University of Tennessee Athletics
HEAD COACH PAT SUMMITT'S WEEKLY TELECONFERENCE
December 12, 2001 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 12, 2001
General comments on the Lady Vol's performance last week against Boston College and a look ahead at the upcoming games versus #5 Stanford and DePaul:
"Coming off the BC game, it was an eye-opener for our team. It was a challenging road game since our players were not as focused as they should have been. We talked about how there are many players on this team and each player has to come to the gym and want to step up. Overall, it was a good learning experience for us. Due to exams our practices aren't quite the same. The players have had difficulty focusing because they are either coming from an exam or getting ready to take one. The Stanford game is our most challenging road game to date. They have been very impressive and can put up the points. Plus, Maples Pavilion is a challenging place to play."
Can you discuss the make-up of the team and talk about the role that Kara Lawson plays on the team?
"Kara has certainly stepped up and provided great leadership for us. She's at practice every day helping the young players and at the same time brings confidence to our team. Lawson is very focused this year, something she gained from her time as the captain of the World University Games team this summer. It has been a great carry-over to her junior season. Lawson can play the one or two (spot) depending on the starting lineup. I have had to grow accustomed to seeing her at the off guard and not handling the ball as much, but I still have confidence that she has the ability to take over a game for us."
Did you expect more out of junior Gwen Jackson so far this season?
"I think Gwen is capable of being a consistent player at both ends of the floor and I anticipate that she can do that for us. The real strength of our team is that we possess a lot of talent and I am not asking anyone to carry the team. Gwen needs to pick up her defensive play, as she sometimes lets her offensive game affect her play on the other end of the court."
Have you decided on a starting lineup for Stanford yet?
"No, I haven't. I have been consistent in starting Gwen and Michelle Snow inside and I am questioning whether or not I should start Kara and April McDivitt in the backcourt. LaToya Davis has shown a lot of confidence and maturity this past week in practice and it may land her a spot in the starting lineup."
Are you surprised that Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer has brought the Cardinal back into the Top 5?
"No, not at all. You have to look at the amount of injuries she has had to deal with the last couple of years, otherwise the situation would have been different. Coming off the Olympic experience had to be difficult for her and it was just a matter of her getting her energy back and moving forward. I think that this is one of Stanford's best teams of late."
This is a big game for Stanford as the Maples Pavilion is sold out. How big of a game is this for UT?
"It is a big game for us to assess where we are and if our young players can perform in that type of environment. This game will be a real test and we need to play with poise."
What challenges does Stanford present?
"We have to be able to play a solid defensive team in that type of environment. We need to execute our offense and get the right players touches. Their three-point shooting must be limited and we must play together and stretch our defense."
What are your impressions of Stanford sophomore Nicole Powell?
"She is so versatile. Stanford doesn't have a veteran point guard, instead four different people who can bring the ball up the court. She has a lot of energy and the ability to play all positions. Defending her will be a challenge so we will have to bring pressure to her."
How are Lady Vol freshmen Shyra Ely and Loree Moore adjusting?
"They both have had some great moments. Ely started out playing with consistency. She is more comfortable at the four, but we have shifted her to the three. She is a terrific athlete and even when she is not having her best offensive game she is hustling on defense. Moore has been super coming off the bench and picking up the tempo. It concerns me that she is forcing things offensively, but she has been a spark in our baseline-to-baseline attack."
Are there any problems from playing a ranked team (Stanford) and then facing an unranked opponent (DePaul)?
"I know that DePaul will be ready to play us. They are a quality opponent just not nationally ranked. Our team has to respect the Blue Demons and that's why we put players in those situations."
Can Kara lead the team at DePaul?
"Definitely. Our junior class (McDivitt, Lawson, Jackson) has been the core of our leadership this year. Lawson is such a fierce competitor that she always maintains her focus."
How does Stanford not having point guard Susan King affect your game plan?
"We will not change our approach whether she plays or not. We have to keep our intensity no matter who is in the game. Obviously, they are better team with her. She did a terrific job against us last year so our priority will be to challenge her one-on-one on defense."
What is your game plan with regard to Cardinal senior forward Lindsey Yamasaki?
"We have to limit her touches. Our team hasn't been consistent in our defensive stops on certain players all year and if we let her touch the ball she is very efficient with it."
How do you account for the big runs at the end of the last two contests that keyed victories against Stanford?
"I think it has to do with our ability to reel off consecutive points and to get in rhythm. Fortunately, we have been able to get into a groove and start a spurt. The downside is that we have lapses from time to time, which a team as good as a Stanford could exploit."
When will sophomore center Ashley Robinson return?
"She has been going all out in practice the past week. When I have watched her, I noticed she lacks a quick first step but that is just a matter of going up and down in practice. Each day she is developing more confidence. It will take her longer to get comfortable, but she has not been hesitating as much. Right now Ashley will come off the bench, but it depends on the game. We practice today and tomorrow so we will wait and see what happens."
Can you talk about freshman guard Brittany Jackson?
"Brittany has great three-point range and is not shy at all about taking the shot. She is very aggressive with the three as well. I am pleased with her defensive help and her passing. Brittany is accustomed to having the ball and coming off screens from her high school days. She just has to demonstrate more poise and take better care of the ball."
Who plays the three when Ely doesn't?
"Tasha Butts and LaToya will at times since they are better defensive players. Shyra has been a post player so we are working with her to develop her game. Tasha has started at the three but can play the one and two as well. We expect a lot of rebounding from the three position on the floor."
What is your position on neutral sites for the NCAA tournament?
"Certainly I think all coaches would favor neutral sites for NCAAs, but I am not convinced we are ready for that situation yet. I have voiced my opinion for the last two years on the issue but it seems that so many programs weren't committed to marketing the women's product. The fan bases at respective schools need to be increased and this responsibility falls on the other institutions."
