Stockton and Players Talk Upcoming Season at Media Day
Oct 27, 2021 | Women's Basketball
NEW ORLEANS - Head Coach Lisa Stockton and select Tulane women's basketball players spoke at Tulane Basketball Media Day at the Jill H. ad Avram A. Glazer Family Club Tuesday.
Listed below is the complete transcript from Media Day with the Coach Stockton, Moon Ursin, Krystal Freeman and Arsula Clark.
Lisa Stockton, Head Coach
Opening Statement:
First of all, we can't wait to get started. I think last season having a season with COVID where it was just such a different kind of season, our fans weren't involved and just the excitement there. I haven't been this excited about a team in a while. I think this is going to be a really, really special year. I'm so grateful to our seniors who came back and a senior who came in and trying to benefit from this COVID Senior situation, I think it's going be a real advantage. I love the depth we have. I think we've got the ability to shoot. I think we've got some great penetrators. We better be ready to go because I think we've got a really exciting schedule, a really challenging schedule, especially our road schedule. I think this team is itching to play and we can't wait.
On bringing Moon Ursin to Tulane:
It wasn't a hard decision for me to call her. Just so y'all know. We've known each other for a long time really, either with her family or coach, everyone along the way. We recruited her many, many years ago and she had a tremendous opportunity to get to Baylor and we kept up with her over her career. The one thing I think has really been special about Moon is even though she was playing for someone else, I always pulled for her, and we always were cheering for her and she's always a home girl, this was home for her. I do think when the year came up, and there was another opportunity, we were hoping she wanted to come home. A lot of people do know this about Moon, but she's a great student and she wants medicine, and she wants things in the medical field, and I think that's one thing we can offer her too. It was a no brainer. I think that Moon's personality and what she brings to us it was a no brainer to try to bring her here if she'd come.
On Ursin's skillset:
I think one thing Su (Arsula Clark) said is she can really jump so that's been pretty impressive. I think one of the things that surprised me is Moon's got a three-pointer. She can knock down that three pretty well. I don't that I really knew her game that well in that. Great passer. Very unselfish. This isn't necessarily a skillset, but I think it's an important quality, I have to give a lot of credit to our team and these two sitting up here and Moon for the way they have meshed. That doesn't always happen. You bring a player in where Moon came from, a national champion, you put them with these guys. They meshed right away. It was in Birmingham when we did that. That's one thing, they talk about what's special, I think one thing that's special is they have taken them in because they want to win. I have talked to the seniors, and I think one of the reasons they came back is to win a championship. I definitely believe they see Moon is helping us do that. It's going to be fun.
On the keys to doing well this season:
I think this team is very experienced. You've got five seniors with a lot of minutes. I think that's very experienced. I think last year we had some inexperience that to play and play well. We were in a lot of games. The conference champion, South Florida, we had a chance to beat them twice and just couldn't pull it off so we're right there. When you add this group, we've added a couple transfers, everyone's improved their game, I feel like we're in a great spot. What do we have to do? I think our defense can be better. I think we can have more steals. I think we can create some offense off our defense. I think the combination between the three-pointers and getting to the rim I think we've got a great group that can combine that. We've got great depth. Our four and five we don't have tremendous depth there, but I definitely think we've got great depth in our team. I think this team is really special. We're going to go to Alabama in two weeks and, you know SEC, we're going to give Moon a chance to back it up. I definitely think you look at some of our games early that's going to challenge us and make us better.
On Ursin's ability to drive to the basket:
I think Moon and Su are two of the best at going to the basket, creating, and finding other people. I think both of them do a great job. We've got Su at the point a lot. She's done a great job there. I think the thing that stands out with Moon too is her unselfishness because she can get to the rim, but she'll dump it off. That's hard to defend. I think when you've got guards that will do that can really score that can do that.
On the development of Dynah Jones:
Dynah Jones is that same kind of player, really, getting to the basket, creating and also being able to hit the outside shot. That's exciting to have. You can't stop one or two players on our team and beat us. That's something I don't know that we've had in a long time. That's definitely going to be a special quality for us.
