South Carolina Dawn Staley WIN over LSU for SEC tourn. title, addresses Cardoso fight and ejection

LSU Tigers on TigerBait
10 Mar 202424:12

Summary

TLDRThe South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their SEC tournament victory with a press conference, where student athletes and Coach Don Staley reflect on the team's performance, the challenges faced, and the unity and support within the team. Despite the emotional rollercoaster of the games, the team's poise under pressure and their ability to rally around each other, especially the younger players, is highlighted as a key factor in their success.

Takeaways

  • 🏆 South Carolina Gamecocks won the SEC tournament championship with a strong performance from their young team.
  • 🎉 Freshman Tahina Powell's first championship experience was special, highlighting the importance of teamwork and composure under pressure.
  • 🤝 The team's huddle discussions focused on staying composed and finishing the game strong, emphasizing mental strength and unity.
  • 👀 Coach Staley acknowledged the team's competitiveness and the need to handle high-stakes situations better, despite the victory.
  • 🙏 Camila's post-game apology and Coach Staley's appreciation for good sportsmanship show the team's values beyond winning.
  • 🥇 The newcomers, including Tessa Johnson and Malaysia F, expressed gratitude for their championship rings and the journey ahead.
  • 🌟 Myia's confidence and determination to improve led to a strong performance in the championship game, showcasing her growth.
  • 🤔 Coach Staley's reflection on the team's dynamics and the unique accountability they have for one another was highlighted.
  • 🚫 The ejection of key players due to bench violations was a significant moment, with Coach Staley taking responsibility for the team's reaction.
  • 🏀 The team's resilience and ability to close out tight games were evident, with a focus on maintaining high levels of play for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
  • 🏆 Despite the challenges, the team's unity and 'family' atmosphere were emphasized as crucial to their success and future performance.

Q & A

  • How did the South Carolina Gamecocks' victory in the SEC tournament feel to the student-athletes?

    -The student-athletes felt a mix of excitement and gratitude. As freshmen, this was their first time experiencing such a significant win, and they felt blessed and excited to be part of the team and the journey.

  • What was the atmosphere like during the post-game press conference?

    -The atmosphere was a mix of pride and reflection. The team discussed the challenges they faced, the importance of composure, and the support they felt from their fans and each other.

  • How did the student-athletes maintain their composure during the intense moments of the game?

    -The student-athletes focused on staying composed and mentally strong, emphasizing the importance of sticking together and supporting each other throughout the game.

  • What was the main point of discussion in the huddle before going back out to end the game?

    -The main point was to finish the game strong, emphasizing the mental aspect of the game and the need to stay composed and supportive of each other.

  • How did Coach Staley describe the incident where players were ejected from the game?

    -Coach Staley acknowledged that the situation escalated and that the players did not handle it well. She appreciated the officials' efforts to calm the situation and noted that the penalties were within the rules.

  • What did the student-athletes feel about the support they received from their fans?

    -The student-athletes felt grateful for the fans' support, noting that the fans traveled far to see the game and were very appreciative and happy for the team's success.

  • How did the student-athletes describe their confidence and mentality going into the last two games of the tournament?

    -The student-athletes emphasized the importance of confidence in basketball and described feeling locked in and ready to play their best, with a strong belief in their abilities.

  • What was the impact of the team's unity and closeness on their performance?

    -The unity and closeness of the team played a significant role in their performance, as they held each other accountable, encouraged each other, and worked together to overcome challenges during the games.

  • How did the coaches plan to prepare the team for the upcoming NCAA tournament?

    -The coaches planned to give the team some rest, including a few days off from practice, while still focusing on maintaining their academic commitments and working with the athletic trainer and performance coach.

  • What did the coaches learn about their team's ability to close out games during the last 48 hours?

    -The coaches learned that their team is poised and competitive, not panicking under pressure, and has a strong sense of accountability and closeness that helps them fight off comebacks and close out games.

  • How did the coaches feel about the team's young core performing in high-pressure situations?

    -The coaches were proud of the young core's performance, noting that their experience and ability to maintain a high level of play in critical moments were impressive and essential for the upcoming run.

