Kim Mulkey's ast. coach shares honest reaction to Michael Jordan comparisons even before college hoops days

Seimone Augustus is one of the few athletes likened to Michael Jordan in joining the ranks of basketball greats such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose. A WNBA legend, Augustus' dedication to the game earned her this comparison in 1999. It was when Sports Illustrated for Women dubbed her “the next Michael Jordan".

During the In Case You Missed It podcast on November 11, 2024, with Khristina Williams, Augustus stated that she still can't process the feeling of being bracketed to Michael Jordan. On being asked,

"How does it feel to be recognized alongside the greatest players in the history of the game?"

Augustus said:

“I mean, what you're even saying still doesn't process. When I was in a room, I’m looking around... Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson—all these different players who’ve had their moments in history. We grew up watching them.”

Augustus recalled being in that space where she often questioned herself: did she deserve the place or not? Over time, she began to see herself differently.

“You look at your accomplishments, your accolades, and the things you've done for the game, and you're like, yeah, I should be here,” she reflected. “It’s just about immersing in the moment, soaking it up, and letting it sink in.”

The four-time WNBA champion and eight-time All-Star took a moment to reflect on her awe-inspiring journey during the podcast.

After Michael Jordan, Chamique Holdsclaw was another source of inspiration for Seimone Augustus

Back when Augustus was just beginning to make her mark in basketball, Chamique Holdsclaw was a trailblazer who deeply influenced her. Holdsclaw was a standout player, celebrated for her strength on the court.

In 1999, Sports Illustrated honored her as one of the top fifty greatest sports figures from New York, ranking at 47, as she led her high school team to four championships. Holdsclaw’s success was a guiding light for Augustus, showing her what was possible in women’s basketball.

Today, Augustus continues to make a difference in basketball, this time as a mentor and coach. She began her journey in coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2021 and 2022. Although she took a short break from coaching in 2023, Augustus returned to her roots in May 2024 when she joined the coaching staff at Louisiana State University (LSU), under head coach Kim Mulkey.