Oct. 29, 2003
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MEN’S COACH AND PLAYERS
Head Coach Tubby Smith
…on the SEC
“I think it is going to be a very competitive, balanced league. The strength of the leagues will only be seen by the competitiveness throughout the season. I think that league play will be as balanced as it has ever been, and there is not as much difference between teams this year, especially in the East. A lot of people will have to step up for their respective teams, because everybody lost somebody. There is potential for a team to separate themselves from the rest, but it is going to be very difficult with the balance throughout the league this year.”
….on increased pressure after last year’s run
“Kentucky has never been able to sneak up on anyone. We feel that we’re the hunted every year in this conference, when teams see Kentucky on their schedule, they will come ready to play. We want to be a team that is in the hunt for an SEC Championship every year. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and we need to focus in on longevity and gradual development throughout the season.”
…on practices
“The team is looking good right now. You’ll always have some nicks and bruises this time of the season because you’re going pretty hard right now. I’ve been impressed with the ability of the freshmen to adapt to the rigorous demands and pressures so far.”
Guard Gerald Fitch
…on last year
“It’s a whole new season, everyone will be going for us even more. People will want to pay us back, and all we can do is prepare for it and be ready. We don’t really look back on last year because if you start doing that, you get a little too comfortable.”
…on opportunities for individual success
“It’s exciting, I have a lot of confidence in myself, but a lot of individual honors come from what Kentucky basketball does as a team. My focus now is on the team, and the rest all comes after that.”
Forward Chuck Hayes
…on the SEC
“There are no big superstars in the league this year. We’ve got a lot of blue-collar, hardworking players out there. Everybody is on the same page, out there to do their job. We all have the same motivation. Every team has a chance, and it all comes down to execution. If we pick a wrong night not to be focused, we can lose to anyone. A team can get hot, and there’s no stopping that, so the door is really wide open.”
…on practices
“Practices are very competitive, it’s just our nature. It is us wanting to win, and pushing each other to be better. Everybody wants to win on the court, we want teammates to get better because these are the guys you go to war with since the season starts.”
WOMEN’S COACH AND PLAYERS
Head Coach Mickie DeMoss
On Rebuilding Kentucky
“We are working really hard to get the program where it needs to be. We have had a huge commitment to us by the university. But it is still a growing and learning process. I know what it takes to win in this league. It takes more than just experience. It takes commitment.”
On What She Looks For In Players
“I cannot coach players who don’t give effort and intensity. We worked on that and the players really bought into it.”
On Intensity For This Season
“I don’t think I have made the players laugh much recently. Although, I bet they wish I had.”
On Coming To Kentucky
“I think in the back of my mind I always though that Kentucky was a women’s basketball sleeping giant. The state is always big on basketball and I think they will support us.”
On The SEC
“It is extremely tough to win. Georgia and Tennessee are just two perennial powers in a tough conference. Where we fit in, I don’t know. But it is a very strong league.”
Forward Sara Potts
On Coach DeMoss
“Coach DeMoss has brought a whole new attitude to everything. Everyone has really taken to it. The system isn’t different from last year, it is just a different coaching style.”
On The SEC
“The Southeastern Conference is the best in the country. We have great teams and great players.”
On Team Goals
“Our goal is to be in the top half of the SEC. Practice is going well and we expect to bring our best every night.”
On Personal Goals
“I want to continue to bring my three-point ability to games, but my goal is to bring an overall game every time out.”
