Weekly Teleconference

Coach Summitt answers questions on a variety of topics this week
Jan. 12, 2005

Lady Vol Head Coach Pat Summitt

On the Connecticut game:
"Coming off the Connecticut game, we felt as a staff that we had a lot of players step up and make big plays and big shots. We are really pleased with our second half of play, and we are also very pleased with our freshmen, of Nicky Anosike's play and our guard play of Alexis (Hornbuckle) and Sa'de (Wiley-Gatewood). In situations like that, you know you need to have some big-play people. That is something we have missed in some of our close games this season. For us it was very positive for our basketball team to benefit from some or our younger players and receive some more consistent play from veteran Shyra Ely. I thought the leadership that Shyra and Loree (Moore) showed throughout the game is something that is necessary when you play in an environment like that."

On starting Southeastern Conference play:
"We are excited about starting SEC play. Fortunately, we were able to avoid it until this Thursday (Jan. 13). We always look forward to SEC play, and we know that it is going to be a challenge. Sometimes I look at our team statistically and I think, `how are we going to do this?' But with the difficult schedule we have played, I cannot imagine that we could be better prepared to open up our play in our conference schedule."

On having depth at the guard position:
"We see it as a tremendous asset to our team because of our style of play. If we are going to walk the ball up and play a half-court style of game, then I think we would have an issue. This team understands that we want to run and press, and that we are committed to doing that. As we continue to extend our defense and push tempo offensively, I think it will be important to have three guards that are combo guards. During the Connecticut game, they took turns running the point, which was not by design. I think having all the guards available will obviously help us to be able to play the way we want to play."

On having confidence in freshman athletes:
"I would say with this group (of freshmen) that I am not concerned that this is a one-time deal. I think they are big-game players. Alexis (Hornbuckle) has stepped up and played very well for us, while Sa'de (Wiley-Gatewood) has not had as many games for us to evaluate. In watching both of them play coming out of high school and both in practice and in early season games, I have the confidence that they will take the initiative to create and finish big plays. We need that because it is something that this team has missed. We need players that have the courage as well as the mental focus to complete plays."

On having a size advantage over Arkansas:
"It is an advantage only if you take advantage of it. One place where we have struggled for consistency is our inside play. That is a place where I think we need to make tremendous improvement to make. We are taking little steps in that direction. I think in our last game that we grew up a lot, but our consistency needs to be established game-in and game-out. That is certainly a point of emphasis for us. It remains to be seen if we can put up the numbers and dominate the boards this season the way Tennessee typically dominates the boards."

On the status of Loree Moore:
"I think she is pretty close (to being at 100 percent). She came back with a lot of energy in that game (versus Connecticut), but just looking at her in practice the last two days she has looked good. I walked up to her yesterday in practice, and she was drenched - there was not even a dry stitch on her. I just said, `Look at your shirt.' Of course, as a coach, you just look at the shirt the players are practicing in and you know a lot about what they are willing to give. I told her that it was a great thing because she is our leader, and that is exactly the example we want from her. I thought she had a very good practice as a competitor and a leader (yesterday). I think she is good to go now."

On the status of Candace Parker:
"What we're doing right now is just resting her for a couple of weeks, because of the swelling that she had after we put her into practice. We are not rushing into anything, but, hopefully, in a couple of weeks she will be able to get back into some practices. We will see how she responds then. We do not have a timetable."

On the status of Shyra Ely and Sa'de Wiley-Gatewood:
"I think Sa'de will be able to practice today, but I'm not sure about Shyra. I am not confirming that either will (practice today), but Jenny (Moshak) was hopeful that they would be able. We are just going to have a really light workout today. We have had two intense workouts, and today is going to be more of a scouting workout. Hopefully, if nothing else, they can do a walkthrough with us in our preparation for Arkansas."

On the starting lineup for the Arkansas game:
"We are going to go with the same starting lineup that we put on the floor at Connecticut."

On how the SEC Tournament has evolved since it was regularly hosted by Chattanooga:
"Obviously, Chattanooga laid a great foundation for us with the environment there and the promotion. Going to larger cities and bigger venues has been favorable. I am optimistic that the tournament will continue to grow in popularity, and that the strength of our teams will enhance the opportunity as well. All in all, I think it has done very well. There has been an effort on the part of the host cities to really promote. That is where we as a league have really gotten better."