LSU postgame press conference: Kim Mulkey and Tigers address loss, Duke March Madness win

[0:00] if you could please give us your synopsis nope all righty there we have [0:06] it we're gonna start with questions for the student-athletes please right here [0:10] we've got our first question okay that's okay question for student-athletes up [0:19] front and again please identify by name and media outlet Marcus D Smith USA [0:25] Today Sports Malaysia you came off the bench today you scored a career-high 28 [0:30] points I know comes in a loss so you'd rather have the win but just kind of [0:36] what took it to you to kind of help get the team going after kind of the lull in [0:40] the start and kind of get to anywhere you want on the basket especially on the [0:45] floor especially getting to the cup yeah definitely I think my main focus is just [0:48] coming in and just trying to do anything to help my team win or stay in the game [0:52] and I think I was finding the right spots and it kind of helped me Michael [1:01] Cobble WBRZ TV in Baton Rouge Mikayla just the emotions of that game to fight [1:06] back I think you guys closed on a 12-1 run you know look like you're gonna lock [1:10] it up there and then you're gonna go home and you're gonna go home and you're [1:10] just see that ball going around the rim as often as it did just kind of take me [1:14] through that final minute of play there in your mind the final minute of play [1:22] you're talking about like the buzzer-beater oh yeah um I mean at that [1:32] point in time we couldn't we couldn't afford to go back and forth with them we [1:35] couldn't get a stop at that point in time we didn't get those key rebounds [1:40] that we needed and that kind of put us in that situation that we were in in the [1:44] first place so I guess we got to go back to the drawing board and figure some [1:48] more questions and then I think we'll get back to you guys in just a few minutes [1:55] so Mark Haynes Sacramento Observer just immediately after you know the game [2:00] ended the shot went down what was kind of your silly question but emotions at [2:11] that moment frustration as a competitor obviously nobody wants to lose [2:16] especially like that and then knowing that there was a lot of things that was [2:21] us that had us in that position and then frustration for myself knowing that I'm [2:26] My junior year, not making it to the final four. [2:34] Just mentioned too early on, Mikayla, [2:35] about not getting key rebounds. [2:39] The Duke Blue Devils did pull down 21 offensive rebounds. [2:43] What was going on with that and how they [2:46] were able to focus on that end? [2:53] They just grabbed it at the important times. [2:57] We couldn't get it when it mattered. [2:59] So yeah. [3:02] Question in the back corner. [3:05] Ramsey Berker, Sactown Sports 1140, [3:07] for both Mikayla and Malaysia. [3:09] What were you two ladies seeing with, [3:12] it seemed like there was a ease of getting into the paint [3:15] and getting almost anything you wanted at the rim tonight. [3:17] What was bringing that success and what were you two ladies [3:20] seeing that was making it successful for you [3:22] to get the basket tonight? [3:26] For me, just seeing open lanes. [3:29] Yeah, same. [3:32] Question on the back. [3:34] For both of you, but we can start with Mikayla, [3:35] if you will. [3:36] Just how will you remember this year? [3:37] And then, obviously, both of you guys will be back next season. [3:41] What do you want to take from this pushing into next season? [3:49] The same thing. [3:49] I've said for two years. [3:51] Remember this feeling, get better, [3:53] and hopefully make it back here next year [3:55] and get over this hump. [3:59] Probably just how hard we fought. [4:02] But not only in the games, like in practice every day. [4:05] I feel like everyone showed up and that wasn't easy. [4:08] And I think next year will be different. [4:10] And I'm excited to see what next year brings. [4:13] Any other questions for the students? [4:17] One more. [4:18] One final one here. [4:21] Both of you, again, we can start with Leigh this time. [4:24] What have you said to Flage? [4:25] Obviously, this is going to be the end of her LSU season. [4:28] And what has it been like playing with her? [4:31] Oh, I haven't got to talk to her yet. [4:33] But it was amazing playing with her. [4:35] She's a great player. [4:36] She's a great