On the development of the post players:
Mia has a lot of experience. She's got a ton of experience and that's going to really help us. I think you saw Anijah Grant really come on at the end of the year last year. I think she's got to give us some good minutes in there, especially when we play teams with size. Her ability to rebound is going to make a difference for us. That was one of our issues last year is against really good teams is being beat on the boards. Hopefully that's something our guards can make up for too. I definitely think everybody's taken a step forward and is better and that's what they're supposed to be, but I definitely think they are.
On where Krystal Freeman is now as a player:
We kid Krystal all the time is she a guard or a post. She goes back and forth. I think that's a great position to be in because she has improved her ability to dribble and attack the basket and draw fouls. I thought last year sometimes she didn't put the ball on the floor as much as she could've. She's really worked on that this summer. I think if they come out to take that three, she's going to get to the rim on you. That's definitely been an evolution of her game. It's nice because she can play like a guard, but she rebounds really well inside, and we can also post her up. It's kind of a fun team because you can be really creative. Su is one of the best post up players in the country and she's our point guard. That's kind of an interesting thing. You throw the playbook out and you figure out how to get people in positions to be successful.
On how she feels about the transfer portal:
I think it's become, in the last couple of year, it's become too glamorous in my opinion. There are times that things don't work out and you try to work through them. I think Moon is an excellent example of that going to Baylor and kind of waiting her time till she got on the floor. I think too many players probably do that too quickly. I definitely believe that student-athletes should have the chance to go somewhere else if they're not happy. I definitely believe that. I think maybe we should make it a little less 'oh we'll just do that,' like that's kind of where you go like, 'we'll just do that' things don't work out you just do that. That's not a real good answer. We have to work things out. I think it's going to work the other way. I think coaches are going to use it too and we've got three transfers in. It's going to work both ways. I think it's going to become something that, if student-athletes are going to leave, the coaches are going to use it and it's going to be very influx. I hope it settles down, honestly. I really do. I love the rule that a graduate can go and play right away. I love that. I think it gives people incentive to graduate and take courses to graduate. I hope that becomes more of an emphasis to graduate than just to leave and move on.
On how the transfer portal changes the philosophy in recruiting:
I love freshman. I love the energy they bring you. I love teaching them and working through things to get them adjusted when they come in. I love freshmen. We have made a living here on bringing four-year players. Krystal Freeman is a four-year player and the other two are not. I love that, but when you look at it can you get a very experienced player in the portal? It's definitely something coaches have to look at, especially, if you graduate a lot or you need a particular position. Do you get a freshman to come in and try to do it or do you try to go to the portal? It definitely changes the way you recruit.
On if rebounding will be a key this season:
I think it can be. It was last year. I thought the games that we really needed to win, we talk about schedules, and we talk about all these teams, but South Florida and Central Florida and Houston and some of those are as good as any teams on our schedule and I think those are the games that we would win if we rebound better. That's something that we've talked about, and our guards have to have a part of that. It's not just two post players. Our guards have to have a part in that. Hopefully that won't be something that gets us. I think we're quicker. I can't wait to try it out.
On where the development is for Anijah Grant now:
Anijah's pretty strong. We know that. I think Anijah's got some experience and some confidence. I think both of those are crucial. Last year she got some playing time she didn't have. We talk about experience; she's been on the floor in crucial games for us. I think she can take that into this season and feel a lot better about what her role can be in that. I think she's playing well. It's just a matter of going to these opponents, going to these big opponents early to really get ready for the season and she'll play a part.
On the conference changes:
I'm probably the last person to ask because I've so many conference changes since I've been here. I was trying to count them. I think there's been nine or 10 since I've been here. We just changed names to the American and we did all that. For me, there's definitely teams I love to play, and I love them to be in our league, but for us it's got to be how can we win a championship. Whatever that is, is how can we be at the top and how can we win a championship? And how can we build a league? Whatever it is we're going to make the best of it. All of those teams have been in a conference of ours before. I think we attack it. We figure out how we can be in that top two and top three and compete for a championship every year. We've got two more years with this league, and I think our sights have to be toward the top both those years.
