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COACH SUMMITT ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIA DURING WEEKLY TELECONFERENCE
Nov. 15, 2006 On the team's opening performance and the upcoming Pac-10 games... "Obviously, we learned a lot from the UT-Chattanooga game. The first half I thought our defensive intensity was strong overall, and I liked our transition offense and half-court offense. We gave up entirely too many threes, probably more in the second half when we went to a zone, but I think our transition defense is an area where we need to get a lot better. It's always great to have the footage to show them, to point things out and have a teaching opportunity after a game like that before taking on these next three opponents. Looking at UCLA, they are a team that will challenge us in our transition, primarily because they have a lot of different players they allow to handle the ball and bring the ball up the floor. That's a little different look from what we saw in the exhibition game as well as the UT-Chattanooga game. It will be a good test for us because that is typical of what we will see as we continue with our schedule. I think the biggest concern will be from a defense standpoint, making sure we are matched up and we defend in the transition game as well as in the half-court. Everyone has told me that Arizona State is one of the toughest places to play in the country and I think that is good because this team needs a challenge and typically they respond. I think it will be good for us to go into an environment that will be exciting, maybe a little hostile, and see where we are. Obviously, Stanford coming in and playing us at home, we are looking forward to going against the Pac-10 teams in that particular order."
On strategy on going up against Pac-10 teams... "This is a typical Tennessee schedule and, in my strategy for putting schedules together every year, I try to think of ways we can grow together as a team. Obviously, if you see different styles of play, when you get to the postseason, I don't think there will be any big surprises. I think we will pretty much have seen it all. We are playing the three Pac-10 schools and, obviously, we have added North Carolina. We've already played Duke, Connecticut and Texas. You go down the list and there are a lot of different styles that vary throughout the country."
On playing the outdoor game at Arizona State in 2000... "First of all, I get excited. I like the fact that no one had ever done it (playing outdoors) and was able to be a part of a first. I wanted to go to Arizona and play and I thought why not. As I tried to coach I almost froze to death, I had second thoughts about it. I thought it brought a lot of great exposure to the Arizona State program and Charli (Arizona State head coach) certainly made it all happen."
On the job Arizona State Head Coach Charli Turner Thorne has done... "I think she has done a great job in recruiting. She has a very talented and hard working staff to help her, and they do have a lot to sell. Charli is a leader and the one who has been able to generate a lot of talented players to go there because of her, and generates a lot of excitement because of it."
On the team's four new players and what they bring to the Lady Vols... "I had no idea what I was really going to see. Shannon Bobbitt and Alberta Auguste have made an instant impact and a significant difference in how we play the game. Shannon is exceptionally quick and very skilled. As far as her ability to run this team, she has strong leadership skills and can certainly push the tempo offensively and defensively. She has the total package and without question has made a difference in how we play at both ends of the floor. Alberta is very committed to being a tough defensive player and is tough-minded on the offensive end. The speed and quickness that she brought to the team has really improved our transition game. Cait McMahan, who's from the Knoxville area, is just a hard-nosed, tough-minded kid who brings the leadership skills and point guard mentality that this team really needed. Alexis did a great job for us last year, but she is so much better playing from the wing. Her game has elevated because of the play of Shannon and Cait. Cait and Shannon really complement each other and can help us at both ends of the floor. Nicci Moats is recovering from her ACL but is getting stronger everyday. She has been able in the two exhibition games and the opener. I think her game has a great upside to it and needs to bring more confidence to her game. I played 10 deep and am not afraid to play 10 deep, so right now I would probably go nine deep until everyone is ready to play in that type of competitive atmosphere."
On having an advantage with a veteran team... "I certainly expect our upperclassmen to demonstrate how we prepare to play opponents on the road and being in a more hostile environment. We have had people who have been there and have been exposed to tough, challenging arenas. Hopefully that will be something they can share with the four new players in particular."
On the added dimension of former Lady Vol Sybil Dosty transferring to Arizona State... "Obviously, Sybil is not going to be playing this year. I'm sure our players will be glad to see her; they are friends. I was disappointed that Sybil left our program but I think it is important for student-athletes find the best place for them and she made that decision to leave. She had a great sophomore year and there is great upside to what I think she will bring to Arizona State."
On Candace Parker... "Candace has improved because of her experiences and the opportunities to play in the World Championships with the U.S. team. It seemed to me that Candace fit in with that group very well and was open-minded to learning the ropes. I think she is a much better player because of it. She is more physical in her post-up game because, obviously, the international game is very physical and challenging in that regard. She is much more mature coming back from the World Championships. There is a great upside to what Candace can do. I think most importantly she has to keep her focus and intensity and be an example for her teammates. Doing the little things, the hustle plays, second chance points, and just staying highly motivated is important." |
  Lady Vols vs. Rutgers Game Highlights - 1/3 Post Game Audio - Coach Summitt - 1/3 Post Game Audio - Shekinna Stricklen - 1/3 Game Audio - UT vs. Rutgers - 1/3 |
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