University of Tennessee Athletics
Buzz Peterson Q & A
February 28, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 28, 2005
INTERVIEW OF COACH Buzz Peterson BEFORE GAMES AT KENTUCKY WEDNESDAY AND AT HOME AGAINST GEORGIA SATURDAY
1. What have been some of the most encouraging developments of the basketball season from the start in November until now?
A - "The guard play in particular has been impressive. They've been steady. C.J. Watson had a good year leading our team from the point. Chris Lofton has surprised a lot of people with his shooting and also his ability in getting open. We have had solid play inside from Andre Patterson, Brandon Crump, Major Wingate, all those guys. We've improved in some areas, but we've just lost some close games."
2. Should Scooter McFadgon be over his injury and ready to play in this week's two final games of the regular season?
A - "Scooter's kneecap injury keeps improving. We hope he can make it to the Kentucky game, and definitely we expect to have him available for the final home game against Georgia."
3. Comment on the career contributions of seniors Brandon Crump, Scooter McFadgon and Fred Smithwick.
A - "Crump has had a tremendous career. He's already graduated. Each year he has become better. This year he's been bugged a little bit by injury but he's been our go-to guy inside the last two years, and he has more than a thousand points. McFadgon had a big junior year and came into the season as one of the SEC's top five players. Injuries have bothered him some, but we're hoping he will end the year on a high note. Smithwick is going to graduate, and he is a big boost for our team in practice."
4. It's senior night in Lexington, but what do you expect from the Vols when they travel to Kentucky for a Wednesday night (8:00E) game with the Wildcats?
A - "We're all excited about this game. Chris Lofton has played there 10 times as a high school player and talks about it a lot. It's senior night, but we'll do our best to spoil that for them."
5. How do you look on the Georgia game Saturday (7:00E) as an opportunity to close out the regular season with a home-court victory?
A - "We definitely need to get the victory and send our seniors out on a positive note and then go into the SEC tournament feeling good about our chances."