Moon Ursin, Redshirt Senior, Guard
On what it means to her to be back home:
It means everything. I'm just excited to be here surrounded by my family and my friends. This team has already treated me like I've been here all five years. Just to be home, eating this good food and just enjoying the culture it's been fun and extremely, extremely happy.
On how she ended up back home:
Getting here seems like it's just meant to be for a while. This is actually where I first came out of high school. (This is) a place I always thought of, always dreamed of coming, always valued, and appreciated Coach Stockton for who she was and her entire staff. Finally, I made it here to this point and it's not to say that I regret any decision that I made in the past; it's to say I'm here now, and I'm glad I'm here now.
On her first contact with Coach Stockton:
I got in the portal from where I was at LSU, and I got a call from Coach, and I answered that phone immediately and that was it. I didn't want a call from anyone else. I wasn't looking for anyone else and I ended up here so, I'm grateful.
On if she was hoping Coach Stockton would call:
Yes, absolutely. I was I was hoping and if not, I had other decisions to make from there, but that's when my phone rang. When I picked it up and I said 'hey' and we got to talking my heart got happy.
On the intangible things she bring to the team:
First of all, character, I think coming here from where I was and just coming here now keep that character. I think heart is huge and it's underestimated, but a lot of times you hear that team has heart. Well, we have heart and talent. I've only been here for a short while, but it's amazing. It's different, but it's fun and we are good. Just bringing as much as I can, obviously, skill wise and knowledge wise but getting in where I fit in and just learn to build off of that. They've been so good bringing in and teaching me and I've been learning a lot and eventually I hope I get to a point to where I can teach them.
On what she thought she could accomplish at Tulane instead of LSU:
Obviously, I've thought about that as far as conference and what teams are going to be in it and what we're going to be playing, but that's just not where I want to be, regardless of the conference, I would just keep it real. It's just not where I want to be. I'm here, no matter who we play when we play, what conference it is. It's going to be different. You got this big SEC, and then we're AAC, but I think that the teams in this conference can compete. We've seen it and we're hopefully going to be able to do what we can to bring home the conference title and then go from there.
On her first impressions of the team and her teammates:
I think this team doesn't get talked about enough. You have the same teams that you see all the time and those big-name teams, but a people need to pay attention to those teams that aren't talked about enough and this is one of those teams. Not being biased just being in the program and seeing the things that Coach Stockton and coach Frey and the rest of the coaches put together and the things that the girls do every day on a daily basis; they workout just like every other college team workout, if not harder. I think that's big and that needs to be valued. They need to be emphasized and need to be seen. Hopefully this year we're going to be big, and people are going to see it and we are going to be talked about a lot more.
On how she would describe the guards on the team:
Smart. Very smart. They definitely have high basketball IQ. They're fast, they're quick, they're competitive. You get kind of stagnant in a program that I've been with for years, but this is new competition. These girls are all different. They're athletes. They all have this certain charisma. They are all different, that's the thing. They're all different, but they're all good. The guards on this team, every day competing against them and playing with your them you are bound to get better.
On what it would mean to her to help the team reach the NCAA Tournament:
Everything. Like I said, we're at home. I want to actually feel a part of it. Obviously, in my previous years, it was a hard journey as far as basketball wise, but I feel like this team I can feel like I am a part of every single step. For me, personally, that just makes my heart happy, makes me love the game again. I hope we get there and get to be a part of it. I'm glad that they welcomed me in like I've been here for five years already.
On what is special about the team this season:
They all came back, and I was like, 'that's special. I want to be a part of that.' That was enough for me.
Krystal Freeman, Redshirt Senior, Forward
On what Ursin has brought to the team:
I think having Moon here just brings another level of experience. Not every day you play with a national champion, so I think that makes everyone take a step up and like play a little above the normal and all grow together.
On if the team has any added incentive to win this season:
One person doesn't make a team. We're still the same team. We lost one addition and we gained another one. I still think we're going to be great either way.
On what she has improved on this year:
I think in the offseason we worked on a lot of ball handling and just attacking a little more to the basket in case my shot isn't falling.
