Women's Basketball | 10/24/2018 3:15:00 PM |
TSU's Hayes Addresses Media on SWAC Basketball Teleconference
SWAC Basketball Teleconference
BIRMINGHAM- Texas Southern head women's basketball coach Johnetta Hayes participated in the SWAC Basketball Teleconference.
Please click the link above to listen to the audio segment in its entirety.
Texas Southern Women's Basketball Head Coach Johnetta Hayes- SWAC Basketball Teleconference Transcript
Opening Statement
"We're actually just ready to get started, we have eleven new players on this team and we're just trying to figure out who we are as a team. We know what we can accomplish as a team, but we're figuring out who we are with eleven new players. Right now I have three fifth year transfers, four junior college players, four freshmen, I returned three players from last year's team and I have a young lady out with an injury who's returning as well."
On SWAC Preseason projections
"We really try not to look at the pre-season ranking too much, but thank you to those who thought we were good enough to be there, we're far from that. I probably won't discuss it with them very much, because we're literally trying out find out who we are as a team with so many new faces and three or four new point guards. Everything is new, but they do know how to play hard, they understand tempo, intensity, and effort. They're also pretty disciplined. I really like this group because it's definitely a family atmosphere. They're all friends, but when they get on the court they want to play and they play hard. So again it's all new to us and we're just happy to just get started and truly hit the floor to work to get better every day to prepare for November 8th and working up to January."
On getting new student-athletes to buy into the system within a short period of time
"You know buying has its easy parts, the challenge is they all know they can score. I heard a coach say earlier, 'It's learning how to share the ball more.' Some need to learn when to be selfish. Last year I knew who was going to take shots, so the challenge is not knowing yet and again that's going to come with practice and more time being together and learning each other. Right now we have a good problem but it's definitely frustrating."
On players she's looking forward to debuting in the SWAC
"I'm really excited about Shaniya Mitchell she missed last season with an injury but she's back and she's healthy, she's on go and she only knows one speed. So I love that, she plays really hard and she's definitely the grit of our team. We had a new young lady come in by the name of Marquia Turner from Xavier and she will definitely be vocal, be aggressive and where ever we put her she'll be ready to play. So we have a few young ladies, I can go on and on down our list but I think Shaniya and Marquia will definitely be two who should get us on the right track and page to move us in the right direction to grow and get better daily."
On if the Lady Tigers strength would be displayed more in the guard play or the post
"I think we're more balanced than we've ever been, but I do think our strength will be in our guard play. Some of our guards can play off the ball pretty well, they can go to the four spot so that helps a little bit. We just signed two young post players, 6'3 twins from Colorado with good size so that will help as well and we're returning three post players from last year. So that consistency with them returning and them growing and getting better makes our team better so we should be pretty balanced."
On Breasia McElarth's potential this upcoming season
"I definitely see her as a weapon, she undersized but capable of playing the four and five. She might also play a little bit of three if we have the correct line-up in. She's grown and matured a lot going into her fourth season, I see her growing vocally and growth also comes with the help of these new players we brought in. They force you to love the game out there with them because it's fun and fast and it's contagious. So they're definitely creating and giving her looks that she didn't get from the guards in the past, now they're feeding the ball. I think we shoot the ball better so it gives her more second chance opportunities."
On how many players will be key scoring options for the team this season
"I definitely think we're more balanced, we can stretch the floor out and shoot a little better. Another young lady Richelle Velez definitely can shoot, preferably off the ball. She can also keep offensive players in front of her. We're in a better situation than we've been in the past when it comes to sharing the ball. We're really excited about the opportunities that she'll give us in the near future."
On the Lewis twins from Denver, Colorado
"Again they have pretty good size and they're very coachable. They pick up on things fast. Even though they're young, they've been very consistent so far and I'm pleased with their effort and their tempo to get things done the right way and pick up and learn from their teammates. So it'll be interesting to see how much time they get depending on who's playing and who's not. It'll be easier for them to get to the rim because now we have more guards that can create."
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Courtesy: TSU Athletics