Nov. 22, 2010

Pat Summitt Teleconference

Opening Statement:
"I thought we did a much better job against Arizona State yesterday. We did a better job rebounding and sharing the ball. Overall I am pleased with their effort and I know they were excited about going to the Virgin Islands. I thought at halftime we came out and Glory Johnson was really, really good. I was tough on her and she responded. With Kelley (Cain) being out we really needed her to step up. We're playing at a much faster pace. I think Meighan Simmons has had a lot to do with that. I think our depth is a real factor. Certainly, we want to continue to go up tempo and hopefully we will be able to play those three games in a row (at the Paradise Jam) because of our depth."

On playing against teams UT isn't very familiar with at the Paradise Jam (UT is 3-0 all-time vs. Georgia Tech, 2-0 vs. Missouri and hasn't ever played Georgetown):
"I kind of like that. Playing teams we haven't played is a good thing because it's the unknown. The scouting part of it - we're going to go in there and not have as much information as we normally would. That's going to benefit us long range, playing someone outside of our conference. I think our team is exciting about going down there. Let's just hope we can keep everything in perspective."

On sending a message about defense at practice:
"Because of our depth we can afford to do it. That's made a big difference. Our team is really starting to understand. I think they all understand, `When I have a chance to get on the floor. I better make an impression and better be ready to play defense, to run the floor, and obviously take care o the ball.' I think that we finally, finally understand how hard you have to play to play this game and how invested you have to be in every possession."

On Shekinna Stricklen's improved defense:
"I think she tends to play upright. For her to really get down and to play the defense she played and attack the rim like she did versus Arizona State is encouraging. She's got better focus than she's ever had and a deeper commitment. All you have to do is look around and think, `Well if I don't get it done, somebody else is going to get it done.' So with that I am very pleased with her and what she has stepped up to do and not give into fatigue. We knew initially she didn't want to play the point. I think she's done a good job with it. I told her to pass it, cut and now you're in the mix."

On Tennessee playing at a faster pace on offense this season because of its depth:
"With what we're getting ready to do in the Virgin Islands, we've got to have people ready play because we have back-to-back-to-back games. We may have to take that into account. Again, we have the depth. Three games back-to-back, that's going to be real tough. We'll see who's going to give into fatigue and who doesn't."

On Summitt's green light for shooters:
"I think Meighan (Simmons) is the one that needs more discipline and focus on shot selection. Yet, she is extremely quick and can get to the rim. She's gotta keep herself out of foul trouble. She's got a great upside to what she can do. I like that. I like what Kamiko (Williams) did (against Arizona State). She probably fought through fatigue more than any time she ever has. I think it is the fact that we are older and smarter. But again, playing back to back to back games will tell us a lot about the mental part of the game."

On the Lady Vols' scoring depth heading into three straight games in the Virgin Islands:
"I like that a lot. That's a place where we'll hopefully have an advantage. I like the fact we can go very deep on the bench and not lose much. I feel like they finally understand. I told Glory (Johnson), `If you get tired, pull yourself and we'll put you back in.' I am not opposed to doing that especially with these three games. I think our depth can really help us in that situation. We intend to do that. We want to go up and down. I think this team loves to do that. We've got to get other people knocking down shots. Angie (Bjorklund) is one that we count on, but we don't have to count on just one person. Taber (Spani) can do it too."