On how the team has grown from last year:
I think, overall, we have a lot of people coming back. We just about have almost the same exact team, if not, gained more. I think it will be pretty equivalent, if not, more. The defense will still be suffocating. Our offense will be even better because, like Coach Stockton said, we have so many shooters and we have so many people that can drive and shoot and create for others. I think we have it all.
On what is special about the team this season:
I think it's special because as a team we all love each other. We're all sisters. Every single one of them I would call my sister. Last year we were so close. Why not come back? We were so close. Like I said earlier, we gained more I think, personally, for this team. If we were that close and everybody's the same, I think we have a really good chance at something.
Arsula Clark, Redshirt Senior, Guard
On what Ursin has brought to the team:
Talent wise she bring a lot. Her defense is very good so that challenges us as guards to figure out extra moves like pump fakes. Moon is bragging on us guards, but she is very fast, so we have to be faster if we want to catch her. She's strong and believe it or not she's a little short, but she jumps high. It puts us on our toes and helps us get ready for those athletic guards that are in our conference as well.
On what is special about the team this season:
I think right now this team is very special because, usually when you're playing against your teammates you try to go soft like you don't want to hurt them, but we really get out there fighting for our lives on the court. We want to win every day. It doesn't matter what group Coach Stockton puts us in, we're going to go out there and we're going to try to win it. I think that's very special for a team. I think if we keep that up and keep that grind that we can go very far. We'll shock the world. Y'all will see.
On how she would describe last season and how the lessons learned from that season will help this season:
Last season I think that we kind of shocked ourselves as far as we got, and I think we proved to ourselves that we can hang with the best. We can compete. We can do it. We just have to believe in ourselves and have to go hard. I think for this season now that we know, we have that experience, we played the SEC schools, the ACC schools I fell like now we are more ready to attack them to get at it. We are ready for the Alabama, the LSU. We're ready for all those games. I think we're more experienced. We have like one freshman, KeKe (Kierra Middleton), and I feel like the rest of us have a lot of experience and that we're ready and we can lead her and lead our team.
Listed below is the complete transcript from Media Day with the Coach Stockton, Moon Ursin, Krystal Freeman and Arsula Clark.
Lisa Stockton, Head Coach
Opening Statement:
First of all, we can't wait to get started. I think last season having a season with COVID where it was just such a different kind of season, our fans weren't involved and just the excitement there. I haven't been this excited about a team in a while. I think this is going to be a really, really special year. I'm so grateful to our seniors who came back and a senior who came in and trying to benefit from this COVID Senior situation, I think it's going be a real advantage. I love the depth we have. I think we've got the ability to shoot. I think we've got some great penetrators. We better be ready to go because I think we've got a really exciting schedule, a really challenging schedule, especially our road schedule. I think this team is itching to play and we can't wait.
On bringing Moon Ursin to Tulane:
It wasn't a hard decision for me to call her. Just so y'all know. We've known each other for a long time really, either with her family or coach, everyone along the way. We recruited her many, many years ago and she had a tremendous opportunity to get to Baylor and we kept up with her over her career. The one thing I think has really been special about Moon is even though she was playing for someone else, I always pulled for her, and we always were cheering for her and she's always a home girl, this was home for her. I do think when the year came up, and there was another opportunity, we were hoping she wanted to come home. A lot of people do know this about Moon, but she's a great student and she wants medicine, and she wants things in the medical field, and I think that's one thing we can offer her too. It was a no brainer. I think that Moon's personality and what she brings to us it was a no brainer to try to bring her here if she'd come.
On Ursin's skillset:
I think one thing Su (Arsula Clark) said is she can really jump so that's been pretty impressive. I think one of the things that surprised me is Moon's got a three-pointer. She can knock down that three pretty well. I don't that I really knew her game that well in that. Great passer. Very unselfish. This isn't necessarily a skillset, but I think it's an important quality, I have to give a lot of credit to our team and these two sitting up here and Moon for the way they have meshed. That doesn't always happen. You bring a player in where Moon came from, a national champion, you put them with these guys. They meshed right away. It was in Birmingham when we did that. That's one thing, they talk about what's special, I think one thing that's special is they have taken them in because they want to win. I have talked to the seniors, and I think one of the reasons they came back is to win a championship. I definitely believe they see Moon is helping us do that. It's going to be fun.
