I would also throw in the entire staff at LSU for screwing it up too. Still I agree. It was very poorly handled. All that I want at this point for Kate Koval is to feel Baylor is home for her.

Mitch Henessey said:

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It hasn't been said yet, but Busch League by Mulkey to add a Russian player after the transfer portal had already closed, knowing that Koval would have an issue with it. Kim played with fire and got burned, and I'm glad we're the beneficiaries of it.

I'm sure Mulkey probably cares 0% about all of it, but the way she conducted business here doesn't sit right.

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It's not uncommon that people think money will cause someone to forgo their values.

Glad she's on our team. Slava Ukraini!

Here is how Gemini responded to my query as to whether Kate would be able to play in Baylor basketball games this fall.

Yes, enrollment is a strict requirement for NCAA competition, and Kate Koval has completed her enrollment at Baylor as of her official signing announcement on September 12, 2026.
Because she withdrew from LSU before their fall classes began, she was able to enroll directly at Baylor for the Fall 2026 term alongside her signing. That officially satisfies both her university status and her NCAA roster eligibility for the upcoming 202627 season.

I heard different take on the LSU situation. Was told that the staff told her they were looking at the Russian girl and asked if that would be a problem. She said it wouldn't. When the Russian signed it was a problem , which I fully understand. Glad we got her!
Nicki must have found a sugar daddy , it seems like we have upped our spending on players.

I am sure she can out jump Audi Crooks!

Old300Bear said:

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I heard different take on the LSU situation. Was told that the staff told her they were looking at the Russian girl and asked if that would be a problem. She said it wouldn't. When the Russian signed it was a problem , which I fully understand. Glad we got her!
Nicki must have found a sugar daddy , it seems like we have upped our spending on players.

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Koval's IG post says:

However, in April, several days after the transfer portal had closed, I was informed of the decision to sign the Russian player.

So one side is wrong. Not sure which, but Koval's side seems plausible.

Regarding money, I'd guess we got Koval for less than market price due to the unfortunate timing of departure (for her).

12au said:

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6 three-point attempts in 5 games, 5 years ago. Not much to go on IMO. Still a great add tho.

https://www.fiba.basketball/en/history/247-fiba-u16-womens-european-challengers/208416/players/301931-kateryna-koval

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Here’s our first look at #LSU transfer Kate Koval at Baylor’s open practice today. #SicEm https://t.co/STFPoC4AGL pic.twitter.com/i8eF7mk4f5

— Chad Vautherine (@chadvautherine) September 21, 2026

Koval has a smooth shooting stroke from outside.
Maybe the numerous reports from her pre Mulkey "posts may not leave the paint" era were correct.

Edit: for those wondering…..look at her footwork, tight elbow, hand placement, release point and follow through.
Solid mechanics. Smooth repeatable stroke.
Likely best shooting mechanics from a Baylor Big since Emily Neimann (not exactly a high hurdle).