University of Tennessee Athletics
Peterson, Vols Hold Preseason Media Day
October 09, 2001 | Men's Basketball
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Coach Peterson's Press Conference
New head coach Buzz Peterson and the 2001-02 Tennessee Volunteers met the media today at Thompson-Boling Arena to preview the upcoming basketball season.
Peterson's first Tennessee team hits the floor for its first practice Saturday morning. While he's watched endless hours of tapes of the returning players, Peterson said he is not sure what's going work with his team until they have some time on the floor together.
"I know how I want to play," said the former North Carolina guard, "but I'm not sure with what we have if it is going to quite work. We are going to start out and try to simply things and fundamentals and execute from there."
Peterson said the Vols have 17 practices before Tennessee's first exhibition game Nov. 1 against EA Sports.
"I've got numerous things I want to put in," Peterson said. "I'm excited about how the guys have responded during preseason workouts and I can see that eagerness in them in wanting to get better and get with their team. I'm pleased about they've gone about this preseason. They've gotten stronger and quicker and gotten themselves in shape."
Junior forward Ron Slay echoed his coach's eagerness to begin preseason drills. "We're more excited this year, Slay said. "It's like my freshman year when we were so excited about playing basketball. I see that type of atmosphere among the players this season."
Junior guard Jon Higgins said the Vols have adjusted well to the new staff and he is looking forward to Saturday.
"It's not been that difficult of an adjustment for me," Higgins said. "I'm trying to take it in stride. I think everyone feels comfortable about what we've done in the preseason workouts. Everyone is looking forward to the season starting. We're looking forward to Saturday to put it all together on the court and become one."
The biggest concern for the upcoming campaign will be replacing three starters and over 48 percent of the scoring and 40 percent of the rebounding numbers from last year's team that went 22-11 and earned a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid.
Peterson said he looks forward to seeing 6-10 redshirt freshman Brandon Crump on the floor this season to help make up for some of the Vols' scoring and rebounding losses from a year ago.
"We have to overcome those (scoring and rebounding losses)," Peterson said. "We have to get minutes for Brandon Crump. He's had a tremendous offseason. He just needs game time experience, but once he gets the confidence he'll be fine."