On the keys to doing well this season:
I think this team is very experienced. You've got five seniors with a lot of minutes. I think that's very experienced. I think last year we had some inexperience that to play and play well. We were in a lot of games. The conference champion, South Florida, we had a chance to beat them twice and just couldn't pull it off so we're right there. When you add this group, we've added a couple transfers, everyone's improved their game, I feel like we're in a great spot. What do we have to do? I think our defense can be better. I think we can have more steals. I think we can create some offense off our defense. I think the combination between the three-pointers and getting to the rim I think we've got a great group that can combine that. We've got great depth. Our four and five we don't have tremendous depth there, but I definitely think we've got great depth in our team. I think this team is really special. We're going to go to Alabama in two weeks and, you know SEC, we're going to give Moon a chance to back it up. I definitely think you look at some of our games early that's going to challenge us and make us better.
On Ursin's ability to drive to the basket:
I think Moon and Su are two of the best at going to the basket, creating, and finding other people. I think both of them do a great job. We've got Su at the point a lot. She's done a great job there. I think the thing that stands out with Moon too is her unselfishness because she can get to the rim, but she'll dump it off. That's hard to defend. I think when you've got guards that will do that can really score that can do that.
On the development of Dynah Jones:
Dynah Jones is that same kind of player, really, getting to the basket, creating and also being able to hit the outside shot. That's exciting to have. You can't stop one or two players on our team and beat us. That's something I don't know that we've had in a long time. That's definitely going to be a special quality for us.
On the development of the post players:
Mia has a lot of experience. She's got a ton of experience and that's going to really help us. I think you saw Anijah Grant really come on at the end of the year last year. I think she's got to give us some good minutes in there, especially when we play teams with size. Her ability to rebound is going to make a difference for us. That was one of our issues last year is against really good teams is being beat on the boards. Hopefully that's something our guards can make up for too. I definitely think everybody's taken a step forward and is better and that's what they're supposed to be, but I definitely think they are.
On where Krystal Freeman is now as a player:
We kid Krystal all the time is she a guard or a post. She goes back and forth. I think that's a great position to be in because she has improved her ability to dribble and attack the basket and draw fouls. I thought last year sometimes she didn't put the ball on the floor as much as she could've. She's really worked on that this summer. I think if they come out to take that three, she's going to get to the rim on you. That's definitely been an evolution of her game. It's nice because she can play like a guard, but she rebounds really well inside, and we can also post her up. It's kind of a fun team because you can be really creative. Su is one of the best post up players in the country and she's our point guard. That's kind of an interesting thing. You throw the playbook out and you figure out how to get people in positions to be successful.
On how she feels about the transfer portal:
I think it's become, in the last couple of year, it's become too glamorous in my opinion. There are times that things don't work out and you try to work through them. I think Moon is an excellent example of that going to Baylor and kind of waiting her time till she got on the floor. I think too many players probably do that too quickly. I definitely believe that student-athletes should have the chance to go somewhere else if they're not happy. I definitely believe that. I think maybe we should make it a little less 'oh we'll just do that,' like that's kind of where you go like, 'we'll just do that' things don't work out you just do that. That's not a real good answer. We have to work things out. I think it's going to work the other way. I think coaches are going to use it too and we've got three transfers in. It's going to work both ways. I think it's going to become something that, if student-athletes are going to leave, the coaches are going to use it and it's going to be very influx. I hope it settles down, honestly. I really do. I love the rule that a graduate can go and play right away. I love that. I think it gives people incentive to graduate and take courses to graduate. I hope that becomes more of an emphasis to graduate than just to leave and move on.
On how the transfer portal changes the philosophy in recruiting:
I love freshman. I love the energy they bring you. I love teaching them and working through things to get them adjusted when they come in. I love freshmen. We have made a living here on bringing four-year players. Krystal Freeman is a four-year player and the other two are not. I love that, but when you look at it can you get a very experienced player in the portal? It's definitely something coaches have to look at, especially, if you graduate a lot or you need a particular position. Do you get a freshman to come in and try to do it or do you try to go to the portal? It definitely changes the way you recruit.