Outlines

00:00

🏆 Post-Victory Press Conference: South Carolina Gamecocks' Triumph

The South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their SEC tournament victory in a press conference with head coach Don Staley and student athletes. The athletes, including a local freshman, express the significance of the win and discuss their composure during a tense final moment. Coach Staley addresses a post-game incident, highlighting the team's unity and the importance of sportsmanship. The press conference also touches on the team's preparation for future challenges and the impact of the fans' support.

05:01

🤝 Team Dynamics and Fan Interaction

The Gamecocks reflect on the emotional support from their fans and the team's close-knit dynamics. The players discuss their confidence and mentality leading up to the championship games, emphasizing the collective spirit and mutual support that contributed to their success. Coach Staley shares his pride in the team's maturity and ability to handle high-pressure situations, as well as the role of key players in the team's victory.

10:04

🥳 Celebrating Success Amidst Challenges

The press conference continues with Coach Staley expressing bittersweet feelings due to the absence of some team members during the celebration. He talks about the importance of the fan base and the team's plans for rest and preparation before the NCAA tournament. The coach also discusses the team's strategy during a critical moment in the game and the role of younger players in securing the win.

15:06

🌟 Young Talent in the Spotlight

The young core of the Gamecocks is praised for their performance in high-stakes situations, showcasing their resilience and ability to learn from experience. Coach Staley discusses the growth of these players and the team's accountability towards each other. He also reflects on the team's closeness and how it contributes to their success on the court.

20:06

💪 Overcoming Adversity and Team Unity

In the final part of the press conference, the team's ability to fight off comebacks and close out games is highlighted. Coach Staley comments on the unique accountability and unity within the team, which he finds refreshing. He also addresses the emotional complexity of the team standing up for each other while navigating penalties, emphasizing the strength and closeness that will carry them forward.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡SEC Tournament Champion

The term 'SEC Tournament Champion' refers to the winning team of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) basketball tournament, which is a significant achievement in collegiate sports. In the context of the video, it signifies the accomplishment of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who have won the championship and are being celebrated for their victory.

💡Composure

Composure refers to the ability to remain calm and self-possessed under stress or in challenging situations. In the video, it is a critical aspect of the athletes' performance, especially during high-pressure moments in the game. The players discuss maintaining their composure to successfully close out the game, highlighting the mental strength required in competitive sports.

💡Team Chemistry

Team chemistry is the dynamic that exists between team members, which can influence their ability to work together effectively. It involves mutual trust, communication, and understanding among players. In the video, the coach and players emphasize the strong team chemistry as a key factor in their success, noting how they hold each other accountable and support one another on and off the court.

💡Mental Strength

Mental strength is the capacity to maintain focus, confidence, and positive attitudes during challenging or competitive situations. It is a crucial element in sports, as it helps athletes to manage stress and perform at their best. In the transcript, the players and coach discuss the mental aspect of the game, particularly the importance of staying mentally strong in high-pressure moments to secure a win.

💡Newcomers

In the context of the video, 'newcomers' refers to new players who have recently joined the team. These individuals may be experiencing the championship atmosphere and the pressures of high-level competition for the first time. Their integration into the team and their performance can significantly impact the team's dynamics and success.

💡Celebration

A celebration is a joyful event or occasion that marks a significant achievement or milestone. In the video, the celebration is related to the team's victory and the emotions surrounding it. However, the celebration is also bittersweet due to the absence of some team members who were disqualified.

💡Adversity

Adversity refers to difficult or challenging situations that can test a person's or a team's resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. In the video, the team faced adversity in the form of a massive comeback from their opponents and had to fight to close out the game. The experience of facing and overcoming adversity can strengthen the team's bond and resolve.

💡Accountability

Accountability is the expectation that individuals or teams will accept responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of those actions. In sports, it often involves players taking ownership of their performance and supporting their teammates. The video highlights the team's strong sense of accountability, with players holding each other accountable for their actions during the game.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance and belief in one's own abilities. In sports, confidence can significantly impact performance, as it allows athletes to trust in their skills and make decisive actions. The video discusses the importance of confidence in basketball, with players noting that feeling confident can make them feel unbeatable.

