Bill Self Press Conference Quotes (12-12-07)

Dec. 12, 2007

Head Coach Bill Self: <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

On <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Ohio:

“They play fast and they’re averaging over 70 points per game. They switch defenses and that will be good for us because we haven’t played against a ton of teams that do that. They play match-up zone, 2-3 and man, so it will be good for us. They are talented; they’re two possessions away from being 7-0. They have a good team. It will be a good challenge for us.”

On SprintCenter:

“It’s a big deal because I think our fans will like it and I think our players will enjoy going over there. I think they’ll be excited to play in this venue. There is no doubt about that. I think our fans should also get there early enough if they can to experience the College Basketball Experience. That’s really neat. Our fans would enjoy that especially if they have children because it is so interactive.”

On what grade he would give the team:

“Probably a `B.’ We have been pretty good, but we haven’t been great. We have played out of some different lineups that probably didn’t allow us to look as good as we could potentially be. Attitude, effort and unselfishness I would probably give a grade that’s pretty high. Execution is average. Paying attention to detail is average. Toughness we could get better. For the most part, we passed, but we expected to pass. I don’t think it’s earth-shattering to say that we are doing well right now because we expected to be doing well with as many returning players as we have.”

On the hardest part of playing during finals week:

“I want to practice, but obviously that’s not nearly as important as the school stuff. Just trying to balance the guys’ time and understanding as a coach that you aren’t going to get your best practices of the year right now. Our practice on Monday ranks in the top 10 worst ever. Yesterday was average to above average, but it is always like that during finals week. This is a totally different ballgame where they have to focus on books and use basketball as a way to get away and burn some stress off.”

On Sherron Collins:

“He was better yesterday. He’s still not as quick as he was. His weight is good, but his conditioning is not. Hopefully today will be better, it’s just a gradual process where it is getting better daily. He’s not far off. I don’t know if he’ll be 100 percent by Saturday, but he’s not far off.”

On playing without Sherron:

“I think we didn’t play as fast. We need him back so that we can have a full arsenal offensively. We missed him, but in a lot of ways it has been good. Rod (Stewart) has played more, Brandon (Rush) has played a little bit more, and although Tyrel (Reed) has been beat up, he’s played a little bit more, so it has probably allowed a couple guys some more minutes who probably wouldn’t get quite as many.”

On Tyrel Reed:

“He’s doing okay. He’s sore. He said yesterday that he feels like an old man trying to get out of bed and walk around. I was like `welcome to my world.’ He’s doing better. He’s not 100 percent, but he’s doing fine. He just has some bum ankles and those are things that you play with.”