Stan Heath Press Conference - LSU
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas plays host to No. 16 LSU on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. in a game nationally televised by CBS Sports. The Razorbacks are 12-6 overall and 1-3 in the SEC after Wednesday’s loss to Georgia. The Tigers are 13-4 and 2-1. Following is a partial transcript of head coach Stan Heath’s press conference.
“A bright spot for us is Steven Hill. He’s being aggressive. We need to see if we can get some others to step up.
“We’ve been close, but close isn’t good enough. We need to keep fighting.
“LSU would be huge if we were able to get this one. Glen Davis is one of the best players in the league. He is the face of LSU basketball. He’s slimmed down, which has helped him. Garrett Temple is one of the most improved players in the league. Tasmin Mitchell is one of the premier small forwards and Terry Martin gives them a legitimate three-point threat.
“Davis is 290 pounds and he has guard skills. He’s a freak of nature – the things he can do at that size. He has a high IQ. He’s strong physically as well as mentally. He loves to win.
“We have our hands full, but we need to win.”
Georgia game:
“We did all the things right except win the game. The turnover bug has to be fixed.
“Last year, we were in this same spot, 1-3 in the league. Give Ronnie Brewer, Jonathon Modica and Eric Ferguson credit for pushing that team forward. I have to lean on our juniors a little bit. I have to set the tone, but I need those guys to set the tone in practice and come to play.”
Getting ready to play:
“We have to get inside that head and make sure they see a clear picture of where we are and what we’re doing. I have no doubt. This team will not quit.”
Late-game situations:
“We will experiment with a couple of different strategies in practice. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to use what we already have, but we want Charles Thomas and Patrick Beverley involved. We’re not going to scrap what we have, but we’ve talked about looking at something else.
“Early in the season, the guys played through it. Now, I think they are thinking too much. If we get the first one, I think that could trigger it.
“We need some confidence and to win a close game.”
Backup guards:
“I think our other guards can help us. They have to demonstrate a level of performance to get the job done. Sometimes it’s hard to get into the flow when you’re in one or two minutes, but one or two minutes can become five or six, and five or six can become 10 or 15.
“Simple things can be done. Finding the solution isn’t easy, but we don’t have an endless supply of options. We believe in them and believe they can get the job done.
“Stefan Welsh is a guy I’m looking at. He played pretty well (against Georgia). Now he’s playing within himself.”