💡Fans

Fans are the enthusiastic supporters of a sports team or athletes. They often attend games, show their support, and can have a significant impact on the morale and motivation of the team. In the video, the players express their gratitude for their fans, who have traveled to see the games and show their appreciation for the team's efforts.

Highlights

South Carolina Gamecocks win the SEC tournament championship.

Head coach Don Staley and student-athletes Tahina Poto and Malaysia F join the press conference.

Tahina, a local product, describes the championship as a special moment, especially as a freshman.

The team's composure and huddle conversation during a hectic moment are discussed, emphasizing the need to finish the game strong.

Coach Staley addresses the post-game incident, thanking officials for calming the situation and noting the ejected players' regret.

The team's unity and support for each other are highlighted, with a focus on their shared journey and blessings.

Newcomers to the team express their gratitude for being part of the championship win and the SEC tournament championship rings.

The role of energy provision by certain players when the team is stagnant is mentioned, along with the importance of genuine trust and support among teammates.

The impact of fan support and the emotional connection with the team are discussed, emphasizing the fans' dedication and the team's gratitude.

Myia's mentality and confidence leading into the last two games are explored, highlighting her determination to improve and excel.

The team's collective experience and closeness are discussed, with a focus on the positive impact of adversity on group cohesion.

Malaysia's performance and her confidence during the third quarter are praised, showcasing her growth and readiness to take over games.

The team's strategy and focus during the final stages of the game are detailed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and executing the game plan.

Coach Staley reflects on the bittersweet victory, expressing a desire to celebrate with all team members and acknowledging the lessons learned.

The significance of the team's fan base, referred to as 'fam,' is discussed, highlighting their unwavering support and the mutual respect between the team and its supporters.

Plans for preparing the team for the NCAA tournament are outlined, with an emphasis on rest and recovery for the players.

The poise and competitiveness of the young core of the team are praised, especially their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

The team's accountability and mutual support are highlighted as key factors in their ability to close out close games.

The unique chemistry and closeness of the team are discussed, with Coach Staley noting the genuine connection between players.

Coach Staley reflects on the team's unity and support for one another, acknowledging the complexity of balancing pride and adherence to rules.

