UT's Raven and Williams

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Here are some comments from HRR interviews from the October 22, Big 12 Media Day.

Texas junior guard Brittainey Raven:

Second season with Coach G (Gail Goestenkors) –
“I think we’re all used to her system now. We know what she expects from us. Everybody’s been working hard – improving the things we worked on last year.

“Play hard. Run. She’s all about defense. Put it all out on the floor. Sacrifice. Defense.”

Being picked second in the Big 12 preseason Coaches’ Poll –
“I think it boosted our confidence. We really weren’t sure where they’d put is the Big 12 Conference; but, they put us number two. Last year, we stepped up at the end of last season; so, I guess they expect us to do well this season. We’re going to do our best to get nothing less than number two and hopefully number one in the Big 12.”

What did you do this offseason to improve your game? –
“I worked on my conditioning. I worked on my ball handling; my three-point shot a lot – more than I did last season. I think it’s improved; but, I’m still working on it and trying to get it to be more consistent.”

Outlook for the Longhorns in 2008 – 2009... –
“I think we can be really good as long as we stay consistent and stay focused. Last year, we lost focused a lot. We were really good and then we were really bad in some of the games; so, if we just stay consistent and stay focused, we should be okay.”

What are your thoughts on some of the newcomers and / or returning players? –
“I think Erika (Arriaran) is going to help us out a lot. I know she is. Teams played us zone last year because we only had one consistent outside shooter (Kathleen Nash); but, now that we have Erika back and one of our freshmen, Ashleigh Fontenette, is a really good shooter. They’re going to open the floor for us which will make it harder for teams to guard us this year.”

Thoughts on the Big 12 overall –
“The Big 12 is tough. We have to play hard every night. Most of us know what it’s going to be like; and, we just have to get on the court and put it all out there to win.”


Texas senior forward Earnesia Williams

Second year with Coach G –
“I’m looking forward to it. Last year, we were learning each other and learning her expectations and her philosophy. This year it should be easier the second time around. I’m really looking forward to this year. We’re going to be doing a lot of things. A lot of different looks and line ups. The team is more versatile this year and more experienced. Just knowing what Coach G wants we’re more prepared to go execute her game plan on the court.”

What does Coach G expect from her players? –
“Coach G is always looking for people to attack, offensively and defensively. She’s not going to let down; and, she doesn’t expect her team to let down. She has a lot of confidence. She’s just one of those high intensity and high energy coaches which are two good qualities for a coach.”

How are you going to be different this season? –
“I think I’ll be on the perimeter a little more this year; so, I’m trying to get more comfortable with that. I’m trying to use my strength, being an undersized post, which is quickness in the post and then being a bigger guard on the perimeter.”

Health status –
“I’m good. I’m good. I’m healthy. I used the first part of summer to heal; and, right now, I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. It’s hard to get in shape when you have knee problems; but, I’m coming out of the knee brace. I feel really good.

“The team looks great right now. We’re definitely at a higher place than we were last year. Our freshmen are great. We expect to do big things this year.”

How has Erika Arriaran looked in practice thus far? –
“She’s good. She’s playing. She’s shooting lights out like always. It’s just going to be great to have her back with us. We missed her on the court last year. She’s excited to get back, too.”

Describe the team’s versatility this season –
“We can go with so many different line ups. It just depends on who we’re playing and what Coach wants to do to counter that team. I think everybody is going to get playing time; and, I think everybody is going to contribute this year.”

Thoughts on the Big 12 this season –
“The Big 12 is always competitive. It’s very talented. The teams are so different; but, that just brings more competition to the league. You never know who’s going to win. This year is really going to be entertaining.”