find its rhythm, it’s difficult to maintain the level of play needed to win consistently in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

Criticism of Kim Mulkey

While Mulkey has built an impressive legacy throughout her career, her tenure at LSU has not been without criticism. Some of the most vocal critics point to her inability to adapt to the changing landscape of women’s college basketball, particularly when it comes to adjusting strategies in real-time during games. Her reputation as a tough and demanding coach has always been one of her trademarks, but there’s a growing concern that her methods may not always be in sync with the evolving game.

1. Tactical Adjustments

One of the biggest criticisms of Mulkey’s coaching has been her tactical adjustments during games. While she is undoubtedly a strong motivator and strategist, some observers have noted that she can be slow to adapt to in-game situations, especially when LSU is struggling. Whether it’s failing to make adjustments to counter an opposing team’s defensive schemes or not utilizing her bench effectively, Mulkey’s in-game decision-making has been questioned in recent months.

LSU has a roster full of talented players, but critics argue that Mulkey’s reliance on a select few and her refusal to alter her game plan when things aren’t going well may be limiting the team’s potential. This has led to some losses that could have been avoided with better decision-making.

2. Recruiting Challenges

Another point of criticism revolves around recruiting. While LSU has certainly benefited from strong recruiting under Mulkey, some believe she has not capitalized on the full potential of the recruiting landscape. With programs like South Carolina and UConn consistently landing top-tier talent, LSU is in danger of falling behind in the arms race for elite recruits. The challenge for Mulkey is not only to win games but to continue to bring in the level of talent that will allow LSU to compete for national titles year in and year out.

3. Handling Criticism and Pressure

Mulkey’s fiery personality and competitive drive have always been her trademarks. But with that comes an increased level of scrutiny, especially when things aren’t going as planned. As LSU continues to struggle, the pressure on Mulkey mounts. The question on many people’s minds is whether she can handle that pressure and turn things around.

While Mulkey is undoubtedly a tough coach, the level of expectation that came with her arrival at LSU means that every misstep is magnified. Her ability to rally the team and make necessary adjustments in this difficult period will be a major factor in determining how long the current slump lasts.

The Road Ahead for Mulkey and LSU

While the current slump is concerning, it’s important to remember that Kim Mulkey has proven time and time again that she can bounce back from adversity. Her track record at Baylor speaks for itself, and there’s no doubt that she possesses the necessary tools to get LSU back on track.

In the immediate future, Mulkey will need to focus on rebuilding her team’s confidence and working on their weaknesses. Injuries must be addressed, offensive consistency needs to be restored, and leadership must emerge from within the team. LSU has the talent to compete with the best in the SEC, but it will take strong coaching and an unwavering commitment to improvement for them to get back to championship form.

As for Kim Mulkey, the road ahead is paved with challenges, but her career has shown time and again that she thrives under pressure. Whether she can silence the critics and return LSU to its rightful place at the top of women’s college basketball remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mulkey’s journey at LSU is far from over, and she will fight to ensure that the Tigers once again reach the pinnacle of success.