On if rebounding will be a key this season:
I think it can be. It was last year. I thought the games that we really needed to win, we talk about schedules, and we talk about all these teams, but South Florida and Central Florida and Houston and some of those are as good as any teams on our schedule and I think those are the games that we would win if we rebound better. That's something that we've talked about, and our guards have to have a part of that. It's not just two post players. Our guards have to have a part in that. Hopefully that won't be something that gets us. I think we're quicker. I can't wait to try it out.
On where the development is for Anijah Grant now:
Anijah's pretty strong. We know that. I think Anijah's got some experience and some confidence. I think both of those are crucial. Last year she got some playing time she didn't have. We talk about experience; she's been on the floor in crucial games for us. I think she can take that into this season and feel a lot better about what her role can be in that. I think she's playing well. It's just a matter of going to these opponents, going to these big opponents early to really get ready for the season and she'll play a part.
On the conference changes:
I'm probably the last person to ask because I've so many conference changes since I've been here. I was trying to count them. I think there's been nine or 10 since I've been here. We just changed names to the American and we did all that. For me, there's definitely teams I love to play, and I love them to be in our league, but for us it's got to be how can we win a championship. Whatever that is, is how can we be at the top and how can we win a championship? And how can we build a league? Whatever it is we're going to make the best of it. All of those teams have been in a conference of ours before. I think we attack it. We figure out how we can be in that top two and top three and compete for a championship every year. We've got two more years with this league, and I think our sights have to be toward the top both those years.
Moon Ursin, Redshirt Senior, Guard
On what it means to her to be back home:
It means everything. I'm just excited to be here surrounded by my family and my friends. This team has already treated me like I've been here all five years. Just to be home, eating this good food and just enjoying the culture it's been fun and extremely, extremely happy.
On how she ended up back home:
Getting here seems like it's just meant to be for a while. This is actually where I first came out of high school. (This is) a place I always thought of, always dreamed of coming, always valued, and appreciated Coach Stockton for who she was and her entire staff. Finally, I made it here to this point and it's not to say that I regret any decision that I made in the past; it's to say I'm here now, and I'm glad I'm here now.
On her first contact with Coach Stockton:
I got in the portal from where I was at LSU, and I got a call from Coach, and I answered that phone immediately and that was it. I didn't want a call from anyone else. I wasn't looking for anyone else and I ended up here so, I'm grateful.
On if she was hoping Coach Stockton would call:
Yes, absolutely. I was I was hoping and if not, I had other decisions to make from there, but that's when my phone rang. When I picked it up and I said 'hey' and we got to talking my heart got happy.
On the intangible things she bring to the team:
First of all, character, I think coming here from where I was and just coming here now keep that character. I think heart is huge and it's underestimated, but a lot of times you hear that team has heart. Well, we have heart and talent. I've only been here for a short while, but it's amazing. It's different, but it's fun and we are good. Just bringing as much as I can, obviously, skill wise and knowledge wise but getting in where I fit in and just learn to build off of that. They've been so good bringing in and teaching me and I've been learning a lot and eventually I hope I get to a point to where I can teach them.
On what she thought she could accomplish at Tulane instead of LSU:
Obviously, I've thought about that as far as conference and what teams are going to be in it and what we're going to be playing, but that's just not where I want to be, regardless of the conference, I would just keep it real. It's just not where I want to be. I'm here, no matter who we play when we play, what conference it is. It's going to be different. You got this big SEC, and then we're AAC, but I think that the teams in this conference can compete. We've seen it and we're hopefully going to be able to do what we can to bring home the conference title and then go from there.
On her first impressions of the team and her teammates:
I think this team doesn't get talked about enough. You have the same teams that you see all the time and those big-name teams, but a people need to pay attention to those teams that aren't talked about enough and this is one of those teams. Not being biased just being in the program and seeing the things that Coach Stockton and coach Frey and the rest of the coaches put together and the things that the girls do every day on a daily basis; they workout just like every other college team workout, if not harder. I think that's big and that needs to be valued. They need to be emphasized and need to be seen. Hopefully this year we're going to be big, and people are going to see it and we are going to be talked about a lot more.
