University of Massachusets Athletics
Q&A With Steve Lappas
December 29, 2003 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 29, 2003
Q: How much of a factor is UConn's depth?
A: Their depth is unbelievable. First of all, they have four guys averaging 15 points or more a game, so they have plenty of options. Even if two of those guys have off nights, the other two are probably going to make up for it. That is what makes them so good. We will try to match up with them the best we can, but it is almost impossible to shut down all of their scorers.
Q: How do you practice to break their press?
A: We have done well against pressure this year, so I am not as concerned about that as I would normal. Still, we try to simulate it in practice by having seven players press against our five guys. That is the only way we can simulate what they do in making it hard to get the ball up the court.
Q: Did you talk to Paul Hewitt about Georgia Tech's game against them?
A: We saw the tape of that game, and the difference is that Georgia Tech has a team with all juniors. Two years ago, that Georgia Tech team lost like nine games in a row. Now, it is the same guys, but they are all juniors. They are very athletic, and its not so much how they played the game, as much as the experience they have.