BleedGopher
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Doogie had interviews with both Flip and Mike Ellis (link below) this weekend. This is a recap of the Ellis interview. It is not verbatim, but it is close. It is also not all the topics covered, but the ones of likely most interest for us:
http://www.1500espn.com/pages/sportswire.php?mtype=audio
Ellis on an RPI of 15...We're sitting in a pretty good spot if you have those numbers on your side. There is a renewed energy in the program over the past week.
Ellis on the season...This team as I understand it is Tubby's most talented team at Minnesota. The numbers lend credence to that. We have some big wins, some marquee wins. The schedule was put in place to be successful and prepare us for the tournament. I think we're safely in.
Ellis on the tournament...You want to continue to put yourselves to be in a better spot for the tournament. We expect Nebraska and Purdue to be tough games, but to be a champion we have to step up. The NCAA Tournament and even the conference tournament is all about match ups. We have to put ourselves in the best position we can to get a good match up.
Ellis on players only meetings...I think players only meetings can be very very helpful. As a team leadership has been a challenge but we've had some guys step up. Some of our guys have exhibited some real leadership. These meetings can be detrimental if you have clubhouse lawyers who point fingers. We obviously have made progress and it has to do with guys stepping up who aren't going to accept what's been going on the court. When you have multiple players only meetings you have lots of problems. We're in the right place in regards to that.
Ellis on strategic changes by the coaches...No doubt. Personnel and the match up that the opponent has presents those opportunities. Indiana's personnel allowed that. I think getting Andre's minutes off the ball was big. We need to get guys where they feel most comfortable. I thought the substitution patterns were absolutely key. I was impressed with what the staff did and it turned out to be one of the biggest nights in program history. The personnel of the opponent will drive that.
Ellis on execution against a 2-3 zone...I think Elliot provides some things against a zone that certain lineups don't. He's a very very good passer whether in man-to-man or zone. He understands how to play against a zone. He will flash and really does a nice job. If you want to constrict a zone you have to get inside. I was very happy to see that we're playing with a more attacking mindset.
Ellis on Rodney...He's certainly an x-factor and he provides you a level of athleticism that you don't see at this level. I haven't seen a more athletic guy at this levle. Shaka told me before I came here that Rodney will be the most athletic guy I'll ever see and he was exactly right.
Ellis on Tubby...He is a wonderful, wonderful person and he's a heck of a coach. Sometimes you have to act positive and sometimes you have to be positive and the lsat few weeks he's had to act positive but now he can be positive and that's a tribute to he and his staff.
Ellis on evaluating Tubby or any coach...In our case we do have a particular background in basketball. We're going ot take a look at the past. Where we've been and where we're going and there are a whole lot of things that fall under that umbrella. We do that with any program and nothing unique with basketball. We'll make some decisions and move forward.
Ellis on why there was no announcement on Pam Borton deal...I didn't know about it and wasn't aware of it until it came up this week. Norwood has his say on it this week and if you will allow I will not comment further.
Go Gophers!!
http://www.1500espn.com/pages/sportswire.php?mtype=audio
Ellis on an RPI of 15...We're sitting in a pretty good spot if you have those numbers on your side. There is a renewed energy in the program over the past week.
Ellis on the season...This team as I understand it is Tubby's most talented team at Minnesota. The numbers lend credence to that. We have some big wins, some marquee wins. The schedule was put in place to be successful and prepare us for the tournament. I think we're safely in.
Ellis on the tournament...You want to continue to put yourselves to be in a better spot for the tournament. We expect Nebraska and Purdue to be tough games, but to be a champion we have to step up. The NCAA Tournament and even the conference tournament is all about match ups. We have to put ourselves in the best position we can to get a good match up.
Ellis on players only meetings...I think players only meetings can be very very helpful. As a team leadership has been a challenge but we've had some guys step up. Some of our guys have exhibited some real leadership. These meetings can be detrimental if you have clubhouse lawyers who point fingers. We obviously have made progress and it has to do with guys stepping up who aren't going to accept what's been going on the court. When you have multiple players only meetings you have lots of problems. We're in the right place in regards to that.
Ellis on strategic changes by the coaches...No doubt. Personnel and the match up that the opponent has presents those opportunities. Indiana's personnel allowed that. I think getting Andre's minutes off the ball was big. We need to get guys where they feel most comfortable. I thought the substitution patterns were absolutely key. I was impressed with what the staff did and it turned out to be one of the biggest nights in program history. The personnel of the opponent will drive that.
Ellis on execution against a 2-3 zone...I think Elliot provides some things against a zone that certain lineups don't. He's a very very good passer whether in man-to-man or zone. He understands how to play against a zone. He will flash and really does a nice job. If you want to constrict a zone you have to get inside. I was very happy to see that we're playing with a more attacking mindset.
Ellis on Rodney...He's certainly an x-factor and he provides you a level of athleticism that you don't see at this level. I haven't seen a more athletic guy at this levle. Shaka told me before I came here that Rodney will be the most athletic guy I'll ever see and he was exactly right.
Ellis on Tubby...He is a wonderful, wonderful person and he's a heck of a coach. Sometimes you have to act positive and sometimes you have to be positive and the lsat few weeks he's had to act positive but now he can be positive and that's a tribute to he and his staff.
Ellis on evaluating Tubby or any coach...In our case we do have a particular background in basketball. We're going ot take a look at the past. Where we've been and where we're going and there are a whole lot of things that fall under that umbrella. We do that with any program and nothing unique with basketball. We'll make some decisions and move forward.
Ellis on why there was no announcement on Pam Borton deal...I didn't know about it and wasn't aware of it until it came up this week. Norwood has his say on it this week and if you will allow I will not comment further.
Go Gophers!!
