| |
Diary Entry #7: 3/9/00
I think our team is excited for these upcoming games (Arizona and Arizona State). We areall obviously aware of what is the goal for the weekend - the end resultearning a Pac-10 title. We need to play in reflection of that realization.The atmosphere is likely to be intense - both teams know what time of theyear it is and play is likely to reflect that.The (Arizona) Wildcats are going to be ready to play - we have to bethe aggressors and be more excited and competitive - that is alot of whatwinning is about this time of the year - enthusiasm and tenaciousness. Itis going to take a great mental and physical effort and focus - concreteaspects being our defense and rebounding. Arizona State will be a big game as well. They beat us in the season-opener. That is not a fond memory for our team.
(On last weekend's road trip) The first game was disappointing as our defense was not as aggressive as when we played them the first time- nor was ourrebounding even close to what it needs to be in order to be successful.Coming back at USC was a good team win and it was neccessary to get usback on track.
We will be watching this Sunday's tournament selection show in our lockeroom - together as a team. Preparation for the tournament startedthe first day we stepped in Maples in the fall (not to mention off-season), as far as preparing what we can do as a team. As far aspreparation for understanding the teams we will face - we start as soon aswe know who we are playing and when - with scouting reports and gametactics.