person. [4:37] And she had an amazing four years here. [4:39] So to see it end like this, I mean, [4:41] it's not the way I'm pretty sure she wanted it to go. [4:44] But she should be proud of what she accomplished. [4:48] Yeah, to piggyback off what Leigh said, [4:52] obviously, that's not how she wanted [4:54] to end her senior year in her career here at LSU. [4:57] But the conversation we had was for her [5:00] to remember this feeling and carry it over to the next year. [5:03] Go to the next level. [5:04] Go to the next level and be that same person, [5:07] that same hard worker that she is, and hoop. [5:13] Thank you both for your time. [5:27] And we'll open it up to questions for Coach. [5:30] Start right here, and then we'll work our way over here. [5:36] Hey, Coach, Sabrina Merchant, The Athletic. [5:38] To follow up on that, on your left, hi. [5:42] I'm wondering what you think Flage [5:44] has meant to this program over the last four years, [5:45] and just what it feels like to know that this is the last time [5:48] you're going to be coaching her. [5:52] I think I've expressed it numerous times. [5:54] What Flage has meant to our program. [5:57] So I would be repeating all the things I've said before. [6:02] She was the first McDonald's we signed at LSU [6:05] before we ever won a championship. [6:07] She got a championship her freshman year. [6:09] She was freshman of the year in the SEC. [6:14] She has two careers that she's doing every day of her life. [6:17] Wakes up at 5 o'clock. [6:20] She spent four years at the same institution. [6:23] The list goes on. [6:25] And so much appreciation to her for being who she is. [6:33] She has a joyous spirit about her. [6:36] And she helped us win many ball games. [6:39] And she also won a championship. [6:45] Question in the center. [6:46] Troy Allen with the Reveille. [6:47] Coach, Malaysia Fawali had 18 in the first half [6:50] and finished with 28. [6:51] What did you see from her tonight? [6:52] What she does, she just has spectacular moves and quickness. [6:58] And she did the same thing against Duke last time. [7:04] She's just hard to guard. [7:05] And she gave us a spark when we just started real lethargic [7:13] for whatever reason. [7:15] We didn't play with a sense of urgency or energy [7:20] until it was about five minutes to go in the game. [7:23] And we were down eight. [7:24] And then we turned it up. [7:25] And so I asked myself as a coach, why did we not start? [7:30] Like that. [7:32] And so you just kind of think as a coach, what made us like that? [7:39] I would say certain things the defense and the opponent does. [7:43] But your energy and your just excitement [7:49] is not something that the other team keeps you from doing. [7:54] We got back in the game doing what we normally do. [7:59] Right here, and then we'll come down to the front. [8:02] Reed Darcy. [8:03] Reed Darcy with the Advocate. [8:04] Coach, what went through your head? [8:06] What were you feeling? [8:07] How did Shaw drop through the net right at the end there? [8:12] I've been doing this a long time. [8:13] I lost a national championship with 7 tenths of a second to go. [8:18] So I've been in those situations before. [8:20] And I feel the same. [8:22] It's heartbreaking for your team. [8:24] It's heartbreaking for your players and fans. [8:29] But I've been around a long time. [8:31] I've seen endings like that. [8:32] I've been a part of those endings. [8:37] Takes a while to get over it. [8:39] But you go in a locker room, and you hug their necks. [8:43] And you tell them what a wonderful year we had. [8:46] And you put yourself in a position to win the game. [8:51] You put yourself in a position to win the game. [8:53] And a crazy shot like that beat you. [8:57] But rebounding and second chance points really beat you. [9:04] I think 19 points they got off second chance. [9:07] We couldn't grab a rebound. [9:09] And you look at the stats, and we [9:10] have the same number of rebounds. [9:11] But that's misleading. [9:13] We just couldn't get three stops in a row. [9:16] We couldn't rebound the ball so that we could take [9:18] off in transition. [9:21] And it was kind of like we were moving in mud. [9:29] But we did fight to the bitter end [9:32] and put ourselves still in a position to win. [9:36] Question up front. [9:38] Hey, Coach. [9:39] Doug Feinberg, the AP. [9:40] On that last play, were you expecting [9:42] them to shoot that