Kim Mulkey’s critique of Caitlin Clark may be challenging to decipher at times, but her implied criticism was evident. She pointedly highlighted the dissimilarity in playing styles between LSU and Iowa.
In their recent victory against the Texas A&M Aggies, LSU extended their record to 16-1, with all five starters scoring in double digits. Aneesah Morrow and Angel Reese both contributed over 20 points, emphasizing the consistent excellence of Mulkey’s team. The LSU women’s basketball roster boasts considerable talent, with Hailey Van Lith, Reese, and Morrow standing out as superstars, and Flau’jae Johnson poised for superstardom.
Mulkey emphasized her team’s efficiency in postgame discussions, urging them to be discerning and intelligent in shot selection. The coach particularly highlighted the importance of ball distribution and shared success, underscoring the cohesion within her program.
Although Mulkey didn’t explicitly mention Caitlin Clark, her comments were far from subtle. She took a swipe at programs heavily reliant on a single player, with Iowa serving as an example.
However, if Mulkey intended her remarks for Clark, they may have missed the mark. Clark, a future No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick, undeniably plays a pivotal role for the Hawkeyes. Yet, the team’s dependence on her has proven successful, as reflected in Clark’s impressive statistics – leading the nation in attempts per game, a 48% shooting accuracy, and ranking seventh in assists. Notably, Iowa as a team ranks seventh nationally in assists, surpassing LSU’s 26th position.
It’s worth noting that Mulkey and the Tigers triumphed over Clark and the Hawkeyes in the national championship last year. The prospect of a rematch adds an intriguing dimension, especially following Mulkey’s apparent jab on Thursday night.