Tennessee pre-game quotes
November 30, 2012 - Strolling into Verizon Center today will be Tennessee, out of the Southeastern Conference. Coached by Cuonzo Martin, the Volunteers are 4-1 on this early season, identical to Georgetown's mark.
The game, one of the SEC/BIG EAST Challenge matchups, will be televised on ESPN at 630p, while Rich Chvotkin's radio call will be available on ESPN 980 AM. Of course fans can talk about the game, here.
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Yesterday, Head Hoya John Thompson III and a few of his players - Nate Lubick, Markel Starks, Mikael Hopkins , Greg Whittington and Otto Porter - discussed several topics, central being their upcoming game with Tennessee. To a man, they had definitely started game preparations.
Thompson talked about the Vols and challenges that team presents, being ranked (20th/25th), the development of his squad/players and team depth. (For coverage of his and other Hoyas' position on yet another team leaving the BIG EAST Conference - this time Louisville - see Defection reaction from the Hoyas)
Lubick, the junior forward, touched upon Tennessee's fast break and the need to communicate defensively, while also grading his personal play. Starks, a guard also in his third year, discussed leadership and the need to be efficient today.
Hopkins, Whittington and Porter, all sophomore forwards, commented on playing Tennessee and combating that school's fast break and size.
To read what the coach and players had to say, see our Premium Court message board.
A sample is below:
Thompson on if he's surprised at becoming ranked nationally, after performing well in Progressive Legends Classic play: "Yes and no. I think what's more important is we are a long way away to what we are going to be, can be".
Starks on forcing shots: "The games we didn't play so well, we took shots that just weren't available. Kind of forced the issue".
Lubick on a short bench impacting a team's fast break defense: "I think it could, but we're looking to lengthen that bench".
Hopkins on Tennessee: "A real physical team…They play hard".