March 11, 2002
Head women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson sat down Monday mporning and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.
For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.
Eric (new Orleans): Kim, congrats on your success at Baylor. I wanted to ask a question that you have heard 1 million times - Why Baylor and NOT La. Tech when you had a shot to coach at one of the premier women's programs AND your alma mater? Thanks and good luck! When do the pigtails come back????
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks. It's no secret I left Louisiana Tech because they wouldn't give me a five-year contract.
Kevin (Waco): Hey Coach Mulkey. I have really enjoyed watching this team this year! As a freshman this year at Baylor, I wanted to know what you are doing to plan for the future. Sheila and Danielle are great to watch, but after this year, who are some players that you think will make an impact next year? And also, what plans are you making for a possible run at the Final Four? Thanks for the great job you do and I hope to see you and the Lady Bears in the Final Four.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: If you've been at the games, you've noticed Steffanie Blackmon, Jordan Davis, Lauren Selmon, Stasha Richards, Jessika Stratton, Chanelle Fox. I think those are quality players. We will certainly miss Danielle and Sheila, but the cupboard won't be bare. If we add a few recruits to the mix, we will be competitive. Maybe not at the level we are right now.
Chuck Allen: We are totally thrilled that you are our coach! Congratulations on your many achievements. Though involved with this wonderful team of 2001-2...we can't help but wonder if the graduation of these four 'super Seniors' will really knock your program down for a year or so. Can you give us any real hint as to what you expect the change to be? 20% less as good? 30%? A different type team without Sheila's "Iverson-type" quickness, etc, but almost as good?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Enjoy the moment. You never thought we'd be at this level so quickly. Certainly we are going to take our knocks. Programs aren,'t built in two years. It takes years with obstacles along the way.
Danny from Waco: How high in the WNBA Draft do you see Lambert & Crockrom. And do you feel like your program will be as good with out them next year.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I think Lambert and Crockrom will be in the first round for sure. I've been told Lambert in the top 3 and Crockrom in the top 10.
John (Katy, TX): Thanks for the fanatastic job you've done in your first two years at BU. I know this question is premature since we still have more exciting post season action to enjoy this year, but looking forward to next year, how do you feel about our ability to "re-tool" after all of this year's talented seniors have moved on?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We're going to take our knocks, when you lose two all-Americans, you expect that. We certainly will compete.
G.S. (Waco): Hi Kim - I was just curious, does your young daughter have any of your basketball talents? Is she a future Lady Bear? What is your advice for someone with a young daughter and wants to pursue playing basketball?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks for asking about my daughter. She does have talent. As all parents should be, we're proud of our children. God has blessed me with two athletic children who love the game. Both have talent, and ask me in a few years if I think they can play in college. If I had to answer today, I would say they do definitely possess the ability, but it may be more fair for you to ask someone else who has watched them.
Scott Coates: Congratulations on a great season!!!!!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks Scott. Hope Tammy, Katie, and Kennedy are taking good care of you. Send those girls to camp this summer!
Kim, Sacramento: Congrats on a great season coach and good luck in the tournament. How do you think Danielle and Sheila will fair in the WNBA? What areas will they need to improve in?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I think they will fare just fine. They will both improve with better talent around them.
the colony: hey coach, my name is Casie Adams, i went to your camp this summer. maybe u may know me casue i got the most offensive player award for the younger group. i was watching your game against texas tech. that was a really good game. tell sasha that she played good just tell her it is the girl that they always got the wings for. she might member me. i will be watching your game on saturday. GOOD LUCK
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I will be sure to give Stasha your message. Hope to see you at camp again.
Kim, Sacramento: There will be a number of very talented seniors moving on this year, can you talk about what you think the Big 12 will look like next season?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We do lose a tremendous amount of talented seniors in the Big 12. But it sure has been fun watching them this year.
