Women's Basketball Media Day Quotes
10/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 30, 2008
- Quotes from the University of Houston Basketball Press Conference
Thursday, October 30, 2008 * Houston, Texas * Athletics/Alumni Center
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH Joe Curl
Opening Statement
"It is great to be back and I'm excited every time we take the floor in practice. We have got some great kids but it's a situation where we have 12 kids on the team and 10 that I have not coached yet. So I'm new to them, and they are new to me. Overall, it is just great to be back and I think we have a chance to be pretty good. I'm not the type of coach who likes to keep a lot of things hidden, so if we had a ball game tonight, I'm not sure we are not be starting two freshmen and three sophomores. I think the strength of this year's team is in our sophomore class even though we have a great senior guard that has been dealing with an injury. We really have some great kids who are very excited to start the season."
One returning after missing last season with medical issues
"First of all, when the heart attack happened, I was in Albuquerque and I didn't want anything done in Albuquerque because nothing good has ever happened to a Cougar in Albuquerque. Of course, I'm referring back to the Final Four. It really made me realize some things and took the edge off. I still work just as hard on the court and in recruiting, but it's just not as crazy as it was. What I went through for 37 days in the hospital, I certainly would not wish that on anybody, but it was probably the defining moment in my life when it comes to the outlook I now have. I feel like I've always had a good outlook, but that certainly did focus it on what is really important in life."
On not being vary familiar with many of the players on the roster.
"I recruited them so I know them really well and I know what they can do. It was just a matter of meshing things together. The first couple of practices, I wasn't sure what direction we were going, I was telling them up and we were going down. However, one thing they were bringing to the table was that they were playing really hard and we haven't had a bad practice. It is going to be a great situation for our staff, as well as the kids. Once again, we have a great schedule this season and we are looking forward to it."
On utilizing the team's depth this season
"We are going to play 94-by-50 (feet) every time they throw the ball up, unless we get into foul trouble or have to throw some different line-ups out there. The strength of our team is pressing full-court and trying to get stops at half court. We are not as big as a lot of people although Cobliyn Hill has really come around and can be a force. She is 6-foot-3 and strong, probably the strongest in the conference. I think we can play a half-court game, but defensively we want full-court pressure."