University of Tennessee Athletics
INTERVIEW OF COACH BRUCE PEARL BEFORE MURRAY STATE GAME
November 28, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 28, 2005
1. How important is it to get Tennessee fans across the state involved with the basketball program, as will happen Wednesday night at Nashville?
A - "I think it's very important. In some states it's understood the best players are going to the state university. But it's different in Tennessee. Somebody living in Nashville has to travel three hours down the interstate to get to Knoxville. We've got to play good basketball and get the people to notice us in Nashville and throughout the state. I hope we play well Wednesday night at Nashville against a Murray State team that will test us in all respects."
2. How tough will the competition be Wednesday night (8:00E) when the Vols take on Murray State at Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center?
A - "Murray State is a good team. The competition is at a level that if we don't play well, we would not be 3-0 today; we would be 0-3. If we play well, we can beat Murray State. If we don't play well, we will lose this game."
3. Where did the Vols show improvement in their most recent game, against Eastern Kentucky, which you called their best performance so far?
A - "I thought in the second half we rebounded and played defense well. I also thought that in the second half our conditioning paid off for us. Eastern Kentucky was a good team, and I was happy we were able to come out on top."
4. What enabled Major Wingate to contribute a career-high 18 points as the Vols beat Eastern Kentucky, 92-58 last Friday?
A - "I give credit to my associate head coach, Tony Jones, for the work he is doing with Major Wingate. One thing Major did against Eastern Kentucky was take the shots that were available to him. The great scorers get their points at the foul line. It's not just the baskets they get. Major took advantage of his opportunities. He's an unselfish guy. But he needs to get his rebounds. He can't be giving a rebounding edge to smaller players. If he doesn't get his share at 6-10, the next level scouts are going to ask, Why? Here at Tennessee, his rebounding can help us win."
5. How will you use the extra time afforded by this weekend's open date before resuming activity against Appalachian State Dec. 6 at Knoxville?
A - "One of the things we need to do is get ready for final exams. But on the basketball floor, we want to work with some players who aren't getting much opportunity now and see what they can offer us in future games. We want to sharpen those guys' skills. This is a good opportunity to develop some depth."
