Oct. 12, 2002
MISSOURI HEAD COACH CINDY STEIN
on the first practice:
"I was very pleased with what I saw, especially for the first practice. I thought we worked hard and everyone went all-out."
on her team's chemistry:
"All preseason it's been very strong, and it still is now. The team is very coachable, they're into it and very competitive. I feel that we're already ahead of the game at this point."
on her team's athleticism:
"We did a great job with conditioning during the off-season. Our kids have come back in great shape. We're faster, quicker and more versatile than last year. We still have a lot more to do, but we're aware of what we need to do."
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MISSOURI SENIOR POINT GUARD KERENSA BARR
on the team's focus:
"Right now we're just focusing on drills and the basics. For the next two weeks it's important to just play together and focus on the fundamentals. Then we can start really putting our offense together."
on improving from last season:
"I feel that this year there's a whole different attitude around our team. People have been working really hard. We had an awesome preseason - it went really well - so just to start practices is exciting."
on the Big 12:
"We expected it to be really tough last year, and I don't think it's changed at all this year. That's why we really want to concentrate on our pre-conference schedule and getting ready for the Big 12, because we know it's going to be tough and we're going to have to play our best basketball at that time of the year."
on the team's newcomers:
"We have two transfers and two freshmen that really add some athleticism back into the team, some that we might have lost last year. They're playing well and I think they're really going to fit in and help our team out."
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MISSOURI JUNIOR FORWARD EVAN UNRAU
on getting ready for the season:
"I think the key for us right now is learning. We have new players that are used to different systems, and that can be a tough transition. We need to learn how to see each other on the court and put the passes where people are."
on improving from last year:
"This is a completely new team, and that's how we're thinking about it. I don't think anyone is thinking about the past. Yes we did good things, but yes we did bad things. So we just focus on a new year."
on facing the Big 12:
"I think the Big 12 will be a lot different this year. A lot of teams lost really great players, to the WNBA and graduation. I think those losses mean there's room for other teams to move up and be an impact team, and I think we definitely have the ability to do that."
on the impact of newcomers:
"I think it will be huge. Both the Juco players and freshmen have a lot of talent - not just play-making wise, but also as leaders. They all add a lot of personality to our team."