Coach Stockton's Comments Entering The Cancun Challenge
Nov 23, 2011 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 23, 2011
On playing No. 17 Purdue in the opening day of the Cancun Challenge
"I definitely think this is a great opportunity for us. Purdue is a program in women's basketball that has been one of the powerhouses for years. Our players certainly have a lot of respect for them, and it's nice when you're on a trip like this that you have an opportunity to play such a good opponent."
On how she feels about her team being 4-0 at this point
"When you have this many young players, you just don't know what to expect. I'm so pleased with how our returners have stepped up and played different roles and also our freshmen have played pretty consistent, aggressive and tough. It's exciting because I think there is so much room for improvement and I think this team can really grow throughout the season."
On having the opportunity to travel to Cancun for games against Purdue and Idaho State
"This time of the year, a lot of it is about them getting to know each other and building that team chemistry, especially with as many new players as we have. I think this group really likes each other, but this environment gives us a chance to play two teams we wouldn't normally play but gives us a chance to spend some time together in a rather unique setting."
On getting Janique Kautsky and Tiffany Dale back from injuries
"I think it gives us so many options, whether it's foul trouble or whether it's matchup situations. Janique has really played very consistently and has been a steady returner who has done good things for us. In the one game that Tiffany Dale played in, I thought she played terrific. Trying to mix both of them back into the line-up certainly is challenging because of our numbers, but it gives us some other options that we don't have without them."
On the Cancun Challenge starting a string of five straight games away from Fogelman Arena
"I think over the years, our team has played well on the road. I think one of the reasons that they have, especially in conference games, is because we do this...because we go away in non-conference (play). This is certainly two neutral games, so these aren't on someone else's court. With a younger group, it's important for them to know how to go on the road and be able to compete there. Once you get in conference play, half of your games are there and you need to win those games on the road."
