November 30, 1999
You're off to an 0-2 start, but you've seen some improvement in your young team. What are the positives of this team right now?
"The positive is that we've got young kids who want to be 2-0. But we're not. The thing we've talked mostly about is not getting our heads down. We've made a lot of mistakes and that's why we're 0-2. But we want to continue to learn from those mistakes. Anytime you play this many young kids - we've starting four freshmen right now - those mistakes are to be expected. Every game and every practice is a learning experience for them."
Do you kind of feel like you are playing Division I college basketball teams with a high school all-star team at this point?
"That's what it is. Some of the kids came in highly decorated, but this is a whole new ball game. We do have kids that before this season is over with, and surely before their careers are over with, who will be very talented players in the Big 12. We are experiencing those growing pains, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I really wanted to go with younger kids to build this program from a solid foundation."
What are your thoughts about Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday night?
"The more fans we can get in the building will help us have that home-court advantage. That's something we want and something we need. I think the fans who have come out and seen us play are excited about these young kids and the potential that's there. No, we haven't played our best basketball yet but before the season is over, we'll see some better basketball. Hopefully, that will start against Stephen F. Austin."
How much has it hurt playing without your senior leader, Jerald Brown?
"We think it's made a big difference for a lot of reasons. Having a kid that's been through it out there, someone our young kids can lean on, would be beneficial. And we haven't rebounded very well and Jerald would be a force in there for us on the boards. We need to get him back 100 percent and get him back in the starting lineup."
What's Jerald's prognosis?
"I'm waiting to hear the report from the doctors. He probably won't play against Stephen F. Austin but hopefully he'll be back soon. It's a painful injury, but he also has some vision problems, especially if he turns his head one way or the other. It's more than just the pain, it's also the lack of vision. We don't want to rush things, but we surely need to get him back in there."