March 06, 2002
HEAD COACH MELVIN WATKINS
"We are happy to be here, I can tell you that much. Getting to play Texas Tech?that is a team we feel we match up with, and if our "A" team shows up, we feel good about our chances."
On matching up with Texas Tech?
"It's the style they play. One of our big concerns is when a team has low post game, we tend to get in foul trouble and not defend as well. Tech tends not to have that. They usually have a motion offense. I think we can defend that better. For our team, where we are right now, we would defend that better than a low post game."
On the importance of Keith Bean and Andy Slocum's play?
"If those players can show up for us, and make offensive contributions, that is when we play our best basketball. I would really like to have an inside/outside game, where you establish the inside game first, which will open up the outside game. Some nights we can miss close shots, and that takes the air out of you. I'd like to establish that inside game first. If we can get those two (Keith and Andy) playing, as well as Nick (Anderson), and have Bernard (King) and others that can hit the outside jump shots, we have a chance."
On Bernard King's play in the last two Big 12 Tournaments?
"We've briefly talked about it, but we won't dwell on it. Bernard knows what he means to this team and how much we depend on him. Unfortunately, our opponents know that as well. Everyone steps their game up in the Big 12 Tournament. It appears that the games get more physical, and I think that has affected his play a bit. We have tried to talk him through some of that. We anticipate more physical games, and you've got to play through that and not let that get into your head."
On the meaning of a win in the tournament?
"I think it wouldn't necessarily make our season, but since we haven't won in the Big 12 Tournament and we're trying to build up this program, it would be a step in the right direction. Some of the things that happened to us this season we brought on ourselves. It would be good for these kids, who have stuck with the program the last few years, to get a win. It would also be good for our fans who come up here every year and end up having to go home early."
JUNIOR GUARD BERNARD KING
Has the season felt like one season with everything that has gone on?
"I think it's been more like stretches. At one point, we felt we could be good team. It's been an up and down season. We are approaching the tournament as a whole new season. We're going to come in here and try to upset a whole lot of people."
On the mental state of the team?
"Mentally, we're prepared. We feel that we match up good with Texas Tech. If we come out and play like we can play tomorrow, we can upset this team. There is no doubt in my mind we can."
What would a victory in the tournament mean?
"It would mean a lot. We've been through a lot this year. My last two years up here have been the worst two games I think I've ever played. I've got to keep focused and play a good game."
Is this more than a first round game because it's Texas Tech?
"It doesn't matter who we are playing. We want to win. We want to win just like every other team that is here."
Do you feel you are playing Bobby Knight instead of Texas Tech?
"Not really. It's just another Big 12 team. It doesn't matter who the coach is."
SOPHOMORE FORWARD NICK ANDERSON
Why does this team sometimes show up and sometimes not?
"I think the injuries have hurt us a lot, especially when everyone isn't 100 percent. Things like (Andy) Slocum's hand, Tomas (Ress) still being kind of sick, and Bernard (King's) couple of injuries?we just don't have everyone at 100 percent."
On your progression this year, and why you don't take over games more often?
"I don't know. Some of the shots I take are bad, and some I don't want to take because I'll get fussed at. I just go on and play the game. If I'm on, I'm on."