Transcripts

00:14

welcome to the press conference for the

00:16

SEC tournament champion South Carolina

00:18

Gamecocks we're joined by head coach Don

00:20

Staley student athletes tahina powpow

00:22

and Malaysia F Wy we'll begin with

00:24

questions for the student athletes

00:26

please raise your hand we'll bring a

00:27

microphone to

00:28

you here in the in second row yeah my AG

00:32

obviously local product you've wanted to

00:34

be in A Moment Like This for South

00:36

Carolina ever since you were a kid to

00:37

come up big like that just how special

00:39

was this moment for you you know it

00:41

meant a lot to me uh considering the

00:43

fact that I'm only a freshman so it's my

00:44

first time around and this is a great

00:46

first experience for me and my team and

00:48

the other freshman Tessa Johnson and the

00:50

newcomer pop I'm just blessed to be here

00:52

and

00:55

excited front row we go here and then

00:59

there uh for either of you guys a hectic

01:02

moment there in the end how do you

01:03

maintain your composure and what's your

01:05

uh conversation like in the Huddle

01:06

before you go back out to end the

01:10

game the main point was just we got to

01:13

finish it out um these last two minutes

01:14

we just got to finish it out be composed

01:16

it's all it's a mental thing and we got

01:18

to stick together and at the end of the

01:20

game we just got to you know be there

01:22

for each other and finish with um High

01:24

heads High heads up right

01:28

here My AG you were right in the middle

01:30

of that I guess can you just kind of

01:31

take us through what you H what happened

01:33

there at least or at least what you

01:35

saw I'm not

01:37

sure Allan I I I'll answer that um well

01:41

I mean what you saw were two teams um

01:44

highly competitive teams um try to win

01:48

that try to win a a conference

01:50

Championship

01:52

and they did not handle it well our

01:55

players didn't their players didn't and

01:58

it escalated and and I you know I I want

02:01

to thank the officials and everybody

02:04

that jumped in and just kind of um calm

02:07

the situation down and then the

02:10

penalties

02:11

were um what they were like they were

02:16

well within the rules of ejecting the

02:18

players that that left the bench um even

02:21

if they just stepped over the the line

02:23

of the bench you can't you have to sit

02:25

there and keep your composure um but I'm

02:29

going to say this fly Jay came to me

02:32

after the game right after the game and

02:33

she just apologized and said she's not

02:35

that type of player and I really

02:37

appreciate that there something that

02:38

somebody won't ever hear if I didn't say

02:41

anything and she's not she's a really

02:43

good person um things just got escalated

02:47

um I'll take responsibility for what

02:49

happened from our side of it um which is

02:54

we

02:54

don't you

02:57

know we we we talk about these these

02:59

things as a you know as a as a team and

03:03

we we try to as much as possible um

03:07

Express to them how not to react in in

03:10

those type of situations um but real

03:13

time is real time and I know that you

03:16

know anybody Camila as well as the other

03:18

four or five players that were ejected I

03:21

know if they had a chance to do it all

03:22

over again they would do it differently

03:24

but now we have that I just don't want

03:27

um the people who are tuning in women's

03:30

basketball see that and think you know

03:32

that is our game because it isn't our

03:34

game is a really beautiful thing um and

03:38

to be quite honest this is this is a

03:40

part of it now so we have to fix it and

03:43

we have to move

03:44

on we'll continue with questions for

03:46

student athletes we'll go to the back

03:48

first this is for both athletes on a

03:51

positive note you two are newcomers this

03:53

year how does it feel to have your SEC

03:56

regular season championship and now your

03:58

SEC tour tournament championship

04:02

rings first um it hasn't sunk in just

04:06

yet um today's uh game but just being

04:09

able

04:10

to be called Champions is just a great

04:13

feeling it's a great blessing and a

04:15

great opportunity just to keep the the

04:17

journey going and just really blessed to

04:20

be here I'm very grateful for our team

04:21

the program and just everyone that's

04:23

been supporting us and um has been

04:25

living on us over here on the left

04:28

Rick Myer do you see uh one of your

04:31

important roles for this team is when

04:33

things are going a little stagnant

04:35

there's a lack of energy to come in and

04:37

provide that energy and that burst that

04:39

your teammates

04:41

need um my role on this team is just go

04:45

out there and be who I am so when I get

04:46

on the court I just feel like I just go

04:48

out there and do whatever's ask from the

04:50

coach here in the front well ladies you

04:53

guys have signed a lot of autographs and

04:55

taken a lot of selfies on a court

04:57

throughout this season but to do it here

04:59

and to see those fans stick around what

05:00

did that mean well I think you stopped

05:02

