University of Tennessee Athletics
Buzz Peterson Q & A
January 31, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 31, 2005
INTERVIEW OF COACH Buzz Peterson BEFORE GAMES AT VANDERBILT WEDNESDAY AND AT HOME WITH LSU SATURDAY
1. How is senior and captain Brandon Crump progressing in his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained in the Louisville game Jan. 22?
A - "It's a shame he had that ankle injury. Doctors and trainers think it will be two to four weeks from the time of the injury. We'll just push him to have his treatment. We were playing well, and so was Brandon when it happened."
2. What must Major Wingate and other frontline players do to strengthen the Vols' inside game in the absence of Crump?
A - "Major needs to be aggressive offensively. He played well against Louisville and Kentucky, but he didn't fare as well against Auburn. Andre Patterson had a solid game, and Jemere Hendrix played well. We'll just have to keep challenging them. It's hard to make up for what Brandon gave us."
3. Do you anticipate that meeting in-state rival Vanderbilt will help rejuvenate the Vols for their stretch run leading to the SEC tournament?
A - "Vanderbilt played well against us last time. They shot lights out in Knoxville. We need to pressure them and make sure they don't get hot from outside. We can't let them have 18 three-pointers."
4. When the Vols face Vanderbilt at Nashville Wednesday (8:00E), will the Commodores likely follow the same script they used in an earlier win at Knoxville?
A - "I'm sure they will. They beat us good and figure to stick to their game plan. We can't let them have any good looks from the three-point range. We need to have a hand in their face."
5. What do the Vols need in order to pull off a victory over the LSU Tigers, who will come to Thompson-Boling Arena for an SEC game Saturday (7:00E)?
A - "They're just the opposite of Vanderbilt. They try to beat you inside with those big men, Brandon Bass and Glen Davis. Darrel Mitchell is a threat from outside. LSU likes to use that power game on the inside."
