March 17, 1998
“We are very excited to be going to St. Petersburg. At this point in time our team is playing really sound basketball. We are working to play better. We had a day off yesterday and then had practice this morning. We will go again this afternoon (Tuesday) before we depart (for St. Petersburg) tomorrow.”
“Everybody seems to be healthy and in good spirits. We have a real challenge against a very athletic UCLA team.”
(On: UCLA’s Baron Davis)
“I had the opportunity to meet him while I was in L.A. last summer watching some games. He is an impressive young man to talk to. I know if he puts the same dedication into the rehabilitation of his knee that he puts into being a player, he will be fine.”
(On: Absence of UCLA’s Baron Davis)
“It won’t affect our game plan as much as it does UCLA’s game plan. Obviously, he is a big part of their offense and their system. Anytime you lose a player of that caliber, it is going to hurt you.”
(On: Victory over UCLA in the NCAA Tournament as Tulsa Coach)
“It was one of those halves when we played extremely well. I think we caught UCLA off guard. Sometimes what happens when a lower seed is playing a higher seed is they don’t have a lot of tape to look at and they don’t have a lot of time to evaluate. I know that Jim Harrick and his team rebounded the next year and went on to win the national championship. We just got off to a great start.”
(On: Kentucky tradition)
“The magnitude and love affair of the fans for Kentucky basketball is second to none. Twice we have come back recently and there was a great crowd at the airport. That is due to the loyal following we have here. I have excellent kids, quality people around me, C.M. Newton, the athletics director, and the blessings of Rick Pitino, which have helped me in making the transition from Georgia to Kentucky smoothly.”
(On: What teams give Kentucky trouble)
“Teams like UCLA. They have athletic forwards like J.R. Henderson, who is the type of player that can take our big men away from the basket and put the ball on the floor and shoot with range. He did it against Miami and he did it against Michigan. He pulled the (Robert) ‘Tractor’ Traylor away from the basket. That is a big weapon to have. Kris Johnson and Toby Bailey also are great players.”
“People not having a particular player to write about every game. We have a lot of different people step-up and doing the job. I think that has been the key to our success. We have good balance in our line-up. We have good play from our bench and combine that with our ability to rebound and guys are learning their roles.”
(On: UCLA tradition)
“UCLA is capable of winning many more championships. They have the resources such as the area and the institution. They attract quality student-athletes, not only in basketball, but also in many sports. Kentucky was so successful early under Adolph Rupp that it brought a lot of pride to this state and school. People want it to continue having this kind of support not just from the fans but from the institution is key.”
(On: John Wooden)
“Certainly every coach has read his books Pyramid of Success and They Call Me Coach . I have read every book that has been written by John Wooden. I had the opportunity to introduce him in Atlanta, Ga. a couple of years ago as a speaker. That was quite an honor. When you are in the mist of the season, you are so focused on your team that you really do not have the time to appreciate the tradition that both schools have until the end of the season.”
“The guys have gotten better in their particular roles. Michael Bradley has improved in a back-up role at power forward and center. Saul (Smith) has gotten better as a back-up point guard to Wayne Turner. Heshimu Evans has blossomed it and is interested how he can change the complexity of the game with his athleticism. Allen (Edwards), with the relief he feels now with having his mom’s illness over with, you can see how he has blossomed.”
“There is no substitute for experience. Guys like Jeff, Nazr, Wayne, Allen, Cameron part of the championships and they know the thrill of victory and I am sure they want to recapture that feeling again. Psychologically they know how to prepare. They don’t allow distractions. They stay focused.”
“I am expecting nothing but positive vibes. You have goals and timetables to measure yourself and evaluate where you are. Winning the regular season title was our first goal. Winning the tournament championship was our second goal. Our next goal is the next stepSumI don’t think you can get there unless you are unified.”
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