If they don't show us, then they won't be a high point for us next year. They've had enough opportunities to show us what they will do. It can't be just hoping that they will improve during the summer program. It's the time of the year where they have to show me what I have to work on for next year. "I have been saying the same thing all year. There should be excitement in a positive sense." They are happy someone else is contributing. There is a point I won't let them get to, chest bumping and all that nonsense isn't Penn State. I think they need to be emotional and I will stay on that. She has the same reaction to me all the time. "I don't think I can ever change Jess Strom. On Jess Strom and playing an emotional game: It is not me talking, it is them talking." They talk about being better than last year. They are really proud of themselves for winning the Big Ten title this year. There has to be more of a sense of urgency and not just them being happy to be there. I chuckle when we say that we gave them a good game. They were just very focused and stuck to the game plan. ![]() "This time last year we were going to Connecticut. Athough, there is a reason why we play the game." We have to have a healthy respect for their tradition. ![]() Is there anybody winning at any certain time? This is the first time all year we have been the underdog without the bulls-eye on our back. You talk about what did you watch on television. It is something to talk about during the NCAA time. "I don't think you spend time on it except making sure your kids understand it. However, we are going to matchup in some places and they are going to have to be concerned in some places." They are more athletic than they've been. They have attempted more threes than we have. The post position is going to be really important for us. It is going to be about rebounding and rebounding. Last night watching ESPN, that was all that they were saying. I remember when we played Tennessee with Susan Robinson on our team and they had 30 offensive rebounds against us. It is not that we got one in foul trouble and she has to go to the bench, it just means we get to see the next one. When they substitute, it isn't much of a change. Their post is not only talented, but also very deep. "Our kids have a lot of homework to do, especially at the post. I don't do a player personnel chart on her when we scout, but I understand what she has done for the sport and it will be nice to be on the court with her." However, the basketball game isn't between her and I. It is pretty unbelievable what she has done not only on her basketball team, but also for the game. We have great respect for what Pat has done. "We are both very happy to be coaching in this game. Hopefully, we will get some people to come down and help us. We had a tremendous crowd last night when the crowd noise was to our advantage. We will get there early enough to get exposure. We probably won't address it with our players. If you are that good and focused to still be in the NCAA Tournament right now, you can't let that get to you. It is not like we are a lower division school going into that environment. That is one thing we aren't going to listen to until then. "I am not really sure I want to hear Rocky Top until I get there because I know I will hear it a lot when I am there. On coming into a hostile Knoxville environment: It is just a matter of how many games I get the chance to win." I don't see myself doing anything else but this. Personally, I just got to 600 and thought it was pretty good until I read what they did. They have been involved in how women's athletics is produced and perceived at their programs. Both institutions have a separate women's program from their men's. On Pat Summitt and Texas' Jody Conradt reaching 800 wins: He said that the day you fill Rec Hall for a women's game, I'll kiss your you-know-what at half court. I said it would be the best deal we ever made. I'll never forget when we had to pay Rene more than one of the guys back then wanted to pay her. Her whole attitude about women's basketball was great. ![]() I knew if she was that aggressive, she would give it a good shot. ![]() She wanted a written letter and everything. I hired Rene because she was a pain in the backside. I haven't been able to watch them much, but she did a great job this year.
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