Colorado University Athletics
Colorado-Pepperdine Quotes
January 04, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Colorado Head Coach Kathy McConnell-Miller
General
“The only thing that I didn't like (tonight) is the rebounds. We pride ourselves on our ability to rebound and hit the boards with anyone. I credit myself with our rebounding struggles tonight because I shortened our bench early. I played a lot of players tonight but our starters played a lot of minutes. It was a very physical game so that limited our rebounding with a short bench. We had some very good individual performances. I am liking our execution on the offensive and defensive ends. Our chemistry continues to get better and better, which is good heading into Big 12 conference play.”
On Pepperdine
“If you take a look at all their scores heading into tonight's game most of their games were close, less then 11 points separation. They make big shots, play very hard and are just a very solid team. They should dominate their conference this year because when they step on the court they expect to win no matter who or where they are playing. There were a few times tonight that I thought we were firmly in control and I looked up at the scoreboard and it was really close. They were able to make plays when they needed to and that is a sign of a very mature and experienced team.”
On Ending Non-Conference Schedule
“I'm happy with how our team played but I wish we would have pulled away a little more in some of the games. We ended the non-conference season great. I haven't really talked about our conference with our team this year other then to emphasize where we were picked to finish (11th). We had some tough games in our non-conference schedule. This team never looks past anyone and I am proud of that, it is a sign of this team's maturity.”
On Being Ranked Going Into Big 12
“I can't speak on the benefits, all I can say is that this team has the characteristics of a top 25 team. They show up everyday, practice hard and the seniors are leading this team. It's nice to have the recognition and I think they have earned that. This team isn't worried about getting higher in the rankings, they just keep the same mentality they've had all season.”
On What She Is Happy With
“I like our defense right now. We made some changes in our system and how we guard people. The players have done a good job of trusting the staff in how to play a particular team defensively. On the offensive end we need to not rely on the three as much as we do. I think we focus on it at times and we should treat it as a bonus-which it is. When we focus on the three we lose track of what we've done to be an offensive threat as a team. I'd like to see Susie Powers become more of an offensive threat, we know when she has the ball someone is going to score because she is such a leader on the floor, but I'd like to see her become a better scorer. I'd also like to stretch the bench a little more and find a little more balance inside and out on offense.”
On Players With Offensive Green Light
“The players with a green light have earned their green light. You earn it by shooting in the gym. This team wants to stay and shoot all the time, at first I wasn't comfortable with it because it changed my routine but I just had to change my routine. Certain players never want to leave and have earned a green light, it wasn't like that last year but they have earned the change.”
Colorado
Sr. F Jackie McFarland
ON THE SEASON- “I think right now we've come in and played strong. I couldn't be happier. This is what I came to
ON PREPARATION- “Hard work has paid off for us. We stress preparing for one team at a time. We cannot overlook a team, because we're not that good yet. We have to keep coming to the gym and working hard.”
ON PRESEASON BIG 12 PREDICTIONS- “It certainly motivates to do better, but it's not at the top of our list. Take the
Sr. G Susie Powers
ON GETTING READY FOR THE BIG 12- “Definitely, especially having won 10 consecutive games going into Big 12 play. The chemistry is good. We definitely feel better than last year. We've won 10 in a row and that sets the bar much higher.”
ON BIANCA SMITH- “When Bianca and I came here, we followed Coach Miller. We redshirted together our first year here. We were the ?Bianca/Susie' class. She brings a positive attitude to the team on and off the court. She makes everyone laugh and she brings energy to games. I have full confidence in her shooting ability.”
So. G Bianca Smith
ON SHOOTING AFTER PRACTICE- Yes, I'm always shooting, especially after the Sienna game.
ON WINS- “They all mean a lot, especially going into Conference after winning 10 in a row.”