at every single person along that one

05:05

sideline what was that moment like what

05:07

were the fans telling you in this moment

05:10

with so much emotion around you guys um

05:13

they were just telling us how far they

05:14

traveled to see this game how much they

05:16

appreciate Us and how much they're happy

05:17

for us so I'm just appreciative to have

05:19

great fam like we do they come they

05:21

stick with us through thick and thin

05:22

it's just I just feel grateful to just

05:24

be in a predicament in a team like this

05:26

it's a blessing second row here

05:32

for myia after the quarterfinal you said

05:34

that you were really nervous but you

05:35

said tomorrow it's not going to be that

05:37

way and obviously you had a great

05:39

semi-final and even better Championship

05:41

can you just describe your mentality

05:42

going into these last two games that had

05:44

you completely locked

05:45

in um I feel like basketball is a

05:49

confidence that's the key to basketball

05:51

I feel like my confidence is out the

05:52

roofs when I step on the court feel like

05:54

nobody can guard me check me so I just

05:56

got it's really a mind thing and I just

05:58

told myself that I have to lock in and

06:00

play better stay in the second row uh

06:03

pal you got this team was on the biggest

06:05

stage you guys faced adversity in each

06:07

game in different ways describe how

06:10

closer this experience has brought this

06:12

group uh heading into a run where you

06:15

guys will have to go six and0 to cut

06:16

down the Nets yeah no this is a first

06:18

experience for everyone um as I said

06:21

before the emotions hasn't sunk in yet

06:23

and I don't know when that's going to

06:25

sink in but um it definitely brought us

06:28

closer together um you know their family

06:31

I love them so much we just love each

06:33

other very very much we're just so

06:35

genuine with each other we trust each

06:36

other we support each other in every

06:38

aspect and it's just it's going to help

06:40

us in the long run because we we felt

06:42

what it felt like yesterday we that

06:43

close game like we didn't want to feel

06:44

like that ever again but this feeling I

06:46

think everyone everyone wants to feel

06:48

this feeling again so we just got to get

06:50

back in the lab and uh get back to work

06:53

and just keep doing what we're doing

06:55

front row

06:58

Cor de I wanted to ask you about myah

07:01

saying she was going to be better the

07:02

next two games just the way she impacted

07:04

the next two games what did you think of

07:06

her Poise her confidence and just the

07:08

way that she got better with each game

07:10

man that's how she is um she's a

07:12

superstar she a Hooper she a baller

07:13

she's always going to come game ready um

07:15

I'm super proud of her performance today

07:17

um she C she stepped up really big for

07:19

us and I'm just really proud for her

07:21

proud of her she trusted the process um

07:23

she's still trusting it she's going to

07:25

write her journey and I'm just super

07:26

proud of how she um was so composed

07:29

today and her confidence was out the

07:30

roof as she said and when you got a

07:32

player like Le she's just you just got

07:34

to let her go be who she is and just let

07:36

her ride the wave and um I'm just super

07:38

proud couldn't couldn't say any much

07:42

front row of course for either of you

07:46

what ises that celebration like at the

07:47

end of the game when you're missing half

07:48

your

07:51

team good question it was

07:54

heartbreaking you know we couldn't have

07:56

done it without them I mean we're a team

07:57

for a reason we're a family and it was

07:59

it was really hard for us um just a lot

08:02

of emotions and we really wanted them to

08:03

celebrate with us but we went back in

08:06

the locker room and you know we did our

08:07

little celebrations together but it was

08:09

really heartbreaking but you know we're

08:10

a team we're going to get we're going to

08:12

bounce back from that and um learn from

08:14

our mistakes we'll take a couple more

08:16

for the student athletes second row

08:20

Pete Taha this was another game where

08:23

they came back at you um you know they

08:26

cut it to one I think it was up to 13

08:29

they cut it to one there what did you

08:30

guys do to dig in and and kind of get

08:32

this Victory we just told each other we

08:34

got to lock in and just get a stop once

08:37

you get a stop you got to get a bucket

08:38

and we just got to keep doing that you

08:40

know the game is a basketball is a game

08:42

of runs so they had their little run and

08:43

then we had our our run and we ended up

08:45

on top so we just got to keep being who

08:47

we

08:48

are take one more here in the

08:50

front Malaysia 10 points in that third

08:53

quarter and I don't think you missed a

08:54

shot in that quarter um at what point do

08:57

you realize that you're kind of in the

08:58

zone and you can kind kind of take over

08:59

a game like that when it is starting to

09:01

get pretty

09:03

tight um I really just be out there

09:05

hooping really honestly I just I just be

09:09

hoping I feel like my team they do a

