-I asked Sean East how the team's feeling heading into these last two home games. He said they're just focused on this next game against Ole Miss right now and that their main mentality is just to win.
-East said Ant Robinson's learned a lot under him and Nick this season. Said the biggest thing for him is just learning to play through mistakes.
-East said they've got to get some 50/50 balls against Ole Miss this time around and slow down Matthew Murrell.
-East feels like he's learned a lot from the coaching staff about being a leader during his two years here. Said he wants to help instill a culture here and really tried helping out the younger players on the roster.
-East said to come out with a win late in games, they've got to dig a little deeper, fight a little harder and be a little more intense.
-East said Mizzou's zone defense helps keep other teams honest on offense. He said they'll throw in little changes, like going from switching to no switching, to keep opponents on their toes.
-Dennis Gates said they've had great preparation going into this game. He said March presents a lot of great opportunities. Said Ole Miss is a team that's on the bubble and they're going to come in this weekend with a lot of focus. Mizzou's going to try to bring the same.
-Gates said they have to do a better job of taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, like they weren't able to do against Florida.
-Asked Gates what it is about these players that's kept them from being discouraged. He feels like a big part of it is that he hasn't let himself get down about the streak and they're following his lead. Said they've gone through a lot of the floor, including five players needing surgery over the past few months. He said he's been there for his guys while they go though it and makes sure they know they're not going through it alone. But he also wants to show them that they have to keep showing up consistently.
-Gates Trent Pierce got 10 stitches as a result of his ear infection surgery. He said they offered to drive Pierce down to Arkansas after the operation so that he wouldn't be bothered by the changing air pressure on a flight. Pierce wanted to be with his teammates though - "Coach, I'm getting on that plane."
-Gates wants to see "fire in the eyes" of the freshmen and see them continue to give their best. He's said all three have done a tremendous job getting through the obstacles this season's brought. He feels like the team has a good foundation with those three.
-Gates was asked about the seniors going into their last home games. He said this is a special group that's been forged through an "unfortunate circumstance" but he said he's not looking at them any differently. They're still putting on their uniform with pride and staying connected with their teammates and ignoring whatever negative attention the team has gotten. They haven't dropped their heads despite the losing streak and that'll get them far in life. Said they've got a bright future ahead of them.
-Asked Gates about Sean East specifically. He said "I think his basketball's just beginning." Said Sean's been very diligent in seeking out ways to improve himself and his game. He said East asked to go first in today's presser because he didn't want to be late to a yoga session at noon.
-Gates said he's got a tremendous amount of respect for the Rally for Rhyan game. He said the most important part in the fight is the encouragement and support you have to show. "This is an opportunity for us all to rally for a greater cause."
-East said Ant Robinson's learned a lot under him and Nick this season. Said the biggest thing for him is just learning to play through mistakes.
-East said they've got to get some 50/50 balls against Ole Miss this time around and slow down Matthew Murrell.
-East feels like he's learned a lot from the coaching staff about being a leader during his two years here. Said he wants to help instill a culture here and really tried helping out the younger players on the roster.
-East said to come out with a win late in games, they've got to dig a little deeper, fight a little harder and be a little more intense.
-East said Mizzou's zone defense helps keep other teams honest on offense. He said they'll throw in little changes, like going from switching to no switching, to keep opponents on their toes.
-Dennis Gates said they've had great preparation going into this game. He said March presents a lot of great opportunities. Said Ole Miss is a team that's on the bubble and they're going to come in this weekend with a lot of focus. Mizzou's going to try to bring the same.
-Gates said they have to do a better job of taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, like they weren't able to do against Florida.
-Asked Gates what it is about these players that's kept them from being discouraged. He feels like a big part of it is that he hasn't let himself get down about the streak and they're following his lead. Said they've gone through a lot of the floor, including five players needing surgery over the past few months. He said he's been there for his guys while they go though it and makes sure they know they're not going through it alone. But he also wants to show them that they have to keep showing up consistently.
-Gates Trent Pierce got 10 stitches as a result of his ear infection surgery. He said they offered to drive Pierce down to Arkansas after the operation so that he wouldn't be bothered by the changing air pressure on a flight. Pierce wanted to be with his teammates though - "Coach, I'm getting on that plane."
-Gates wants to see "fire in the eyes" of the freshmen and see them continue to give their best. He's said all three have done a tremendous job getting through the obstacles this season's brought. He feels like the team has a good foundation with those three.
-Gates was asked about the seniors going into their last home games. He said this is a special group that's been forged through an "unfortunate circumstance" but he said he's not looking at them any differently. They're still putting on their uniform with pride and staying connected with their teammates and ignoring whatever negative attention the team has gotten. They haven't dropped their heads despite the losing streak and that'll get them far in life. Said they've got a bright future ahead of them.
-Asked Gates about Sean East specifically. He said "I think his basketball's just beginning." Said Sean's been very diligent in seeking out ways to improve himself and his game. He said East asked to go first in today's presser because he didn't want to be late to a yoga session at noon.
-Gates said he's got a tremendous amount of respect for the Rally for Rhyan game. He said the most important part in the fight is the encouragement and support you have to show. "This is an opportunity for us all to rally for a greater cause."
