|
To listen to these audio clips, you must have Real Player installed on your computer. You can download Real Player’s free software here. |
LISTEN (27:32)
On winning ACC Coach of the Year -
"I'm very flattered - the quality of coaches in this league is as high as you can get. At the same time I'll be sure to thank my players, they've made me look good for a long time. It is an honor because of the level of coaches that we have in this league. And it's hard, a week ago Mike's 14-0, how do you not vote for a guy that's 14-0? And the job Dave Leitao has done at Virginia, you go down the line there are some real big-time coaches here."
Did you do a better job this year than last year?
"Last year was easier on game nights, we could lose by three or four or win by 30. That's a good gap you'd like to have. This year I thought we could win by three or four or lose by 30. So game nights weren't quite as easy emotionally, but it's really been a wonderful group of kids. We've had 85 practices and I think I've left practice mad no more than two or three times, so from that aspect it's really been a pleasant year. Take away the problems I've had with sciatic nerve and it'd be illegal."
You said early in the year you didn't want inexperience to be an excuse, and it hasn't been - how much has what they've done of late been because you set the bar high early?
"I think they accepted that and that was even more important. The coach can say and do a lot of things, but the kids have to accept it and they understood that. I told them I wasn't in moral victories and I was not into using how young we are as an excuse and they haven't. They've just tried to do the absolute best they can do and they have competed their tails off. The thing I love when I've talked to my coaching buddies is they say, 'We watched the game and, gosh, your kids played so hard.' And that's my favorite thing for somebody to tell me."