09:11

great job with giving me the ball when

09:12

I'm open or getting me open so I'm just

09:14

thankful and blessed to have great

09:15

teammates like I

09:17

do ladies thank you for your

09:19

time

09:25

congratulations we'll now take questions

09:27

for Coach Staley right here in the

09:31

front coach some high highs and some low

09:34

lows for Camila this weekend did you get

09:36

a chance to talk with her during the

09:37

review or after the game about what she

09:38

should take away from this experience

09:40

overall I I haven't I haven't been back

09:42

I haven't been to the locker room yet um

09:44

but I mean Camila understands she she

09:49

really understands I think if you if you

09:51

talk to Camila about things she probably

09:53

say she let her emotions get the best of

09:55

her um and she's got to handle them

09:58

better she's got to she's got to be

10:00

better she's that important to our team

10:03

that important to the you know to the

10:05

state of women's basketball come's a

10:08

star and we just really can't have her

10:10

in a position where she's in the Locking

10:11

room um for anything other than have

10:15

time in the into the basketball

10:17

games in the back or second row first

10:20

two we go to the back he coach obviously

10:23

we've talked about F multiple points

10:24

during this season she's had huge

10:26

moments all year long but this one may

10:28

kind of take the cake a bit what's it

10:29

like for you to see her out there and be

10:31

hooping as she saying um I mean her

10:34

maturation process has been great you

10:36

like um she's a she's a learner I know

10:40

she just said she's out there hooping

10:41

but she's out there hooping and learning

10:43

and and and grasping what it takes to

10:47

play at a high level all the time like

10:50

all the time like she had it going on

10:52

today like you know she was able to

10:54

score she was able to um find teammates

10:59

um I think just her presence her speed

11:01

her ability to create her own shot was

11:04

needed today um like no

11:07

other back

11:09

row Don today's game was a game between

11:12

the the past two national champions uh I

11:16

know there's still a lot of games to be

11:17

played in March Madness but do you feel

11:19

like this is the best two teams in the

11:22

country and you could meet again in the

11:24

the final four in in the championship

11:26

game um

11:30

I don't I don't know if we're the best

11:31

team in the country um I know there's a

11:35

ranking that says we're number one um

11:38

but I I think that's subjective um LSU

11:42

is really good like for them to be where

11:45

they are you know having um lost a

11:48

couple of players along the way and

11:50

still stay where they stand and while

11:52

I'm at it I I really hope that um

11:56

um um last tier PO is okay I I know

11:59

she's was back at the hotel um I hope

12:02

she gets healthy quickly um because she

12:05

makes them better um to to have who they

12:08

have um Angel playing the way she plays

12:11

Ana playing the way she's playing I

12:13

think fly J is has much improved there

12:17

were if there was a you know a most

12:19

improv I would certainly give fly Jay uh

12:23

my vote um her ability to play on both

12:26

sides of the basketball you know

12:27

Michaela Williams is

12:29

um our our rookie of the year in this

12:31

league and can take over basketball

12:34

games um Haley van lift is playing her

12:36

best basketball for LSU right now so um

12:39

I do think they have the experience and

12:41

the talent um to be considered one of

12:45

the best teams in our in the country

12:48

we'll go here in the

12:50

middle Don you've experienced this

12:52

winning feeling so often but can you

12:54

take us through what you're feeling just

12:55

today after this win yeah it's

12:58

bittersweet it really is it's it's you

13:00

know I I I want to be there for the

13:02

players that were able to to end the

13:04

game and celebrate with them you know

13:06

but part of me was want wanted to be in

13:09

the locker room to to celebrate with the

13:12

players who weren't able to to do that

13:15

um but we put ourselves in that position

13:17

we we made decisions

13:19

that that that forc Force our hand to be

13:23

in that situation so I'm hoping that

13:26

it's the last of a last hope it's the

13:28

biggest lesson

13:29

any of our any of our teams have to

13:33

experience front row on the right Don

13:36

I've talked to you so many times about

13:37

your fam but today to be able to connect

13:40

with them after a moment like this and I

13:43

don't know was it uplifting in all when

13:45

you talk about those conflicted feelings

13:46

you were having but to know that that

13:48

they're there and what they mean to you

13:50

guys and vice versa I mean they were

13:52

professing their love for you and

13:53

respect for you and especially that

13:55

apology that you made there on that

13:56

court in the biggest moment um I'm

13:58

always going to find time for our fam

14:01

always always um they've uh they've

14:05

created something truly special at South

14:07

Carolina uh for them to come for for

