Nov. 2, 2002

Recap?|?Box Score?|?Photo Gallery

Head Coach Tubby Smith

“I thought we really started to pick it up in the second half. Early on, the guys looked nervous, especially some of the new guys. But after they felt each other out everyone started to play well. The guys got loose in the second half and really got it together. I was pleased with almost everything we did out there. We didn’t shoot quite as well as we have in practice, and the turnovers were a problem, for both teams. Once we get our rotation together, and our starters, we’ll be okay.”

On players adjusting to the new offense…
“The offense is still very new to most of these guys. At the beginning, we weren’t screening like we should and our cuts could have been harder. But overall, we had excellent shape, especially the big guys. At halftime, I told the guys we really needed to utilize pace, keep the game up-tempo. We can’t expect to overpower teams in a halfcourt set.”

Comparing the blue and white teams…
“The blue team with Gerald (Fitch) and Keith (Bogans) in the back ran a smoother offense. Those guys were here last year so they know most of what’s going on in the offense. They made it easier for guys like Kelenna (Azubuike) to adjust to things and look good. On the other side, you had Brandon (Stockton) and Antwain (Barbour). Those are two guys that are new to our style, and it showed a bit. They’re all very gifted, but you could see the difference in experience.”

On the team’s slow start…
“We have been going quite hard in practice, twice a day, with everyone really pushing each other, so I thought they might come out heavy-legged or fatigued. Really, though, I don’t think it was much of a factor. I attribute it more to stage-fright. It was the first time we’ve been out in front of an audience, except for Big Blue Madness. And everyone’s adrenaline was really going early on. This was our first time around.”

UK PLAYERS

Keith Bogans – Guard

On the game…
“I was just having a good time out there. As a senior on this team, it’s my job to help out the young guys. The young guys know what their doing so it takes a little pressure off of me. The main thing this season for me is to just have fun. I’m hungry and ready to get the season started.”

On his shooting…
“I tried not to force shots this game. I just took them as they came. Hopefully all the hard work I put into my shooting in the offseason will pay off.”

Bernard Cote – Forward

On performance…
“We’ve been practicing twice a day which has really helped my game mature. I am getting tougher and getting used to being pushed a little more. I felt very comfortable tonight and look forward to the opening the season.”

Antwain Barbour – Guard/Forward

On the scrimmage…
“I had a great time playing in the Blue/White game. Tonight I was looking for the open guy and just doing what I could to help the team.”

On the season…
“The team is blending so well. This is a very talented group of guys and we are all on a mission to win a national championship.”

Chuck Hayes – Forward

On the game…
“I was a little nervous at first since it was the first time this season actually playing in front of a real crowd. But I think that we all played really well. Everyone plays really well with everyone else. I think once it really comes together then it will be an exciting year.”

On the team’s expectations…
“We are all hoping to make it to the Final Four. I know some people have their doubts but that’s okay. As long as we keep working hard and play ball like we know how then it will all fall in place for us.”

On the offense…
“We have a lot of guys on this team that know how to shoot the ball. I think our offense definitely showcases our talent, especially in our big guys. They can definitely hit the shot.”

Kelenna Azubuike – Guard/Forward

On the game…
“We’ve been having some great practices and I think that showed tonight. We still have some things to work on. I know I still have a lot to work on to get to the level I would like.”

On his offense and defense techniques…
“I am just going to keep going up hard. If I get fouled then I get fouled. You just have to work hard and hope it goes in your favor.”