University of Tennessee Athletics
INTERVIEW OF COACH BRUCE PEARL
February 05, 2007 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 5, 2007
1. What heights can 6-9 Wayne Chism, who had a big game against Florida, reach in his UT career?
A - "Wayne is as promising a big man as I have worked with. He's got that inside-outside ability, and he really understands how to defend. He moves his feet well. He always does well in school, the way you want him to, being a young man who learns both on and off the court. I think he has All-America in his future."
2. What is the chance that Chris Lofton, out three weeks with an ankle sprain, can return for LSU?
A - "Our intention right now is to play him against LSU. He's got the green light from the trainers. The good news is he's back; the bad news could relate to what kind of a Chris Lofton we will see. Some of the things he could do before the injury will be the things we will be looking for as he becomes fully adjusted."
3. Which individual players benefited from logging playing time during Chris Lofton's absence?
A - "Jordan Howell benefited because he saw some playing time at the shooting guard position. Josh Tabb also benefited, getting some playing time, but -- typical of a freshman -- sometimes he did well and sometimes he did not. Also, JaJuan Smith was affected by playing a bigger role. Except for Florida, he came through very well."
4. Tell about the LSU Tigers who come to Thompson-Boling Arena Tuesday (9E).
A - "Tuesday night, you have two teams that were in the top 25 recently battling for their NCAA lives. LSU lost a couple of players off a team that went to the Final Four, so right now LSU is struggling. They are a tough matchup for us because they are so big. Big Baby will be going up against some of our Diaper Dandies."
5. What will the Vols need to do to even the score with Vanderbilt at home Saturday?
A - "Vanderbilt is playing really well. They are a big team in that they always have a physically large team on the floor. They shoot the three-pointer better than any team in the SEC because they have so many players who can hit from outside. They're like Florida in that respect. Also, they have all week to prepare for us."