Coach Carmen, Seattle: Hi Coach Kim, this is Sheila's H S coach! We Baylor Bear fans here in Seattle need your help in bringing Sheila home after graduation. Call Storm Coach Lin Dunn help remind her why Sheila should be #1. It's time for Sheila to come home!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Hey Coach - I don't control that. I have a hard enough time controlling my own program. (ha) Hope you're doing well. Stay in touch.
hillsboro tx: I just actually believe that Shila Lambert is the best player that I ave ever seen play. She is the next best thing coming to the WNBA. She is my roll modle and she has been my inspration. I love watching her play.Coach Mulky-Robertson is the best coach I have ever seen coach.She takes her time out with her lady bears and she is great at waht she does.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thank you. I'll pass that along to Sheila.
Waco: After watching several baylor games, it seems to me that the other teams' strategy is to clog the middle, which has been somewhat successful in slowing both Crockrom's inside game and Lambert's ability to drive the lane. Wondering If there are any plans to take more outside shot's to open things up and if so who might fill that role? Jordan Davis?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: If you watched the Iowa State game, I think you saw more perimeter shooting. Jordan Davis has been lighting it up lately.
Billy Townsend (Fayetteville, AR): I was a feashman and sophomore in college when you were also at La. Tech. I vividly remember La. Tech's VERY heated rivalry with Northeast La. University (now known as ULM). Do you have any special memories of that rivalry? For instance, I remember a great comparison being made between you and Northeast's point guard, Eung Jung Lee, from Seoul, South Korea. Thanks.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I have many fond memories from that rivalry and from Louisiana Tech.
Pineville: Kim, congrats on a great year. I hope that your team does well. The question... what did you think of La. Tech not hosting a subregional with 4 losses when 2 hosting teams had 11 losses?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: None of us will ever figure out what the committee looks at. All I have time to worry about now is Baylor University.
Scott (Waco): Coach, congrats on a great season, it has been a pleasure to watch. It looks to me like Baylor has one of the easier regional, we couldn't play UConn untill the championship (if any of them can be called such). If Baylor were to make it to the regional final who would you prefer to play--Duke, Texas (for a 3rd time), or L. Tech (your old school). --Here's to winning 6 straight!!!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We've got to get there first. Our only concern at this point is Bucknell. When you reach the regional finals, it doesn't matter who you play, because you know they're gonna be good.
Dana, Alabama: Thanks for what you have done for Baylor! I am a Baylor grad and listen over the internet to all the games. What has been the key to turning the team around?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thanks. Good players make coaches look good.
Austin: Coach, currently only 2 players have been signed for the upcoming season. Are there still players that are being recruited to sign in the spring or is this year's recruiting class complete. Congrats on a great season to date.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Recruiting is a never-ending job.
Andrew (Waco): What is the status of Chanelle Fox for the NCAA Tournament?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: She is out for the year.
Tracy (Houston): First, as a Baylor alumna, let me say, "THANKS to you and your team for putting Baylor in the national limelight." My question is: How has your experience as both a player and a coach participating in the final four helped you and the team?. Specifically, how have you been able to prepare the players for what they'll face in the tournament?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: It's difficult for me to answer that, the players might be able to tell you better. I coach from my heart. Motivation at this stage comes from the fact that we have an opportunity to do something that's never been done at Baylor.
Karen (Houston): Congratulations on a great season! I know this is looking ahead BUT you keep talking about building a program or a tradition at Baylor. When will you and your staff turn your thoughts to recruiting and how will you go about finding those top high-school prospects? Is there any particular region or program with which you and your staff have a good connection?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Our thoughts never leave recruiting.
Ginger (Columbia SC): Great season, Coach. Congratulations. Your intro says that the Big 12 is "the nation's top women's basketball conference." No ifs, ands or buts? Those of us in Southeastern Conference towns like to think we could at least SHARE that title...and the RPI seems to support our claim. Comments?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: The SEC and Big 12 have the right to battle this issue.
