University of North Carolina Athletics
Duke Press Conference Quotes
March 19, 2005 | Women's Basketball
DUKE PRESS CONFERENCE
MARCH 19, 2005
Duke coach Gail Goestenkors
Is it at all odd to be playing a home game on Carolina's campus given the history of the rivalry between Duke and Carolina?
"It's a little different. We obviously would prefer to be playing in Cameron, but we do enjoy playing here. We played here this year and last year as well. We are just glad to be close to home."
How far is the women's bracket from having a 15 or 16 seeded team becoming a "Cinderella" team and beating a top seeded team?
"I think we are very close. I think that the fact that this year we have moved to more neutral sites only enhances the opportunity for there to be more upsets. I think it is right around the corner. Hopefully not too close, but I think I think it's right there."
What are your impressions of Canisius?
"They are very balanced. They have almost four players in double figures. They work very hard and are very aggressive and I feel that they have really embodied what their coach exudes as well. He's a go-getter - he's always up and down on the sidelines and they are just a hard-nosed, hard-working team that will not back down and will not give up. They just keep coming at you."
Is there anything specific that you are looking for from the team tomorrow?
"I would like to get back to having really good balance with our post game and perimeter game. Obviously taking care of the basketball is always a priority for us and just playing very aggressive basketball and having that attack mindset on offense, defense and on the boards. Those are the things we are looking for."
Junior Guard/Forward Monique Currie
Have you noticed any differences in your team and coach this season compared to last season?
"This year the team is entirely different. We lost a big part of our team and gained a lot of new players, but the ones that have returned I'm sure remember how last season ended and we definitely don't want to go out on that note again this year. Coach has stayed the same. She brings her fire every year and I think that she puts the best things together to help us win."
How are you feeling after taking a few days off for injury?
"I practiced yesterday after being off all last week. Coming into this week my foot felt rested and as though it had healed, but it was good to have a few days off. "
Junior Center Mistie Williams
Are there certain things you try to work on during the first round game?
"The first game is really where you have to focus. You have a number one seed playing a number sixteen seed and your focus can get lost, but it's the tournament so everyone brings their best game. You have to make sure that you bring everything on that first day and make a statement instead of assuming the other team won't play that well because you don't know how it's going to go. You just have to bring your best game and be ready for the tournament because it could be one and done."