On how she would describe the guards on the team:
Smart. Very smart. They definitely have high basketball IQ. They're fast, they're quick, they're competitive. You get kind of stagnant in a program that I've been with for years, but this is new competition. These girls are all different. They're athletes. They all have this certain charisma. They are all different, that's the thing. They're all different, but they're all good. The guards on this team, every day competing against them and playing with your them you are bound to get better.
On what it would mean to her to help the team reach the NCAA Tournament:
Everything. Like I said, we're at home. I want to actually feel a part of it. Obviously, in my previous years, it was a hard journey as far as basketball wise, but I feel like this team I can feel like I am a part of every single step. For me, personally, that just makes my heart happy, makes me love the game again. I hope we get there and get to be a part of it. I'm glad that they welcomed me in like I've been here for five years already.
On what is special about the team this season:
They all came back, and I was like, 'that's special. I want to be a part of that.' That was enough for me.
Krystal Freeman, Redshirt Senior, Forward
On what Ursin has brought to the team:
I think having Moon here just brings another level of experience. Not every day you play with a national champion, so I think that makes everyone take a step up and like play a little above the normal and all grow together.
On if the team has any added incentive to win this season:
One person doesn't make a team. We're still the same team. We lost one addition and we gained another one. I still think we're going to be great either way.
On what she has improved on this year:
I think in the offseason we worked on a lot of ball handling and just attacking a little more to the basket in case my shot isn't falling.
On how the team has grown from last year:
I think, overall, we have a lot of people coming back. We just about have almost the same exact team, if not, gained more. I think it will be pretty equivalent, if not, more. The defense will still be suffocating. Our offense will be even better because, like Coach Stockton said, we have so many shooters and we have so many people that can drive and shoot and create for others. I think we have it all.
On what is special about the team this season:
I think it's special because as a team we all love each other. We're all sisters. Every single one of them I would call my sister. Last year we were so close. Why not come back? We were so close. Like I said earlier, we gained more I think, personally, for this team. If we were that close and everybody's the same, I think we have a really good chance at something.
Arsula Clark, Redshirt Senior, Guard
On what Ursin has brought to the team:
Talent wise she bring a lot. Her defense is very good so that challenges us as guards to figure out extra moves like pump fakes. Moon is bragging on us guards, but she is very fast, so we have to be faster if we want to catch her. She's strong and believe it or not she's a little short, but she jumps high. It puts us on our toes and helps us get ready for those athletic guards that are in our conference as well.
On what is special about the team this season:
I think right now this team is very special because, usually when you're playing against your teammates you try to go soft like you don't want to hurt them, but we really get out there fighting for our lives on the court. We want to win every day. It doesn't matter what group Coach Stockton puts us in, we're going to go out there and we're going to try to win it. I think that's very special for a team. I think if we keep that up and keep that grind that we can go very far. We'll shock the world. Y'all will see.
On how she would describe last season and how the lessons learned from that season will help this season:
Last season I think that we kind of shocked ourselves as far as we got, and I think we proved to ourselves that we can hang with the best. We can compete. We can do it. We just have to believe in ourselves and have to go hard. I think for this season now that we know, we have that experience, we played the SEC schools, the ACC schools I fell like now we are more ready to attack them to get at it. We are ready for the Alabama, the LSU. We're ready for all those games. I think we're more experienced. We have like one freshman, KeKe (Kierra Middleton), and I feel like the rest of us have a lot of experience and that we're ready and we can lead her and lead our team.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballPostgame: Tulane WBB vs Missouri State - 12/4/25
Friday, December 05
Postgame: HC Ashley Langford - 11/17/25
Tuesday, November 18
Postgame: Women's Basketball vs North Florida - 11/12/25
Wednesday, November 12
Postgame: WBB HC Ashley Langford - 11/6/25
Friday, November 07