Sternvogel (Lafayette, IN): If you could have "drafted" one player from any Big 12 team's roster (except Oklahoma's) for the conference tournament championship game, whom would you have selected and why?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Great question. I'd have to have more than right now to answer that, the thought process would take several days, becaues there are 3-4 that come to mind.
Raj (austin): Coach, I am a 1998 Bucknell grad, as you know its our first-time in the tournament, so be nice! Just Kidding, seriously, how do you prepare for a team that you've never seen play??
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Film. We watch lots of film.
Mike (Dallas): Thanks for a great season. I've got my Final 4 tickets and can't wait to see the team take the floor. Have you put in some motion plays for taking the ball out under our basket?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Sounds like you need to be a coach. We have lots of in-bounds plays under the goal. If you're referring to all the steals Oklahoma made against us in the championship, I would say it wasn't the plays as much as it was their defense. The story of the night in that game was turnovers.
Linda Gassaway, Waco, TX: Do I recall correctly that this team's appearance at the NCAA last year was at Duke? That looks like where your team will be heading after hosting the first two rounds here in Waco. What advantage does that present to the Lady Bears in terms of venue and potential opponents? Go Bears!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We're heading to the same part of the country, but not at Duke. We would be headed to Raleigh, N.C., and we didn't play Duke last year, we lost to Arkansas.
Nancy Klein (Dallas): Assuming the bracket in your region stayed true to form and had your Bears playing Duke, isn't it a little unfortunate that the game would be played in Raleigh, NC (Duke's backyard?)
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: At least it's not on their home court like it would have been if we'd been sent to Ames, Iowa again. The women's game is still growing, and neutral courts will happen in the future. Right now, this is the way it is.
Judd, Waco: Kim, What changes must be improved upon or totally changed in order for this team to overcome Oklahoma and the other #1's?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We feel that we are playing good basketball, and right now, we're not worried about No. 1 seeds. We're more concerned about subregional teams. It's a one-game season at this point, and anything is possible.
Sherry Miller (Indianapolis): Coach, congratulations on a great season. All year you have gotten great production from Lambert, Crockrom, and Blackmon. That said, who would you expect to step up in the tournament and provide that extra spark that was definitely missing in the Big 12 Championship game? (It seemed as if you were one player short.)
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Having lost Chanelle Fox to a knee injury two weeks ago hurt us, especially on the defensive end of the floor. I thought we had matchup problems in the championship game. As bad as we looked in that game, give Oklahoma credit. I still say we are playing very good basketball and ran into a team that was playing even better. Hopefully you had a chance to see our two games prior to Oklahoma to see what I'm talking about.
Katy Cross / Plano: Thanks for a great season! Two questions: 1)How will you and your staff prepare this week, especially not having as much information- game film, scouting reports, tendencies, etc. (I would assume) on teams like Bucknell, Drake, or Syracuse? And 2) I would think this style of not having a whole lot of information and just rolling the ball out there and letting the girls play would benefit a great transition team like yours - do you agree?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We'll never just roll the ball out there. We are working in the film room and will be getting as much information as possible as soon as possible,
Erin Davis (Highland Park): I would have to think that making the NCAA tournament was a goal when you started out this season. But was hosting a regional a goal as well, or is that just icing on the cake? Thanks for a great year!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: The NCAA Tournament was a goal, and as we progressed through the season, we realized the possibility of hosting. Yes, it is icing on the cake.
Tiana Coles - Dallas: You played Arkansas in the first game of the tournament last year and lost. Outside of that, this team has no real tournament experience. Anything you think will be different this year?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I feel like last year can be considered tournament experience, and that playing in the Big 12 has a tournament-like atmosphere that will help, especially the Big 12 Tournament.
