November 10, 1998
How do you feel about your team after one exhibition game?
"I wish we had five more exhibition games. Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury. Overall, I was pleased. I think the kids came out and stayed with the game plan and tried to give us what we worked on. As I coach, I realized how much more we have to put in and how much better we have to get to be competitive."
What is Joe White's injury status (sprained knee)?
"Hopefully, he is going to practice today. I haven't gotten the word yet but we sure need to get him back and get him in some type of rotation."
It seems like you really need his size (6-10) down low?
"We do. He's got body. He can bang, some. We need him healthy and going, the unfortunate part is he's missing practice, which doesn't help him."
Are you anxious about your first game on Friday against UNT?
"I guess that occupies a lot of my time. Once it gets closer to Friday, it'll register that we have a game, which is my first game here and the opening game of the season. But right now, I haven't had much time to think about it. I just realize how much more work we have to do in order to get ready for Friday."
North Texas has pretty much an entirely new team?
"That's the scary part, the unknown. We've seen a little bit of tape, and what we we've seen is a transition basketball team, one that will get up and down and shoot the three. Also, they're very aggressive defensively. They have a good team. It's will not be an easy game for us."
How do you plan to counter North Texas' up-tempo style?
"It's our first game. The opponent is standing in front of us. We don't necessarily welcome that style, but our focus is a little bit more on what we do. That's who we've got to play, so we got to get ready."
What are your thoughts on Clifton Cook's exhibition performance?
"I was very pleased with that, obviously, because point guard was one area that we were concerned with coming in. Asking a new kid to come out and take the reigns is always a big challenge, but I thought Clifton handled it pretty well. He did come in today, and we sat down and looked at some tape. That's a good sign. He realized he made some poor decisions in certain situations. And we surely want to clean those things up."
Are you beginning to find some things out about your team?
"Yeah, I think so. Everyday we practice we find out a little bit more about this team. We surely have somewhat of a grip on what our concerns are and we'll address those and improve and get better. I think sometimes you want it to happen overnight, but it's going to take some time in some areas. We just have to be patient with the kids. I think they're working hard, I think they are listening and it is just going to take some time."
What would more consistent play from Jerald Brown and Michael Schmidt give you?
"We want them to get on the same page, but we also understand that, at what we call the three spot, if we can get something out of either Jerald or Mike, then maybe on a given night it would be one or the other like it was in that first exhibition game. Surely, you would want both of those guys to play consistent because they are both capable of doing that. We'll build towards that."
What will be your lineup on Friday?
"We took off yesterday and we'll get back in today and talk a little bit more about that. Paul Jacobs pretty much solidified his spot. After that, Jerald played well, Mike did some nice things and Chris Clayton did some things. I think we have six or seven players that could be starters for us and as a coach you surely welcome that. We know that only five can start for you, but that means other guys will contribute more and as we've told them, it's more important with this team to finish the game than to start the game."
What do you expect for a crowd for the first game at Reed Arena?
"Our expectations are that we will have a good crowd. As to what a good crowd is, I'm not sure. But the word is out. People want to see what the Aggies will put on the floor this year. Friday would be a good night to come and see that. We're anticipating a good crowd with some enthusiasm and excitement."
Are you excited about your first game at a new school with a new arena?
"I'm always excited. Any time we roll the ball out, exhibition or whatever. What's different about it? It's a basketball game. New arena? New job? It's basketball. And that's what excites me. It's the same thing. The ball is the same size, the hoop is the same size, I get excited when I smell the popcorn cooking. I think the kids are excited about playing in a new arena. I am as well. I opened a new arena at Charlotte, and that was a special thing. I think this will also be special."