St. John's University Athletics
Women's Basketball Media Day Quotes
11/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 5, 2008
QUEENS, N.Y. -
Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico
Opening Statement:
"I am excited about this season. We have a strong group of young ladies coming back. We lost two quality players in Kia Wright and Tiina Sten to graduation last year, so it will be tough to replace them. We have two freshmen that I think will make an immediate impact and we're excited to get going."
On what she expects from this year's team:
"Our goal every year is to go to postseason play. That will be our number one goal again this year. We finished last year on such a great note, beating then-No. 9 Notre Dame and then we went on a little bit of a run in the WNIT."
On sophomore guard Sky Lindsay:
"Sky had a very strong freshman year for us last season. As with every freshman, it's a very difficult transition coming from high school into the BIG EAST Conference. She did a great job in non-conference games, then got banged around in conference games. I think coming into this year, she knows she's improved her strength and conditioning, and she knows the level of play. Nobody can fill Kia's shoes, but Sky is a great player herself. I think she knows what she has to do. She's going to play the point position, as well as the off-guard spot. She's a scorer. She has a different mentality than Kia did. We're expecting big things from her. We knew when we signed her that she was going to be a quality addition to our program."
On freshman forward Da'Shena Stevens:
"Da'Shena was a top-50 player coming out of high school last year. She played for a great program in the New York Gauchos. She is going to make an immediate impact for us. I think she's a sensational player. She's still trying to get her feet wet and see what her role will be on our team. She's playing a little timid, like a freshman right now, but we need to know to get her the ball. Behind Monique, she's going to be one of our top players. She's a great rebounder and scorer, and can play inside and outside. She'll be tough to guard. I'm excited to see how she does tomorrow."
On sophomore forward Centhya Hart and junior forward Aricia Mitchell:
"Coco has done a tremendous job at practice thus far. She has stepped up her game and taken it to another level like she did towards the end of last year. Aricia is also progressing. In total, she's lost 65-70 lbs. compared to what she was two years ago. Coco has stepped up and earned a starting spot."
On senior guard Kelly McManmon:
"Kelly is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country. Last year was her first season on the court for us, so she had a chance to get her feet wet. I think people will key on her, but with players like Sky and Monique around, it should open up her shot a little more. I think as long as her confidence is high she should be one of the best 3-point shooters in the country."
On who will step up after the loss of Kia Wright:
"I think Monique McLean is probably going to be the key to our team. She's a tremendous scorer and has been since she came here as a freshman. She knows her role this year will be to score the basketball, but besides that she's a great rebounder. She knows that with the loss of Kia and Tiina, in key situations, the ball's going to be in her hands."
Junior Forward Joy McCorvey
On the team's practices so far:
"Practices have been great because we have everybody here and healthy. There are strong players that can come in off the bench and can contribute a lot and give the starters a break. We should be getting contributions from everyone this year."
On the team's leadership:
"It's different than in years past. Monique and Kelly have been great and have really stepped up as captains this year, so the role is not just on me. The whole team is holding each other accountable for what we do this year, and we understand each other a lot better. We know its okay to push each other to work harder and it's great because we're communicating better as a team."
On the freshmen:
"I love the freshmen. I think their transition has been remarkable. Coming in as a freshman is hard but they've taken the role and ran with it. They've stepped right in. They're doing what the coaches are saying and exactly what the team needs them to do. They are already good, and I feel as the year progresses they'll only get better."
Senior Guard Monique McLean
On the team's goals for the season:
"We're looking to return to the NCAA Tournament this season. This team is going to come out and compete every night. The girls have been playing really hard in practice and it's a different feel than it has been in the past two years. I am really excited about the season."
On taking over the leadership role for Kia Wright:
"It feels great taking over. I've been waiting for this. I've been here for four years now and this is it. It's a very good feeling."
Sophomore Guard Sky Lindsay
On her teammate's contributions to her game:
"I have great teammates. I know that if I'm stuck or in trouble they're going to be there and open up to get to the ball. That should help my transition to being point guard a lot easier."
On the renovations to Carnesecca Arena:
"It's great because now hopefully the crowds will be bigger. It makes it more fun to play with more people around. I can't wait to play the first actual game on the new court tomorrow."
