University of Tennessee Athletics
Peterson Q&A - Alabama State and New Mexico
December 13, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 13, 2004
INTERVIEW OF COACH Buzz Peterson BEFORE GAMES WITH ALABAMA A&M AT HOME TUESDAY AND AT NEW MEXICO SATURDAY
1. Explain the emergence of Brandon Crump along with the Vols' inside game against Xavier in last Saturday's victory at Knoxville.
A - "We made a big emphasis to get the ball inside to Brandon Crump and Major Wingate. Brandon did an excellent job of taking advantage of the situation. He got hot and developed some confidence. We need to keep making our shot selection from inside out. I'm glad Brandon had a big game."
2. Catalog the factors that contributed to Tennessee's victory over Xavier last Saturday.
A - "I think the biggest factor was taking our shots from inside out. We took advantage of their not double-teaming. We also cut down our turnovers. A big thing was our believing in one another and trusting one another. All great teams build a chemistry and a trust out on the floor."
3. How tough a test will Alabama State present when the Vols entertain the Hornets Tuesday night (7:30E).
A - "Alabama State is picked to win the SWAC. They went to the NCAA last year and lost to Duke. They'll throw a lot of matchups at us. They are well coached and will be a tough opponent. They're won the SWAC four years in a row."
4. Will the trip to Maui in November help the Vols be ready to hit the road again for a game at New Mexico Saturday night (9:30E)?
A - "I hope it will help us learn how to play away from Thompson-Boling. The elevation is even a problem. Primarily, we need to be concerned about Tennessee, staying within ourselves. We need to again have good shot distribution."
5. Tell about the New Mexico team Tennessee will face Saturday night at Albuquerque.
A - "They're different from the team we played two years ago. They have a big kid inside, Danny Granger, the NBA scouts are interested in. The main things, though, are shot distribution, avoiding turnovers and playing with confidence away from Thompson-Boling Arena."