14:10

them to travel for them come to our home

14:12

games um anywhere we are there's there's

14:15

always somebody in the stands um

14:17

cheering us on um and welcoming us to to

14:20

town um

14:22

so there's always going to be a special

14:24

place in my heart for for our fam and I

14:28

will I will I will always take a picture

14:31

I will always sign an autograph I might

14:33

not be able to do all of them but a you

14:36

know a lot of them I'm going to do and

14:39

for time's sake um I'll get as many in

14:41

as I can go

14:44

here Don you've got some time now before

14:46

your next game what's going to be the

14:48

plan the process to get this team ready

14:50

for the NCA tournament especially your

14:52

players who are going through this for

14:53

the first time y I mean rest rest a lot

14:57

of rest like we'll we'll probably take

14:59

uh the next 3 or 4 days off from

15:02

practice uh spring break usually lands

15:05

on this week but it was on I mean this

15:09

the next week but it actually was this

15:12

week so they'll they'll have their days

15:14

off from practice but not from class um

15:17

and some of the stuff that uh they'll

15:18

have to do with um our athletic trainer

15:21

and our performance coach no practice

15:25

though front

15:27

row

15:29

after everything kind of happened your

15:30

team looked pretty comfortable over the

15:31

last two minutes stretch to close out

15:33

the game what did you tell them before

15:35

everyone went back on the court to kind

15:37

of refocus them on on winning a

15:38

tournament

15:39

Championship well I mean we we had a lot

15:42

of time to just kind of

15:45

um just

15:47

deescalate um and you know before we

15:51

knew exactly what was going to happen I

15:53

didn't I didn't I didn't I mean I knew

15:55

Camila was gone I knew she was going to

15:57

be uh

15:59

disqualified um I did not know we were

16:01

going to have two like four other

16:03

players

16:04

disqualified um cuz I I was I was

16:07

unaware that they left the bench um so

16:11

we just talked about strategy like what

16:13

we wanted to do what kind of ball screen

16:15

coverage um that we wanted to have and

16:17

what type of offenses that we wanted to

16:19

run um to milk the clock a little bit um

16:24

you know but just like LSU they found

16:26

themselves back into the basketball game

16:27

so we had the fight and Claw to finish

16:29

it and I thought we did a great job um

16:32

making free throws at the end of the

16:34

game and Breezy hitting a couple of big

16:37

shots to you know to give us give us a

16:40

lead in which where we didn't have to

16:42

panic right second

16:46

row Don you talked about or you said

16:49

multiple times how young this team is

16:51

but it was some of your youngest players

16:52

Tessa and the the first game then

16:54

malasia today what does it say that this

16:57

young core could show up in the big

16:59

spots and and how critical was it for

17:00

the experience that they got here for

17:03

the Run that's uh fast approaching yeah

17:05

I'm I'm I'm super proud of our our

17:07

youngsters um they their experience is

17:11

is a little bit different than when some

17:15

of our experienced players were

17:16

youngsters like they have to play for us

17:20

um and you know if you if you ask them

17:25

if they saw themselves playing how

17:26

they're playing today like three months

17:29

ago or four months ago before the season

17:32

I'm sure um they would say no because

17:35

their heads were spinning about um the

17:38

pace of play about you know how we

17:42

Implement offenses and defenses and this

17:44

the pace of you know what we need to

17:46

learn um it took it took them a while to

17:49

actually acclimate to that but now that

17:52

they have it and they put in a lot of

17:53

work to get to where they are like it

17:55

just doesn't happen overnight I'm sure

17:57

they will would have wanted to happen

17:59

overnight it just doesn't like as much

18:02

as we saw them um perform the way they

18:05

have in this tournament there's been you

18:07

know times where they didn't perform and

18:10

there'll probably be more times that

18:11

they won't perform up to that level so

18:13

it's just learning how to maintain that

18:16

that high level of play and it only

18:19

experience will will will teach them

18:21

that take two or three more right here

18:23

front on the

18:25

left Don it's the second straight game

18:27

in a row that you know was coming down

18:28

to the final few minutes and you know

18:30

fighting off a a massive comeback

18:33

yesterday and then fighting off a

18:34

smaller one today what have you kind of

18:35

learned from your team here in these

18:37

last 48 hours about how they fight off

18:40

teams and how they close out a lot of

18:43

these games uh I mean they're they're

18:45

pretty poised they they feel like um

18:48

they their competitiveness goes to

18:51

another level you know when when the

18:53

game gets close and they don't panic um

18:57

you know I think think a lot of it is

19:00

just how close they are they don't want

19:02

to let each other down they don't they

19:05