three? [9:43] I know it was going through your mind defensively. [9:44] What was the plan? [9:45] No. [9:45] I thought they were going to get it to the big girl [9:48] on the lob or something. [9:50] But no, I have to go back and look at it. [9:54] I think overran it. [9:57] And took one little, I think the girl, Jackson [10:01] may or may not have given her a fake or what, I don't know. [10:05] And she just got a good look at it. [10:07] And you can't do that. [10:08] You got to make sure they make a shot over your extended hands [10:12] right there. [10:15] I wouldn't say it was like some spectacular play drawn up [10:18] where we got burned. [10:22] I think overran it. [10:23] But again, I'd have to look at it again. [10:26] But it seems like that's what I remember. [10:27] And came back. [10:29] And she. [10:30] I don't know if she gave her a little jab or something. [10:33] And just got a look at it. [10:37] Back in the court. [10:37] Ramsey Barker, Sactown Sports 1140. [10:39] I know you said it was misleading with the rebounds [10:41] even though they were tied. [10:43] Total turnovers were tied. [10:45] Points off of turnovers were tied. [10:47] Shooting percentages were, or shoot shots made, [10:50] were very similar. [10:51] Outside of, as you said, the second chance points [10:54] and the rebounds, where do you see [10:56] some of the slight differences in the game [10:59] that led to the result? [11:00] Oh, I thought it was the way we started. [11:02] The game. [11:06] We couldn't just grab. [11:07] We couldn't get three defensive stops in a row. [11:11] We call that kill. [11:12] We had one kill all night. [11:15] And they were able to get some second chance points even [11:22] to the end. [11:24] You know, there was that long rebound. [11:26] We get that, we're going to win the ball game. [11:28] And we couldn't get that one. [11:30] Just little things like that that we just couldn't [11:36] get two possessions ahead. [11:38] We were always catching up. [11:41] Question in the back, then we'll come to the front. [11:43] Kim, just yesterday you said that this team [11:45] was a pleasure to coach. [11:46] You've got an incredible freshman class [11:48] and a couple of leaders sitting up there with you tonight. [11:50] I guess, what are you looking at in this team next season? [11:53] Well, you're looking at a team that is very talented, [11:59] a team that freshmen got lots of minutes this year. [12:03] And you add a few to the mix and hope that we're back [12:11] in this position again. [12:12] That's what I hope. [12:13] Question in the front, right here. [12:14] Michael Volpe, ESPN.com. [12:17] Please forgive me for having to ask you this. [12:19] I know you don't pay a lot of attention to social media. [12:20] During this game, somebody online claiming to be an LSU insider said you were retiring [12:21] when this season was ending. [12:22] Do you have any comment on that? [12:23] You are now explaining to me why my phone was blowing up with that same question. [12:24] And I said to this person, I'm not retiring. [12:25] Do I look that bad? [12:26] I'm not retiring. [12:27] I'm retiring. [12:28] I'm retiring. [12:29] I'm retiring. [12:30] I'm retiring. [12:31] I'm retiring. [12:32] I'm retiring. [12:33] I'm retiring. [12:34] I'm retiring. [12:35] I'm retiring. [12:36] I'm retiring. [12:37] I'm retiring. [12:38] I'm retiring. [12:39] I'm retiring. [12:41] I'm retiring. [12:42] I'm retiring. [12:43] I'm retiring. [12:44] Do I look that bad? [12:45] I'm not retiring. [12:47] I don't know where that came from. [12:51] I'm only 63 and I'm healthy with a few stints in my heart. [12:59] My doctor says I'm good to go. [13:02] I have no clue where that stuff comes from, guys. [13:06] I've never, ever told anybody that. [13:11] There are moments where you feel like, why am I doing this? [13:15] But Vopal, I don't get how people can just write crap on social media. [13:25] That has to make y'all feel really bad as journalists. [13:29] Do some of y'all write that crap on there? [13:32] Huh? [13:33] That has to make you feel terrible. [13:39] And you get away with it. [13:41] And people believe it. [13:44] My mother called, how's Kramer doing? [13:46] My son, I said, what are you talking about? [13:48] Well, he had his leg cut off in an accident today. [13:51] See, older people especially believe that stuff. [13:56] I'm not retiring. [13:58] I plan to hire two coaches quickly. [14:02] I