“I know what Flau’jae Johnson’s gonna say, I know Aneesah Morrow”: Kim Mulkey explains her choice of LSU stars for 100th win press conference
Kim Mulkey surprised reporters after capturing her historic 100th win with LSU on Sunday against the North Carolina Central Eagles, bringing along Mjracle Sheppard and Jade Richard to the postgame press conference.
Mulkey explained why she took the pair instead of LSU stars Flau'jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow in an interview with T-Bob Hebert and Jacob Hester on "Off the Bench" at ESPN 104.5.
"People love listening to her (Sheppard). She and Jada Richard were the two in the press conference with me and it was good because I know what Flau’jae’ (Johnson)’s gonna say, I know (Aneesah) Morrow. When you take new players, I’m always interested in listening to them. I felt both of them were outstanding with their comments and so honest," Mulkey said.
Mulkey echoed Sheppard's sentiments about the competition among LSU players.
"They’re competing in practice every day for playing time. I told them several times, you are making my job hard and that’s a good thing. Usually, you have two or three that are gonna be in the lineup because they’ve earned it, they’ve proven themselves. But I like eight or nine to be in the rotation and I don’t know who they are really. Here we are in December and I don’t know because they bring different qualities. In practice, its’s competitive. That kid spoke from her heart," Mulkey said.
Mulkey also praised Richard in the interview, saying:
"She’s a young lady, the only freshman we have. She’s competing in practice."
Sheppard and Richard help Kim Mulkey, LSU Tigers record monster win over NC Central
Sheppard and Richard contributed in LSU's 131-44 victory over NC Central, with both scoring in double figures. Sheppard recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes of action. She shot 3-of-4 from the field and made four of her six free throw attempts. She also impressed on the defensive end, nabbing a game-high seven steals.
Richard also provided some offense off the bench, scoring 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting. She also had one assist and one steal in 19 minutes of play. She's averaging 4.5 points and 1.1 assists through eight games for the Tigers.