Kim 20 - 1980 Blue Corvette (long read)

Forty years ago (1980-81), I attended college at Louisiana Tech in Ruston. Back then the talk of the school was Lady Techsters basketball and particularly this new point guard, Kim Mulkey. The first time I saw Kim she was driving on campus in her new dark blue corvette, license plate - KIM 20.

Let me describe what a Kim Mulkey basketball game was like. The intimidation started with pre-game warmup. To warm up, most teams would work a half court weave with a finishing layup. Not so with La Tech. Kim would hang out at the free throw line area and receive the ball. Then she put on a Harlem Globetrotters display. Around the back, between the legs and blind flip pass over her shoulder into the hands of the player for a layup. Each time it was a little different display. The Harlem Globetrotters would have been proud. The opposing team would peer over their shoulders in disbelief.

I have a vivid memory of LaTech playing number one ranked Tennessee. That game the starting point guard for Tennessee left the floor crying. She had no answer for Kim. When she played off her, Kim would light her up from outside. If she guarded her close, Kim would blow past her for a layup. And if she felt like it, which she did, Kim would flat out run her over and collect free throws for the trouble. Once a team is intimidated, they are mentally defeated. Kim played basketball like 3D chess. And other teams were playing checkers.

You might think LaTech ran up and down the court but you would be wrong. Kim looked much different back then. Now she is very classy looking, thin like a model. Back then she was short and a little wide for a basketball player. After a made basket, Kim would always receive the ball and walk down the court. She would call the play and the teammates would move to their starting points. Kim was a General on the floor. She controlled the pace of the game and while surrounded by talent, she frequently lead the team to victory. After the game, the men’s team played. One half of the crowd left before tip off.

The next few years are going to be fun.

Welcome to Baton Rouge Coach Mulkey.