Sue/Durham: Kim, It looks like you'll be returning to North Carolina this year. Your team has come a long way since facing the Blue Devils in Durham last year. This year, we'll both have to win both games at home before advancing to the Regionals in Raleigh, but I expect to see you there! My question: will your daughter be coming with you, and does she still have the trademark "Mulkey braids"?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We didn't play the Blue Devils last year. The subregional is all we're thinking about right now. Should we make it to North Carolina, my entire family will attend. Yes, she still wears the braids.
Dartos, Waco: Congratulations Coach! Thanks for helping to bring the excitement of Womens Basketball to Waco Tx. Your team has me hooked, I am passing up going to Dallas to see the mens NCAA tournament, to stay and see Baylor Friday. I never thought I would do that! Tell us what it means to not have Chanelle Fox in your line up at this time of the year. It seems like you could have really used her defensive skills yesterday against OU.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: No question, we're hurting on the defensive end without Chanelle.
J in Waco: Coach Kim: Will Bucknell, Syracuse, or Drake present any different styles of play that we usually don't see in the Big 12?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I'm not sure, because we see almost every style of play in the Big 12.
john merritt-monroe,la: kim, congratulations on a great season..i saw u guys all wekend in the tournament..u looked great...good luck and hope to see u in san antonio
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: John - We're just trying to keep up with you, man. Congrats on that state championship. Stay in touch.
Cindy: Coach, Congratulations on a terrific season so far. We all know about Lambert and Crockrom and how the team depends on them. It appears for Baylor to really make it to that next level it will require strong games fromt he other players. Is there another player on the team that you feel must step it up to get us there. Thanks and good luck in San Antonio!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Right now I feel like many are stepping up. If you saw the Iowa State game in the tournament, Lambert and Crockrom were on the bench in the first half with fouls. Stasha Richards, Jordan Davis, Jessika Stratton and Steffanie Blackmon all stepped up. They are playing very confident.
Amanda (Lufkin,TX): Coach - I played for Baylor in the early 90's and everything was such a struggle. I am so proud of what you have done in the past 2 seasons. My husband and I are Baylor lettermen and we are going to try and make the games this weekend and talk some of our former teammates to join us. Sic em Bears
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thank you - we are cognizant of the past, and hope we make you proud in the future.
Jamie: Who do you see as our biggest competition in the east regional bracket?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: All of the teams are our biggest competition. Right now, the biggest one is Bucknell.
Kristi (Houston,Tx): Coach Mulkey Robertson-how do you think Baylor matches up with Bucknell?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Too early to know. Still looking at film and scouting reports.
Don (Dallas): Great season coach! I would ask that all people in the central texas area come out and support our Lady Bears!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I couldn't agree with you more. It's a great opportunity to showcase the support from people in the central Texas area.
Cindy: When it comes to recruiting for next year, are you focusing on high school players or do you have your eye on a JC player or two who can come in and help fill the void created by our departing seniors?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We are looking at both high school and junior college kids.
Ken Brown, Dallas: Sheri Coale's "pregame" pep talk before they played us for the tourney crown was "Go out there and play togather as one and have fun". What was your pregame peptalk?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Pregame talks, I feel, should stay in the locker room.
Waco: What is the main area that your team will be addressing before this weekend?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: The turnovers we had against Oklahoma must be addressed. If we are to go far in the playoffs, we can't turn the ball over that much.
Ken Brown (Highland Park): How big would you think the crowds in Waco will be this week-end?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I hope it will be a good turnout.
Kristin Barton (Missouri): Congratulations on all of your accomplishments at BU. As a former Lady Bear it is so exciting to see the program in the national spotlight. Keep up the good work!
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thank you, and I hope we make you proud.
Joyce, Baton Rouge: Kim, Not only are you a great coach, but YOU look gorgeois on TV! I was so happy to see McKenzie and Kramer at the game. Congratulations - Baylor is fortunate to have you there.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thank you. Makenzie and Kramer are growing up so fast. I am so lucky that they love sports. We enjoy the games together.
