University of North Carolina Athletics
Duke Press Conference Quotes
March 21, 2005 | Women's Basketball
March 21, 2005
Duke coach Gail Goestenkors
Opening Statement:
"We're really happy to be here. We're excited about playing Boston College and have the utmost respect for them. I think (Coach) Cathy Inglese has done just a tremendous job with her team this year. I think the teams are kind of similar in that we've both undergone some adversity with injuries, and I think they've really pulled together and are playing excellent basketball right now.
How is Jessica (Foley) doing and do you anticipate her playing?
"I think she's still questionable, I'd say day-to-day. She shot around today. She's feeling better today than she did yesterday, so we'll just have to wait and see."
Do you like the fact that you're getting to play B.C. as a preview for the conference next year?
"I think (Boston College) has a tremendous program. We were in the same region last year, so we prepared for them last year thinking we might potentially play them down at Old Dominion. When we saw them in our bracket again, I was thinking that we might have the opportunity to play them."
What does the success of this season, despite losses from graduation and injury, say about this program?
"I think it shows the character of the players we do have that can play. I think that it's about a program at Duke. It's not about specific people. We have a certain level of expectation, even if we lose people to graduation, illness, injury, suspension, whatever it may be. It is about the program. And we'll always have the expectation that we're going to be successful so that the players that are able to play expect to be successful night in, night out. I'm just really proud of this team because I think we have surprised a lot of people. I think a lot of people thought we wouldn't be as good this year, and that we'd struggle. The players took that as a challenge, and I think they've done a tremendous job all year long."
When you're playing a team that loses their top player, how does that change the dynamic of what you prepare for?
"When you lose a great player and if your team has tremendous character, which Boston College, they do, you're going to have other players step forward and play above what they've been playing. They've just done a tremendous job, and I know what that feels like because we've had players get hurt before. It's easy to have a low lull where the team has to adjust emotionally as well as physically. It's emotionally draining when you lose someone that you're really counting on and you care for. But then it makes you even more resilient if you have great character, and it allows the players to play with greater freedom because they don't have the same pressures and understand that they're needed. With that comes a lot of confidence."
What have Mistie (Williams) and Alison (Bales) given your team this year?
"They've really stepped up, both of them, but specifically Ali. She was a role player last year, and we knew that for us to be successful she was going to have to be an impact player for us this year. And she has been, specifically on the defensive end of the floor. She really changed things for us - how we would play defense, how we attacked people - and she's allowed us greater freedom out on the perimeter to take some chances with that knowledge and comfort that they've always got somebody that's got their back. Those two have been key for us all year long."
Sophomore Center Alison Bales
When you sit back and look at what you've accomplished this year - setting an ACC record for blocked shots - what do you think, and how far have you come?
"It's definitely an improvement on last year. I think that through the summer I worked really hard on my strength and conditioning to be able to play more minutes, and I've definitely stepped up this year. As far as blocked shots go, that was how I played in high school, and it just took me a long time to adjust to the college game. Everyone's big, everyone's strong, everyone is quicker. It just took me a while to get adjusted."
How is your offensive game?
"My offense is coming along. I think everyday in practice Coach reminds me I have a long way to go. It's not where I want it to be, but it's definitely improved from last year. I think there's still a lot I need to work on for both ends, but more specifically offense."
Freshman Guard Wanisha Smith
Thoughts on the game:
"It's going to be a hard-fought game, and I think the best team that plays with the most intensity will win."
Is there anything your team gains by playing without Jessica Foley like you did yesterday?
"I think we're used to it. We're used to adversity like players being hurt. So I think we're dealing with it pretty well. Players just have to step up."
