University of Tennessee Athletics
Buzz Peterson Q & A
February 14, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 14, 2005
INTERVIEW OF COACH Buzz Peterson BEFORE GAME AT OLE MISS SATURDAY
1. How will extra time before playing Ole Miss Saturday (3:00E) benefit the Vols who have had a steady diet of midweek and weekend games?
A - "This is the first time in I don't know how long we have had a midweek open date. We need it. Part of our needing it is finding some time for our injured players to heal. And before we play Ole Miss, we need some individual workouts, emphasizing dribbling, shooting, all kinds of fundamentals."
2. How well is Brandon Crump playing now that he has returned from the injured list after treatment for an ankle sprain?
A - He's getting better every single day. The ankle is getting stronger. He's rehabing on schedule, and we'll soon have Brandon at full strength."
3. What lessons can the Vols take from the Florida game at Knoxville, in which they were overtaken down the stretch?
A - "We did a nice job, and so did Florida on offense most of the game. But the last four minutes we didn't execute our half-court offense like we needed to. We missed too many opportunities late in the game. We need to execute better and go inside-out as much as possible."
4. While Ole Miss is not a nationally ranked SEC team, what can the Rebels do that makes Saturday's assignment in Oxford shape up as a difficult task?
A - "Ole Miss guards you. They really put pressure on the ball. Like everyone else, they play better at home. Alabama and Kentucky both had a tough time in Oxford. Two years ago we were fortunate to get a win there, and I hope we can do it again this time."
5. What do you expect the Vols to do in workouts this week that could lead to a road victory against Ole Miss Saturday?
A - "As a team we've got to improve now that Brandon Crump is back. Our half-court game will need perfect possessions to be effective. Our shot selection needs to be a little better. It's essential that we try to go inside and try to score from there."
