George Washington University Athletics
Saturday's News Conference Quotes
3/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 19, 2005
George Washington coach Joe McKeown
Opening Statement:
"I'm just proud of our team. This was supposed to be on paper a rebuilding season for us and we are 22-8 and still playing in the NCAA Tournament. That just goes to show the heart and character of this team. We went out and played a really difficult non-conference schedule. Played more road games than home games - at Tennessee, at Oregon, at BYU, at Boston College. All terrific teams. We beat North Carolina State and Villanova at home. Those are two really good wins. I think that really set the tone for the kind of team we evolved into. I think we're one of the more dangerous teams in the tournament."
Jessica Simmonds
"This season has been a journey that we're all excited about. It's our first game in the NCAA Tournament tomorrow and we're ready to take it one game at a time and come out with a win."
Kimberly Beck
"We've had a nice long week of practice and I think everyone is just excited to be here and we're ready to play tomorrow. It should be a good game tomorrow."
Senior Forward Anna Montañana
How much does experience matter in the first round?
"This is my fourth game in the NCAA Tournament and I think it matters in the first five minutes of the game."
To Coach McKeown
Do you have any special game plan for Armintie Price of Ole Miss?
"When you watch her on tape, she's as good an offensive rebounder as we've seen all year. Despite the fact she's not 6-2, 6-3, she plays so much bigger than her size. Whenever we are on the defensive end, we just have to make sure we get a body on her and box her out. Make her have to come through somebody to get the ball. She seems to have a knack of getting every loose ball. It's going to be a challenge."
Ole Miss Coach Carol Ross
Opening Statement:
"Like any coach that's coaching right now I'm happy to be working and excited for Ole Miss and Lady Rebel basketball to again be a part of March Madness and the NCAA Tournament here in Chapel Hill where basketball is a little special. We just hope we can hang around for a little while."
On the bracket:
"Well, there's not a lot I can talk about because I have not looked at it. Obviously we are aware of George Washington. I know it sounds a little coachy, but I really haven't looked at it. I do know if we are fortunate enough to win we will play the winner of UNC and Coppin (State). I do know that having been a part of the tournament for a number of years that every bracket has some individual uniqueness about it and the tournament itself is tough - that's what makes it so great, that every night you better be ready to play and have you're "A" game packed up because anybody can win. I think if you look at the men's tourney already the brackets mean very little, the evaluation of brackets mean very little, the seeding means very little. It's really about what team is ready to play and having that excitement and energy. Sometimes it's about the thrill of competing - that's why I call it March Madness, 'cause it's mad."
On first-round opponent George Washington:
"I don't know if there is anything we can exploit, but we have a lot of respect for their post players. They're talented and experienced. Their abilities are varied and diverse. They do a lot of things well - shoot, pass, run, defend, block shots. I don't know if there is anything to exploit, I just hope we can neutralize them in some way."
On being off for two weeks:
"I think that we have utilized our time like every other team has. It has given us time to recover from a grueling and grinding SEC schedule. I hope we have used the time to rest. They (the players) have been very responsive in practice. Their energy level has been high. I think GW has had the same time off, so I don't think there is any advantage or disadvantage to it."
Senior Center Amber Watts
On being in the tournament:
"I'm just glad to be here for my final season and be in the tournament"
On last year's tournament experience carrying over:
"To get back in the tournament, we're bringing in a little bit of experience from last year, so if we can use that experience that we do have, then it will be a great game."
Sophomore Guard Armintie Price
On being in the tournament:
"I'm also glad to here - just ready to play with our seniors and ready to start practice"
