Gator Men's Hoops Prepares For Tough Test At Arkansas Thursday
Monday, January 18, 2010 | Men's Basketball
Billy Donovan Press Conference Quotes
Jan. 18
On Arkansas:
“Going into Fayetteville on Thursday, we get an extra day to prepare this week, but on the back end, we'll probably get hurt going into our game with South Carolina Saturday. Hopefully we can really utilize the next three days. This should be the first time this season our entire team will be in relatively good health. Arkansas is a team that didn't start the year hot due to some suspensions, but really out of Christmas break, their last three games, is the first time they've had their entire team together. Having (Courtney) Fortson back at the point guard position really frees up Rotnei Clarke, who I think is one of the best shooters in the country. They've got great play from Marshawn Powell, the freshman. He had 21 points in the second half, 25 for the game against Mississippi State their first SEC road game. Michael Washington is a great front court player. Clarke and Fortson run the back court. They play very good basketball. Arkansas has had somewhat of a tough stretch out of the holidays, playing Texas, a team ranked No. 1 in the country, then they had to play on the road at Mississippi State, lost that game by two points, but then came back and got a home win against Alabama this weekend. I don't think they're a team whose record speaks of where they're at right now as a basketball team. We certainly have a lot to prepare for these next three days.”
On how the team prepares for a Thursday/Saturday turnaround with two games in three days:
“It's going to be different for everyone in the league. It's almost like an NCAA tournament-type situation with one day in between to prepare. The benefit of the NCAA tournament is you're at the same site. With regards to travel, this is a little bit different and we're going to try to do some things this week as it relates to travel. Because of a lack of depth for us, it matters how quickly we can get them back and the balance of preparation going into the next game, when we'll have less than 48 hours to do that. It's difficult, it is challenging, but that's what comes with the TV package that we put together this year. You're always worried about balance, keeping guys fresh for the next game, but also trying to improve. We just try to deal with the hand we're dealt coaching-wise. We utilize Kyle McClanahan, he's very active in practice, Hudson (Fricke) is very active and Rod (Tishman) helps us too. When we're down a player or two, we don't always have enough personnel, but when we go into practice we know the players that are available and we have a plan on how we're going to improve. Sometimes improving is mental, sometimes physical or even watching film. Our guys have done a good job handling it, they have a good attitude and they come to practice to get better. We make the best out of every situation.”
On Dan Werner and what he means to the team:
“Sometimes I don't think people understand Dan and what he brings to the team. He's never been a stat-sheet guy for our team. That's not who he is. He's an incredible help defender, he's very, very smart, you can put him in any position on the floor and he knows what's going on. You know what you're getting. He's so smart and conscientious and we need him. People tend to focus on his shooting, but there are so many things that he can do. He is a little limited athletically. When we were recruiting Dan we had Joakim Noah, we had Corey Brewer and Marreese Speights. We had a lot of size and with those guys leaving, we thought he would be a great compliment. He's had to endure a lot through our team to get to this level. I always appreciate, respect and admire his attitude, the way he works and the way he tries.”
On fans' and outsiders' unrealistic expectations of Dan Werner:
“As a young kid, everyone wants to hear good things about themselves. When you're in a team setting, or in a situation where people aren't privy to what you contribute, people are only looking at results. I'm sure Dan wishes he shot the ball better sometimes, but it's not like he's going out there saying he's going to shoot to miss. Dan's offense helps our team. I try to get him to understand that shooting the basketball is only part of something he does. He does a lot for our team other than that. There are times when Dan doesn't shoot the ball well, not by fault to him, but by the amount of effort he puts out on the other end of the floor. Kenny Boynton is a similar situation because they both put on the pressure. When Dan is wrestling down low with guys that are significantly bigger, taller, stronger, there is some residual effect that's going to carry over to the other end of the floor. For our team, I'd rather him put his focus on the defensive end of the floor. As of late, however, Kenny and Dan have both shot the ball better and hopefully that will continue.”
