Nov. 2, 2001
Head women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson sat down Thursday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.
For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.
Dean (DeSoto): You have brought great excitement back to women's basketball. With the achievements of last year, another off season of coaching your system, and the great recruiting class you've brought in, can you realistically project a top 3 or 4 finish in the Big 12 for this team? Who is your top recruit?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We did bring much excitement with our accomplishments last year, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're good enough to finish in the top 3 or 4 in the Big 12. Our league is extremely difficult, and the top programs have all of their returning players. I do, however, believe that we could finish in the top 6, like we did last year, and maybe a bit higher. Of course, barring injuries or any unforeseen circumstances, we will be very competitive. We have more depth this year than last year, which will help. Because of NCAA rules, we're not allowed to divulge who our top recruit is.
CMars: There is a woman athlete at Baylor that is a very good Basketball player and plays excellent defense, but plays another sports. What is your feel of a two sports athlete if they can hold there own in both sports? Would you give them a chance because it seems to be that guys can do both but girls can't.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I have no problem with two-sport athletes. There are very few that are able to do that in college, but I certainly welcome it if they are good enough.
CMars(Dallas): Do walk-on players get playing time if they can show you they can get the job done? Also do you have a backup if you loose your starting point guard?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: The bottom line is that you play to win. If a walkon is better than what you have recruited and can help you win a basketball game, then you play them. I have two very good point guards in Sheila Lambert and Nicole Collins.
Adam- Evansville, IN: Coach, Congrts on a great season last year. Do you feel that with so many great women's teams in the country, do you feel that the women's game and tornament will be met with the same enthusiasm as the men's is nationally? Good Luck this year, I wish I was still there to see you all play. You need to schedule a game in Indiana.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks. We've made great strides nationally in the women's game. I don't compare the women's game to the men's game. I think both are very entertaining, and the women's game will continue to grow. I hope some time in the future to schedule a game in Indiana, too.
David (Waco): My question is regarding the lineup at Post, with Brooke and the four Freshmen. Has anybody stepped solidly into the backup role yet during practice? As of now are there any plans to redshirt someone to help ease the number crunch at that position? And which girls in that group can play both 4 and 5? Thanks for all you've done. Can't wait to see what the future holds!!!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We have six post players that are fighting for playing time. I will, at times, play two 4's together. This will allow us more athleticism on the court. I will address the redshirt situation as we move further along. At this point, I don't anticipate anyone to be redshirted.
Big 12 Fan (Texas): Coach, we all know about the two great players the Bears have in Crockrum and Lambert. Can you tell us who the other starters are projected to be and how their talents will add to Baylor's team?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: It's too early to project starters. For the first time since I've been here, there is much competition in practice. We have more depth, which will allow more rest for Danielle and Sheila. Having only lost Monica Arnold and Michelle Neely, the experience the younger players received last year will be valuable.
NEW ORLEANS: COACH MULKEY-ROBERTSON: THANKS FOR MAKING BAYLOR A "HOUSE-HOLD" NAME NOW IN WOMEN'S ATHLETICS---YOUR BASKETBALL TEAM. HOW'S YOUR RECRUITING GOING. ANY COMMITMENTS? HIGHT SCHOOL? JC? BEST WISHES AND A NAT'L CHAMPIONSHIP TO YOU THIS YEAR. BILL, NEW ORLEANS
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks for the kind words. We're working very hard in recruiting. We hope to sign two players in November, and two late. It is against NCAA rules to talk about it until they sign on the dotted line.
catatamount Boone: Has the ladies game changed since your playing days even though it was not all that long ago ?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Yes, the game has changed. The players are much more athletic than years ago. The smaller ball, the three-point line and television exposure have really changed the game.
Jason(Waco): First off thanks for your taking your time to do this chat! Can you tell us a little about the incoming recruits and who you think has a chance to contribute a lot to this team this year? Also, who will start? Have you named the starters yet? Thanks!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I prefer not to talk about who I expect to help us early or starters. I will tell you about the freshmen. We have Melanie Hammerly, 6-5 post. We have Steffanie and Tiffanie Blackmon at post. We have Lauren Selmon as a 3 player, Jordan Davis as a 2 player, and Kelly Sords will be back from injury.
KAY WHITLEY (WEST, TEXAS): IS THE TEAM EXCITED ABOUT GOING TO PLAY IN THE TOURNAMENT IN HAWAII? I THINK IT WILL BE A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR THEM BOTH AS TOURISTS AND PLAYING WITH ALL THE DISTRACTIONS THAT HAWAII OFFERS. I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SUPER TIME IN HAWAII. WISH I COULD JOIN YOU.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Hawaii is a must-trip in our efforts to recruit top players. We certainly realize the distractions while we are there, and not many teams from the mainland go over there and win. We will do the best we can, and mix a little fun with work.
RO [Tyler]: Coach. Absolutely fantastic job you have done. What can we expect defensively in the paint this year? RO
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Not only do we need to get better in the paint defensively, we need to get better defensively period. I think fatigue played a factor late in some games, because we didn't have the depth to rest players. Hopefully, more depth will allow us to be a better defensive team late in ballgames.
RO [Tyler]: Every chat needs one person who gets the cart before the horse. So here goes. How is recruiting going this year. RO
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Recruiting is the lifeblood of all sports at the collegiate level. We hope to recruit better and better every year.
Delhi, Louisiana: Congratulations on a very successful first year at Baylor. I know that while you were pleased with last year, you have put that behind you and will work toward another great season. Good Luck and a special hello to your two youngest bears.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I know who you are... I wish you lived close enough to us to watch those young Bears grow up. They are doing well, and love following the team. And you are absolutely right: "If what you did yesterday still looks good to you today, then you haven't done much today."
Dave (Waco): Coach, Congrats on your team's successes. You have made Baylor very Proud. How do you like the atmosphere and the crowd at Baylor compared to other places you have played/coached, and how has that helped your players? Thanks and good luck
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I'm very proud of the fan turnout. We ended the season ranked 21st in the nation in fan attendance. I would love to see it get even better this year. Much is planned from the marketing dept. to see that that takes place. All coaches and players enjoy playing and coaching in front of a packed house.
DT (Texarkana): Hello Coach! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. My husband and I have really enjoyed dropping by and watching the Lady Bears practice this fall. We enjoyed last years season and are really looking forward to this one! You and your staff are doing and excellent job!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks for your comments, we enjoy having you at practice. You can continue to come to practice as long as you don't leave upset if I get on one of your favorite players.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks... Enjoyed it. Headed to the film room now!
