Jan. 23, 2008
Upcoming Home Games at Memorial Gym
Saturday, Feb. 2, vs. Auburn at 4 p.m. CT
Tuesday, Feb. 12, vs. Kentucky at 8 p.m. CT
Saturday, Feb. 16, vs. Florida at 2 p.m. CT
Audio: Listen to the entire teleconference at SECsports.com
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Kevin Stallings discussed the latest in Commodore basketball with the national media during Monday’s SEC Teleconference.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Kevin Stallings:
Opening statement:
“We felt like we got back on the right track against LSU. We felt like we played more how we like to play and how we think we can play. It’s a little unusual to have two games in 36 hours and not have another game for eight days. That’s a little bit of a quirk in the schedule I guess, but in any event, we have a pretty extended period of time off. All we can do is the best we can to improve ourselves this week and get ready for what is always a very difficult game at Florida.”
How much attention do you pay to the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI)?
“I haven’t looked one time this year (at it). I guess it’s already done. I don’t know what our RPI is today. I haven’t known what it is the entire season. I might look later in the year just out of curiosity.”
How has you attitude to scheduling nonconference games changed over the years?
“I think that with the weight that the (NCAA selection) committee has put on nonconference scheduling, you have to be a little bit mindful of that. At the same time, I think there are situations where if you have a young team and don’t schedule real hard, you’re able to get your team some confidence if you can get some games you can win. I think there are two sides to that scheduling coin. You don’t always need to schedule up. I think there are instances where it’s beneficial to not schedule up, especially if that’s what suits your team.”
What effect have injuries to marquee players in the SEC had on league play?
“I think that it’s very significant. Often times, it’s not who you play but when you play them. Many teams in our league have had a number of guys out off and on throughout the season, and that has to affect your ability to be productive and get better. It’s very difficult to practice and get better when you have a bunch of guys injured. I’ve been in that situation before. Fortunately, we’re not in that situation right now, but it’s very difficult to manage that because as a coach, you want to practice and get better at things, and yet, when you’re injured, it’s very difficult to do so.”
How has Ross Neltner improved his play?
“Ross played very well on Saturday (against LSU), one of his best games of the season. Hopefully, we’ve unlocked some things for him, and he can continue to play the way we know he can play. Ross is a very good player. He is a very steadying influence on our team. He’s a tough minded player. Hopefully, he can continue to play well because when he and Alex Gordon play well, our team tends to play pretty well.”