Quotes From Media Day
October 13, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 13, 2005
On Individual Fall Workouts
"I can honestly say we've had great improvement in the seven weeks we've been here. The kids have been working hard and we're looking forward to tomorrow (first day of practice). We've taken a different approach this fall. The NCAA has allowed a chance to work with the entire team, but we elected to do it the old fashion way and concentrate on fundamentals. We worked with eight guys at time and really concentrated on shooting the basketball. Looking at the team statistics from last year, one area that we really need to improve is shooting. We addressed that by locating better shooters and concentrating some time on shooting the basketball."
On The Team Chemistry and Leadership
"I think you're going to see a team that is going to play hard and play unselfishly. Looking at it objectively, this is a team that is starting to gel. This is a team that does a lot of things together off the court. And as we go through the season and go into the difficult places that we're headed to, we'll have to be a cohesive unified group. We are continually working toward that. I've been very pleased with our leadership. We're only going to be as good as our seniors and I've been very pleased with them. Corey Rouse and Mike Castro have not only each led by example, but have been vocal leaders."
On Replacing Pieces Of The Puzzle
"We're going to count heavily on our returning players. There is no question that we lost a lot off last year's team. We lost some height, most notably Moussa [Badiane], who led Conference USA in blocks. We're not a very big team, so that will be a big challenge for us. We're also going to have to count on some points collectively. I've been very pleased with the young guys that we have and that we were able to sign."
On Justin Ramsey's Eligibility
"He was the biggest guy we signed, but he didn't qualify over the summer. However, he has elected to pay his own as a non-qualifier and we look forward to him doing what he needs from an academic standpoint. He really wants to be here and had the opportunity to be at a lot of places and pay his own his way, but elected to stay here."
Q&A
What type of offensive and defensive styles do you anticipate playing?
"I think this a team that will have to play a lot of different defenses. We'll extend a little bit, but I don't think we can do that for 40 minutes, nor do I think this is a team that can play man-to-man for 40 minutes. We'll have to play zone part of the game. Offensively, we're still trying to find ways to put the best players in the best position to score and that'll be a process. This is a team that'll play hard, play unselfish and hopefully have fun. I want the guys to enjoy playing the game they love."
How much do you feel the transfers and junior college players will contribute this season?
Jeremy Ingram is coming off knee surgery and is getting better everyday. He'll become eligible at the end of the fall semester and he'll give us some depth next semester. David Bell is also coming off surgery and he's jut becoming healthy as well. What I like most about both of them is that they both have college playing experience. Both guys have the ability to provide us with some scoring. We signed two junior college players that I think are going to have an immediate impact on our team. Tyronne Beale was a terrific scorer at Allegany Community College as was Courtney Captain as was San Jacinto College.
How have you been received in the community?
"It has been fantastic and everybody has been as nice as possible. This is a great community. It's a great place to live and a great place to coach. The staff here has helped make it an easy transition. It has been great working with a group of young men that listen, try and want to be coached. It's been great and we're just going to continue to work hard as that first game is not far away."
How do you hope to improve the team's field goal percentage from a year ago?
"The only thing I said to them is if you can make it shoot it. If you can't make it then don't shoot it. If you're a good shooter then I want you to step up and shoot it with confidence. Shot selection and having guys that can shoot the basketball are the key ingredients to having a good field goal percentage."
What is your primary goal for this season?
"Our first and foremost goal is to have a winning season, which is something that hasn't been done here in a while."
Do you feel like you'll be able to surprise some people after being picked near the bottom of the standings in the preseason?
"The greatest thing about the preseason polls is that they never end up like their forecasted. It gives us motivation to continue to work. We've got a lot of new teams in Conference USA and there are a lot of unknowns, and to me that is very exciting."
