Fingers
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From yesterday. SIAP.
Opening Statement
I think right now, being here the short time that weve been here, a couple things have really stepped out that weve enjoyed with these players. I realize that ... Im the third coach in three years with them. Which I think is hard for any group of guys to go through. But weve been pleased, more than pleased, that theyve embraced the things that weve asked them to do. From a team standpoint, this spring we as a team had the highest recorded spring semester GPA in the history of the program. We had six students with a 3.o (GPA) or better. Derek Reese was recognized as one of the top GPAs among all the student-athletes this spring. So were excited about that. In fact, we told them that we believe that to have the discipline we want on the court, weve got to have it off the court as well.
Through the summer workouts, again, these guys, theyve been willing to be coached. Again, third different system in the last three years. And the one thing, I will say this, youve got to give credit to the previous two staffs that have coached these guys, because these guys do bring a level of competition to practice, they work hard. So thats something that I truly appreciate as a coach coming in. Theres no doubt that, with where we are right now, the players have got us excited as we do head into next year. Were building, were adding, starting to implement our program, what we would like to get done. But just in the short time weve been here, weve been more than pleased with (the players).
On his perception of the SEC from the outside in
One, I have great respect for coaches in the league. I know them all in some way, shape or form. I know its a league of guys that work hard, theyre going to pour a lot into their programs. I think you have to look at the recruiting this past year, theres obviously some outstanding players coming into the league. One, Im really excited about our new commissioner. I think hes going to do a tremendous job with his experience here and moving forward. But I think basketball, in our league right now, has a chance to be really go to heights that maybe, and I would put it in terms of consistency. Because when you look at it right now, I think every team in college basketball is chasing the University of Kentucky and John Calipari, in terms of what hes done. Hes been in the Final Four, what, four of the last five years? I think, if Im right, something like (that). Theyve been there. This league, again, if you want to compete for championships in the league, to start with, thats who youre chasing. If youre talking about national championships, theyre in the talk (for it) every year. So right in our own league, theres a standard thats being set. Here at the University of Tennessee, Ive realized in a short time that you go back and look at whats happened here, the history of this program, whats been done, just had another player drafted. Thats what, the fourth draft pick in four years (or) five years, four in five years. Theres no reason the University of Tennessee shouldnt be able to compete at the highest level year in and year out. With that said, I think the league is just going to get better and better and better because of the fact that were going to be able to attract the top players in the country. And couple that with the coaching experience in the league, it makes for great competition.
On new players coming in; updating the point guard position
I think one, for Kyle (Alexander) and Ray (Kasongo), I think that you would expect coming in, its a whole new environment for them. They both certainly have the ability that we think they can be outstanding players for us. Theyre working hard, doing the things that were asking them to do. Theyre two different players in the fact that youve got one guy, physically you look at him and hes got a tremendous body on him and still has to learn how to use it. Thats Ray. Kyle, hes growing into his body. Hes young. But just a lot of potential ahead for him. And he wants to work and put time in. Hes very conscientious and wants to be good.
Point guard-wise, I dont know where we are or where I am with it, or where we would be today with it. Probably would be by committee. But theres a lot of time between now and before we really get started. With what we do with our drills, I would say that, knowing our offense and the way we want to do things, well train a lot of guys to be able to play that position. And the real key to that position will be who we decide we want to give the ball to in the last four minutes of the game. Right now I cant tell you that because I dont know myself.
On the similarities or differences in the programs at Tennessee and Texas when he took the jobs
I think its a job. I believe that. Whether I went to Tennessee or went back to my first year at Davidson College, wherever, its a job. But each school is different in the fact that you get there, you have to learn the lay of the land at that particular university. Some things will change, obviously. Recruiting, that area changes a little bit. Youre always going to work from your home base and work out. But in terms of the day to day, it doesnt really change that much. We know that recruiting is a lifeblood of what we do, we know that player development is important to us. When you talk about player development, youre talking about the whole gamut of everything. But the fact is, were going about it the exact same way. Were here, we believe that we have a great opportunity to build a great program, because its not like were here and its never been done. It has been done, and as recently as a couple years ago they were a shot away from an Elite Eight. But its about consistency and putting yourself in position every year, have a chance to go at it. But I do know that here, whats impressed me, the fan base here from a basketball standpoint, we have the largest on-campus basketball arena in the country. Again, thats exciting. The fact that the number of season tickets are sold. As Ive been out, I know the people are excited about having a consistent program and a program that they can really get on board with and get things done. From that point of view, the fan base I think has really been great here for us. Ive got so many fond memories of my time at Texas, but in terms of the job itself, the job itself is not that much different.
On if there was ever any doubt in getting back into coaching after being fired at Texas
Not really. I was, obviously, I was planning on coaching the next year. Then when I was told, when it changed, Im just very fortunate and blessed that the opportunity to come here was there. But there was absolutely no question that I still wanted to coach and I was looking forward to next year. And when this came up, I was excited as I would be as if I had been here 17 years.
