The following are comments from Kentucky coach Tubby Smith regarding the 2001 NCAA Tournament:
On the East Region bracket:
“Certainly with Duke in the bracket, along with other top quality teams, I have to think it may be the toughest bracket in thetournament. And having the chance to go up against an old friend at Holy Cross, Ralph Willard, makes it even more interesting.”
On what he knows about Holy Cross:
“Not much because I havent seen them play at all. Im sure theyre playing the same style that Ralph played at Western Kentuckyand Pittsburgh. In fact, the last time we played a Willard team (Pitt), he beat us in the Puerto Rico Shootout. So well have to beready.”
Regarding the SEC getting six teams in:
“It was a tough blow not getting Alabama in the tournament, because they were very deserving. Georgia did get in, and thats goodto see, because the committee stood by its claim to reward those teams who played tough schedules. Im sure they took that underconsideration with the Bulldogs.”
