University of Tennessee Athletics
Buzz Peterson Q & A
February 21, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 21, 2005
INTERVIEW OF COACH Buzz Peterson BEFORE HOME GAME WITH SOUTH CAROLINA WEDNESDAY AND AT ARKANSAS SATURDAY
1. Do you expect to have Scooter McFadgon's scoring punch back before the Wednesday (7:30E) game with South Carolina at Thompson-Boling Arena?
A - "I sure hope he'll be ready. He bruised his kneecap and has been very conscientious about getting his injury healed. He's worked hard. We're hoping by Tuesday's practice he'll be at just about full speed and then be ready to go Wednesday night. We need our scoring punch of Scooter and Brandon Crump healthy."
2. What did the Vols learn in the earlier meeting with South Carolina, a three-point loss, that should help them in Wednesday's return game?
A - "South Carolina is a physical team. They like to trap you, and they really like to run when they get a chance. Carlos Powell plays with tremendous enthusiasm. They cause turnovers, and they crash the boards. We've got to guard against the Gamecocks doing things the way they like to."
3. How can these final four games be useful in preparing the Vols for a solid performance at the SEC tournament two weeks from now?
A - "They can really help us if we take them one game at a time as a way to improve. All season long, we've worked hard in practice. There is no problem about our team's effort. We need a win to give us some confidence, and then maybe we can have a really strong tournament."
4. Describe the atmosphere in the arena at Arkansas, the Vols' destination for a Saturday (4:00E) game with the Razorbacks?
A - "They do a wonderful job of marketing an atmosphere of excitement and electricity. They increase the volume when Arkansas presses and forces a few turnovers. The Razorbacks are an improved team, and with the crowd behind them, they will be hard to beat. We need to play our best ball."
5. What will the Vols need to do to return from Fayetteville with a victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday afternoon?
A - "We need to take care of the basketball and eliminate turnovers. We must attack their press and play well against their big men. Holding Ronnie Brewer in check is a huge priority."
