University of North Carolina Athletics
Hampton Quotes
March 22, 2014 | Women's Basketball
2014 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship
Carmichael Arena • Chapel Hill, N.C.
Saturday, March 22
HAMPTON PRESS CONFERENCE
David Six, Hampton University Head Coach:
On how he's preparing his team for post-season play
"By telling them that the rim is 10 feet, the court is 94 feet. It's no different than what we've been doing. As cliché as it might sound, it's true. Malia [Tate-DeFreitas] scored 3,200 points in high school. She scored almost 600 points this year. We're just looking for you to do the same thing you've done half your life. So, I think that they're ready in that respect. We haven't changed anything. We played ambitious [in our] out-of-conference schedule. I think that has prepared us for this moment."
On how much momentum they have from their winning streak
"Not much. We never really talk about it. I thought that our kids handled that win steak well until the tournament, when it actually got to the tournament and the media talked about it. Now it's one and done. So we're going to take it one possession at a time, one game at a time and get ready to go."
On being a 12-seed
"We only talk about what we can do, regardless of the seed. All the games have to be played on the floor. We want to talk about what we can do well against Michigan State, what we need to take away from Michigan State so that we're successful. We haven't really focused on anybody else but Michigan State in terms of their film and watching what they do, their tendencies, and Hampton University.
On how to compete against Michigan State
"They're big, they're a big team and we're going to have to box out. They certainly are talented but you don't tie for the Big Ten lead if you're not talented. We're certainly going to have to bring our A game, but there are some things we do well. We defend well, we're extremely quick, and we're looking to try to take advantage of some of the strengths we have."
Nicole Hamilton, Hampton Guard:
On what she's learned from previous NCAA tournament experience
"You have bigger and better teams in the NCAA [tournament], you just have to match our intensity with their intensity."
On what Michigan State does well in play
"I'd say they rebound, but we can limit them to one shot by boxing out. They shoot the three well, so we have got to actually play defense to the best of our ability.
Alyssa Bennett, Hampton Guard:
On Michigan State's players
"I know they [Michigan State] are a good team as far as pick-and-rolls. I think they're well-coached, and I think they can rebound really well."
On advice about playing in the NCAA tournament
"Don't come out with nervousness. Just play hard. Don't worry about the crowd, just take them out of the game and it becomes easier for you."
"[Malia Tate-DeFreitas] needs to just come out here and play her game. When she plays her game, she's unstoppable when she's not thinking about making mistakes. Don't be nervous, just go out there and do what you do best."
Malia Tate-DeFreitas, Hampton Guard:
On being a 12-seed
"I think we did get respect by getting a 12-seed, but I also feel like we're being underestimated by our opponent team."
On how she feels about the game
"I think I'm going to handle it pretty good as long as I'm physical and stay aggressive and always in attack mode."
