Sept. 22, 1997
Don Newman's Press Conference
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| Don Newman at the press conference. |
Opening Comments
"It has been an interesting and stress-filled week. I am here to carry on
what Freider intended to do this year. I am very, very proud to accept the
opportunity to be the head coach here at ASU. We need to make up for lost
time, especially for the past two weeks."
On how to take on the new endeavor
"We need to take this one day at a time and put our hearts into it. I look
forward to the challenge."
On only being here for one year
"I am a head coach asked to do a job and I feel like I am the guy for the
job. I am not too concerned with after this year. I am concerned with the
team at hand. I am also concerned with the daily progress of the program.
I will do the best job Don Newman can do. I believe this to be an ideal
time for the Sun Devil community to rally behind this program."
On his coaching style
"I believe we've got to have discipline in the program, on and off the
floor. Whatever skeptics say I look forward to coaching this team. There
were two captains elected today, Jeremy Veal and Ahlon Lewis. I believe
they will help with the "style" of the team. They will do an excellent
job."
On the coaching staff
"Right now the staff is in place. As far as Doc [Sadler], the future of
him and the University is to be determined. I have the utmost respect for
Doc."
On the team in general
"A commitment needs to be made. We need to commit to what we are here for,
to be the best student-athletes we can be. These guys are confident. It
was a long last year. Their hearts and minds are in the right place."
On any rules there may be off the court
"I hope that no situations will arise. If they do, we will simply deal
with the situation at hand. There is a right and a wrong, there is no
grey area."
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| Don Newman at the press conference. |
On what the players think about their new head coach
"I don't know. We had a meeting and none of them gave me a black eye. The
seniors are ready, the newcomers are ready. It is time to move forward
and get to work."
On Bill Freider
"I was excited to be with Bill and to work with him. I am glad for the
opportunity. I believe the past five years has prepared me for this."
Thoughts in general
"On a day to day basis it will be about winning. We need to take care of
the business at hand. We need direction and a serious work ethic. We need
to make up ground, we are a little behind. We can not waste any time. We
will be starting tomorrow morning at 6am for running. We have an
opportunity from the University. We owe it to ourselves and the University
as well. We need to start relationships, not burn bridges.
On recruiting
"A kid would be crazy not to look at us. We are an up and coming program.
We can salvage something special. Today will have an impact on the kids'
[recruits] decision. The University doors are wide open. We have done a
phenomenal job with our current recruits. They are out there. We are in
on some quality kids. We will watch recruiting very closely."
On his emotions
"I am very excited. There is a lot of apprehension and anticipation. I
believe this was a good decision. We kept it in the family. These kids
need direction and I know them. I am glad it is me. I feel I am prepared
for the job and I am up to the challenge. It is time to go. I am excited
and it is time to get to work."