plan to get in the portal and get two or three more players [14:06] and take a little time off, go see my grandchildren, [14:12] who actually flew in and got in late and didn't even see the game, [14:16] but I'll get to visit with them tonight in the hotel. [14:19] But there is no retiring. [14:22] I think that's used a lot in recruiting. [14:27] I think as we get older as coaches, they want to say, [14:30] well, how much longer is she going to be in the game? [14:32] I'm going to be in the game. [14:34] I'm going to be in the game. [14:34] I'm going to be in this game unless LSU fires me, okay, [14:39] until I can't put a product on that floor that's competitive [14:42] or my health fails me. [14:45] So I would appreciate all of you in here, whoever put that out, [14:49] if you know who they are, you need to stop it when you see it [14:53] because it's just a flat-out lie. [14:59] Question on the center. [15:04] Did I answer that in detail for you? [15:06] Do I need to say it again? [15:10] Coach Mulkey, [15:13] I hope you were around for a few more years to add so much game [15:17] to this women's basketball. [15:19] And on top of that, as far as journalism, [15:22] well, we have social media influencers and then we have journalists. [15:26] How many of you are social media influencers in here? [15:29] Probably half of the people in here, huh, to be honest. [15:34] I read an article today on me. [15:36] It was a very good article that someone sent me. [15:39] I've never interviewed with this person ever. [15:42] But this person obviously took a lot of articles through my years of coaching. [15:46] And she wrote something positive. [15:50] It was amazing. [15:51] It was a very good article. [15:54] But anyway, your question being what? [15:57] Yeah, well, Carol Lawson. [16:00] Of course, you all came from different paths and things like that. [16:04] She's really dear to this community, Sacramento, [16:06] because she spent some time here professionally playing and working as a broadcaster. [16:11] But I just want to get your thoughts about her and how she has built this Duke program. [16:17] Actually, I said this. [16:19] I said this. [16:19] I said this. [16:20] I said this to Kara before the game started. [16:23] Kara, you may not remember this, but I watched you in AAU and I wrote you a personal note [16:30] when I was an assistant at Louisiana Tech. [16:34] And she said, I absolutely remember it. [16:36] I was playing at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. [16:41] And I said, yes, you were. [16:43] So I've watched Kara for a long time as a player. [16:46] And then she went to Tennessee. [16:48] Then she's coached or she played in the Olympics. [16:50] And now she's going to be the Olympic coach. [16:52] So I have nothing but respect for what she has done. [16:59] I didn't like her, honestly, as a TV analyst, but I like her as a coach. [17:06] Fair enough? [17:08] Final question right here in the center. [17:11] Jacques Dussault, WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge. [17:13] You've won games like this. [17:15] You've lost games like this. [17:16] What's your message to the team? [17:18] You know, how do they move forward and what do they take with them in the offseason from a loss like this? [17:23] Well, you thank them. [17:24] You start with your seniors and you thank them for an unbelievable, [17:28] an unbelievable career, an unbelievable year. [17:32] When you invest in things, it's harder to accept. [17:38] And seniors have Flage with four years, Izzy with four years, and Amaya Joyner with one year. [17:45] You thank them because they invested in this program and they've won a lot of games. [17:56] You remind them that nothing I say is going to make them feel better in the moment [18:01] and that the sun will come up tomorrow. [18:05] And you're going to have wonderful memories from your time at LSU. [18:14] And then you go and you hug each one of them and you let them cry. [18:22] I think that's, I don't find that a bad thing. [18:27] If you don't cry, you're not really invested and you don't care. [18:32] And it's okay to cry. [18:34] And it's okay to hurt. [18:39] Each day gets better. [18:47] Coach, we want to thank you as well for your time this evening. [18:49] You got it. [18:50] I'm not retiring though, okay? [18:52] You heard it here. [18:53] It's official. [18:54] Y'all make sure you put that out there. [18:56] Not retiring.