Gary (Waco): Growing up in Shreveport I followed your career at LA Tech. My wife attended a Tech camp that you helped out at when you were a player. When you were hired by Baylor, I told everyone I knew that they had no idea what a giant leap the Lady Bears had made towards a top quality, nationally ranked program. I never imagined that you would prove me right in such a short period of time. The manner in which you handle and motivate players, manage a game, always seem to call time outs or substitute playters at just the right time, and work the officials just right, is amazing. Looks like Leon Barmore taught you well. How many National Championships did you win as a player at LA Tech? How many did Tech win while you were a member of the coaching staff? How many times were you named 1st time All-American?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: We won 2 national championships while I was a player and participated in four Final Fours. We won one national title while I was a member of the coaching staff. I never made any Kodak All-America teams, but I was surrounded by many. I was only a two-time Academic All-American.
Mike (Dallas): As I watch Stephanie around the basket, she seems to have soft hands and a great sense of where she is relative to the basket. What kind of scoring would you expect from her in the future?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Steffanie is having a great impact on our team.
Cindy: When you arrived at Baylor, how close was Daniele to giving up the game? Did you have to convince her to return?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: No, i did not have to convince Danielle to return. When I accepted the job, she was at the first team meeting with the rest of the girls. I've never had to address the issue with her.
David: Who is your point guard for next season? Do you see using Hamerly and Sords at post and starting Steffanie Blackmon at Danielle's position?
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I choose not to answer that at this moment. We have quality players returning who will all vie for positions.
Holden: Coach, how do you keep your team focused on the subregionals right now, or specifically on Bucknell, when everyone around them is talking about San Antonio? Keeping focused during the Big 12 tournament seems easier since the players know the teams are legit, however, with Bucknell you have a school that many have never heard of.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Our program is not talking about San Antonio. Are you kidding? Hosting a subregional is a first for our program, and that's all we're focused on at this point. Bucknell is our first opponent, and we will look no further at this time.
Hartford: Do you think that anybody can beat Connecticut? I have watched your team play, you have a solid squad. I am just wondering if anyone out there can really touch UConn
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: I can tell you, none of us wanted to see our name in the same bracket with UConn. They are awesome.
Judy Nelson Belton: Congrats Kim!!! It's been fun going on the ride with you this year. You've done a great job! Good Luck the rest of the way.
Sherrie Marshall: I am a Tech Alumni, and I just wanted to say that I loved watching you play, coach and grow. I think that you are doing a great job, and I wish you very much success. I am still partial to the Techesters. I live in St Louis now, and there is no aspiring top 10 team that I would like to follow around here. I hope you and your family love your new success. Sherrie Marshall Louisiana Tech Alumni 1996
BUbacker (Houston): Good luck coach. We are behind you 100%.
john merritt: congrats on a great season..hope to see u in san antonio
john(monroe): congrats on a great season....i enjoyed watching u all year...hope to see u in the final four....u have done a great season
Scott Davidsen (Waco): I have really enjoyed working as an usher/greeter at all the Lady Bears games at the Ferrell Center this season, and watching Baylor win 14 of their 15 games too! Good luck in your preparations for the NCAA Tournament, and I am eagerly looking forward to Friday night!
Cindy (Belton, TX): Just wanted to thank you for bringing such exciting basketball to Baylor. I've been watching Baylor play for four years and it has been really fun to watch these kids improve. You are a great coach. I can't wait to see how far we can go. Congrats on a great season!!
Ken Brown, Dallas: Coach Carmen from seattle - THANK YOU FOR SHEILA!!! and thanks to you Coach KMR for getting her here!
Phyllis Gamble - Waco: Coach, here's my vote for Big 12 Coach of the Year! Sic Em Bears!
Mike (Stafford): I used to take my daughters (Baylor grads today) to UConn games when there were 400 people in the stands. Geno made women's hoop huge in Connecticut and we are all thrilled to see you doing the same at BU! Thanks.
Kim Mulkey-Robertson: Thank you all for your interest and support. Sic 'em Bears!
