Feb. 2, 2001
On the OSU game being played
"Both teams had to make adjustments from the scheduled time. The game is a difficult situation for both teams and you even wonder if it should be played. Starting from that point you realize that life does continue despite this tragedy."
On the atmosphere of the OSU arena
"I was thinking about that today. I think it will be solemn and respectful, but at some point the game will be a game. The game has a life of its own. It is something we will talk to our players about, how to handle that entire experience and say hey you are going down there to compete and to win. That's no different, but you can almost feel a tendency to feel remorse about the game."
On what it will take to stay focused
"We'll talk and certainly it doesn't diminish the gravity of what's occurred. Nor does it diminish our sympathy for the people directly involved if we try to perform at a high level and win the game. I think those two things need to be conceptually severed from their minds and that won't occur unless we specifically address it."
On let downs following big wins this season
"That's been an on going concern frankly. The Iowa State game there was an emotional pitfall. We were ranked for the first time, which sometimes can be fool's gold. I think the second time through, a game like that, I think the Kansas game is comprable to the Iowa State game in terms of the importance placed on it. I think having been through that at least once before, I think maybe we will handle it better. I don't think it is any easier this time. The stretch we went into last time we did not get a whole lot of help from Kansas State and Virginia, nor did we get help from Nebraska going there and we are not going to get that type of help next week from Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Iowa State. So it's possible we could have some more slippage, but I think we are better prepared to deal with it."
"They (OSU) are youthful as well. To me, we are still trying to find out who we are. That process is on going. Kansas helped us because there is a since that you have to come together and we are still battling that. Whether or not it's individual accolades, it is normal to want individual success from everybody. And what you are willing to sacrifice and give up to see the group go forward and I think that's learned behavior. It comes naturally to some and some guys don't even know what I am talking about. They know more now."
On OSU's Quickness
"Their quickness has presented a problem for us. You look at how they defend and the quickness and athleticism on the perimeter. I really like their team. They are a good team that is getting better."