Texas Tech University Athletics
Adams addresses media to preview season opener
November 04, 2022 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK, Texas – "Basketball weather is here."
That was the final line from Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams as he concluded his press conference on Friday afternoon. Three days before the season opener against Northwestern State, Adams answered questions from the local media after months of practice with a new team that has three returners, five transfers and five true freshmen. The work, which started on June 1 with the first day of summer practice, now leads into an 8 p.m. tip on Monday against the Demons.
"Our players are excited," Adams said. "They're tired of playing against each other. Our staff is excited. I think everyone except me. I want about three more weeks of practice before we have to tip it off. There are things we need to get better at. It's here though. Our guys are playing hard with a lot of enthusiasm. We have a long ways to go and will be a work in progress. With only three guys back you have to expect that. It will be good to get out there and get them game experience in front of our home crowd. We'll play hard. I hope we play well."
Adams on taking a 21-game home winning streak into this season after going 18-0 at the USA in his first season: "We talk a lot about protecting our house and to continue this tradition. Our fans expect it. Our staff certainly does. I hope our players embrace it like we do. It's a remarkable place to coach and play at. There is so much energy that helps us in so many ways."
Adams on playing against Northwestern State in the opener: "There is uncertainty in what they're going to do. They have a new coach from Missouri State. They have a lot of transfers and 3-point shooters that can scare a defensive coach. They can shoot it and like to get up and down the floor. They have a 7-foot-3, 310-pound guy that we are certainly concerned about. We haven't played someone that big in a while. He could present some problems."
Adams on what he likes about his team leading into the season: "One of the strengths of our team this season will be our depth. Our veterans are doing well for us right now. They are playing well and with some consistency. From a coach's perspective, we want to compete and play hard. Early in the year, you don't want to beat yourself. You want to have good shot selection, eliminate mistakes, offensive rebounds, getting back on defense. Those are areas you concentrate on. You want to give yourself a chance to win."
Adams on what he looks for early into a season: "We are really emphasizing taking care of the ball right now. Cutting down on turnovers and rebounding by being physical. We'd like to create turnovers. If we can rebound well, get our turnovers down to 11 or 12 this early in the year would make me happy."
That was the final line from Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams as he concluded his press conference on Friday afternoon. Three days before the season opener against Northwestern State, Adams answered questions from the local media after months of practice with a new team that has three returners, five transfers and five true freshmen. The work, which started on June 1 with the first day of summer practice, now leads into an 8 p.m. tip on Monday against the Demons.
"Our players are excited," Adams said. "They're tired of playing against each other. Our staff is excited. I think everyone except me. I want about three more weeks of practice before we have to tip it off. There are things we need to get better at. It's here though. Our guys are playing hard with a lot of enthusiasm. We have a long ways to go and will be a work in progress. With only three guys back you have to expect that. It will be good to get out there and get them game experience in front of our home crowd. We'll play hard. I hope we play well."
Adams on taking a 21-game home winning streak into this season after going 18-0 at the USA in his first season: "We talk a lot about protecting our house and to continue this tradition. Our fans expect it. Our staff certainly does. I hope our players embrace it like we do. It's a remarkable place to coach and play at. There is so much energy that helps us in so many ways."
Adams on playing against Northwestern State in the opener: "There is uncertainty in what they're going to do. They have a new coach from Missouri State. They have a lot of transfers and 3-point shooters that can scare a defensive coach. They can shoot it and like to get up and down the floor. They have a 7-foot-3, 310-pound guy that we are certainly concerned about. We haven't played someone that big in a while. He could present some problems."
Adams on what he likes about his team leading into the season: "One of the strengths of our team this season will be our depth. Our veterans are doing well for us right now. They are playing well and with some consistency. From a coach's perspective, we want to compete and play hard. Early in the year, you don't want to beat yourself. You want to have good shot selection, eliminate mistakes, offensive rebounds, getting back on defense. Those are areas you concentrate on. You want to give yourself a chance to win."
Adams on what he looks for early into a season: "We are really emphasizing taking care of the ball right now. Cutting down on turnovers and rebounding by being physical. We'd like to create turnovers. If we can rebound well, get our turnovers down to 11 or 12 this early in the year would make me happy."
ÂWe take pride in protecting our home court ?? pic.twitter.com/2uUKL3YE2q
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) November 4, 2022
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