March 8, 1998

COACH TUBBY SMITH

“We’re very happy and pleased to obtain a No. 2 seed, and we’re excited to be returning to Atlanta where we won the Southeastern Conference Tournament this weekend. It also allows us to stay in the South Region, which will benefit our fans who were out in force in Atlanta the past three days.”

“I expected to be a No. 2 seed. The teams that were selected as No. 1 seeds have played awfully well this season and were deserving of that honor.”

“Our concern is on South Carolina State now. Coach Cy Alexander is a good friend of mine and I know he has done a good job there in Orangeburg. And I know he’ll have those Bulldogs growling on Friday.”

(Re: The injuries suffered during the SEC Tournament: Jeff Sheppard – ankle; Nazr Mohammed – shoulder)

“We need to get Jeff and Nazr healthy. We’re going to need both of those young men to be ready to play if we’re going to have success in the tournament.”

(Re: The South Region)

“It’s a pretty tough region. But it’s hard to gauge how tough a region is at this point, or if one region is stronger than any other.”

(Re: The SEC’s five teams selected)

“It’s good for the league to see five teams get selected for the NCAA Tournament. We also want to wish them the very best.”

CAMERON MILLS

“We’re glad to be going back to the Georgia Dome, where we have a lot of experience and success. But our only focus is on South Carolina State. Maybe all of our fans there this weekend for the SEC Tournament will extend their vacations until next weekend.”

JEFF SHEPPARD

“I’m happy we’re going back to Atlanta. I think a lot of our fans will be able to be there to give us tremendous support. It’s the first time we’ve had a chance to play in our own region since my sophomore year.”