Nov. 1, 2002
DALLAS, Texas - Head coach Dave Bliss, forward Lawrence Roberts and guard John Lucas represented the Bears this week at the Big 12 Men's Basketball Media Day, held in Dallas, Texas.
For more quotes from Media Day, click here.
Dave Bliss, Head Coach
On John Lucas and Lawrence Roberts
"Last season their role became more significant as the season went along. It is remarkable the way they have matured. I attribute a lot of Lawrence's maturation to the Big 12 trip to Europe."
On the team's defense
"We will improve defensively. Last season Lucas didn't know the word defense. He is now a pesky defender his quickness and intelligence has to be a big factor. The big areas the team needed to improve upon from last season were rebounding and defense and I think we did a good job at that."
On the Big 12
"This league plays the most physical and aggressive basketball in the country. There's a much more intense effort on the defensive end in this league."
On newcomers Terrance Thomas and Ellis Kidd Jr
"Thomas is a slasher. He is a much better passer than anything. He may lead this team in assists. Kidd is an exciting player. We may have a dunk this year after going a year without one."
On Roberts' injury
"I don't know exactly how many games he will miss, but I know that we would rather be without him in December as opposed to January or February."
Lawrence Roberts, Sophomore Forward
On his injury
"I have a stress fracture in the fibula of my left leg, and it should put me out for around five weeks. As far as rehab is concerned, I am doing a lot of pool workouts and basic conditioning in order to stay in shape for the season."
On the team
"This year we have more experience than last year, and with the addition of our new players we should surprise a lot of people. We want top go out there and put together some wins and hopefully finish in the upper portion of the Big 12 Conference. Our new guys are playing extremely well, and they should play a huge roll for us this year. They are playing hard and are fighting for position on the court."
John Lucas, Sophomore Forward
On his play
"This year I am going to try and be more of a leader, and focus on being more of a true point guard. I will be looking to pass the ball more rather than score and to set up our offense more efficiently. I needed to improve my defense drastically, so after sitting down with Coach Bliss, I focused on that this summer. I feel very fortunate to have had the season I did last year, but I know that I am going to have to improve on defense in order for better myself."