hold each other accountable like this is

19:07

probably the team that holds each other

19:10

more accountable than any team that I've

19:12

been around and maybe that's the that

19:14

maybe that's the trick um is that some

19:17

of the things that we're we're

19:18

addressing um in a Timeout they've

19:22

already addressed on the court so

19:23

they're already talking about what

19:26

happened out there on the way um back to

19:28

the bench so it's pretty cool to see the

19:31

closeness of this group and this group

19:33

really just get in each other and they

19:36

also will will will definitely encourage

19:39

and they they surely would you know have

19:42

multiple conversations about something

19:44

they did that deserves

19:47

um a highlight or uh or a patter on the

19:52

back they do that a lot as well front

19:56

row

19:57

Cor

20:00

uh I know you just talked about their

20:01

Poise but specifically today it was a

20:02

super long review and you know only to

20:04

have six players to finish the game what

20:05

do you feel like it said about your team

20:07

that the players that you know were

20:08

finishing the game did it even though it

20:10

was tight and and they you know overcame

20:12

that you know everything that happened

20:15

and in a super long break um I

20:19

mean they they are free like they play

20:22

they play without pressure and is the

20:26

most amazing thing like you know even

20:30

even I put pressure on them you know I

20:32

put pressure on them um probably at some

20:35

point in each game and they look at me

20:39

and the other ones that I'm talking to

20:42

well aren't talking directly to they're

20:44

encouraging them they are holding them

20:47

accountable for it um so it's they're

20:51

resilient you know I

20:53

don't I'm happy for them but also know

20:57

that

20:59

you can't keep winning the close games

21:00

at some point you know the law averages

21:03

say I mean you got to you got to build a

21:05

lead you got to keep a lead if you can

21:08

get

21:09

one take two more star in the

21:11

front you mentioned the uniqueness of

21:14

this group in the accountability a

21:15

couple times was there a point over the

21:16

summer maybe early in the year where you

21:18

kind of realize that this group had

21:19

something specific like that that the

21:20

other ones

21:22

haven't no no because I I learn each day

21:25

there is something that that makes

21:28

me it's like and and they don't even

21:31

know it's happening I'm just

21:33

listening um it's conversations that

21:36

they have in the locker room cuz they're

21:38

loud um it is you know if I watch them

21:42

in practice and they're whispering to

21:45

each other about what's what's happening

21:47

out there on the floor well that's what

21:49

I that's what I think they're talking

21:51

about um it's just really cool to see

21:56

and it's

21:58

you know it's genuine like it's it's

22:01

genuine like you could have some teams

22:03

in which you know they have clicks and

22:06

they get along with this click and they

22:07

get and it could it could lead to some

22:10

dissension you know and I mean this team

22:12

they do have clicks but they integrate

22:15

like like it's the the most beautiful

22:19

amazing thing um that this that this

22:22

team has the chemistry that they have

22:24

and they've created from the very

22:26

beginning until now has been um really

22:30

refreshing to be around all right last

22:32

one

22:35

Pete Don you've got to have some

22:37

conflicting emotions about the way this

22:40

unfolded in the sense that like a parent

22:43

you may not be happy with one of your

22:45

children did but if they're standing up

22:47

for their sibling you know you part of

22:49

you is really proud of that too I mean

22:52

you talk about how close this team is

22:54

yeah you know they showed they stood up

22:55

for one another no matter what the

22:58

situation was that's got to be a you

23:00

know it's got to be something to balance

23:01

there man there there is and and you

23:04

know a lot of people ask me to compare

23:06

last year's team to this year's

23:08

team that that would have never happened

23:10

in in last year's team you know CU they

23:13

would have they would have been so

23:14

political about it if if that would have

23:16

happened and aiyah would have probably

23:18

just been the referee and just kind of

23:20

no don't do that like um and then you

23:24

got this team

23:25

that that they're protectors

23:28

um so yeah it's it's a it's a

23:30

Bittersweet like you you want them to

23:33

protect their their sisters at the same

23:35

time you want them to do it in a way in

23:38

which you don't get penalized um and you

23:41

you're not in a position to not be able

23:42

to celebrate um which is something super

23:45

hard to do like super hard to do um to

23:48

win the SEC tournament Championship so

23:51

um we'll talk about it but I know they

23:55

will draw strength from it and they

23:56

they'll get closer

23:58

all right thank you coach

24:04

congratulations pretty catchy tweet that

24:06

you put out the leading three-point SHO

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