Jeff Walz, Louisville players preview Sweet 16

THE MODERATOR: Coach, we’ll begin along with your opening assertion.

JEFF WALZ: Thank you. I need to begin off first by saying what a terrific expertise this has been to this point. Everyone right here in Fort Worth has been completely firstclass. Everything has been dealt with unbelievable. It’s been a extremely good expertise for our youngsters, and we’re trying ahead to a terrific basketball recreation tomorrow with a really proficient Michigan basketball staff.

THE MODERATOR: We’ll now open it up for questions.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Jeff, you made some feedback a couple of weeks in the past simply speaking about the way you felt like your staff was a little bit bit neglected nationally.

JEFF WALZ: Let’s — I didn’t say my staff. A bunch of groups. I talked about how we persist with the narrative and beat a useless horse was precisely I feel my quote.

ESPN after we begin the 12 months, we’re going to seek out the youngsters we need to cowl, after which if somebody elevates themselves, I do know it’s costly and it takes some funds to perhaps go do one thing on that child to showcase them, and we usually don’t try this.

So, sadly, I feel we miss out on plenty of proficient players which have come via our recreation, new players, annually. So that was my quote. I imply, for us we don’t have personally a star, so even after we acquired to sixth within the nation or seventh, there wasn’t a lot to say, as a result of there wasn’t a deck already constructed to have the ability to showcase our players.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)I’m questioning if you happen to felt like now that you simply’re right here within the Sweet 16 that’s form of persevering with, that narrative?

JEFF WALZ: I feel they’re making an attempt to make up, discover some new stuff to do. You form of need to since we’re one of many 16. This time of 12 months doesn’t concern me. We’re going to — anyone that’s nonetheless enjoying, they’ve earned their method into this. People are going to listen to extra about it.

I’ve been on this recreation for 32 years now, and you understand, I really feel I’ve acquired the correct to talk on it. Because I’ve spent 32 years of my life in girls’s basketball. I’ve simply at all times tried to push to hopefully develop our recreation.

We do fantastic options on players, however we simply don’t increase them when a participant steps up throughout that season and deserves it. Kymora Johnson, I’ve stated for this complete 12 months is without doubt one of the finest level guards in our league, within the nation.

If she hadn’t finished — if Virginia hadn’t finished what that they had finished and acquired themselves right into a Sweet 16, ESPN hadn’t finished crap, as a result of it could have taken perhaps some effort and a few cash to go do one thing, do one other characteristic on a child or showcase that child.

So that’s the place I feel we miss in girls’s basketball. There are so many nice players, and sadly, we don’t speak about as a result of it’s not our narrative. Let’s keep it up. We’re simply going to be narrow-minded, and sadly, I don’t suppose it helps develop our recreation, sure.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)This query isn’t associated to it being simply after 7:30 within the morning despite the fact that it’s simply after 7:30 within the morning, however Cori Close yesterday made some feedback about how with all of the adjustments in faculty basketball, with NIL, portal, preserving groups, she’s extra drained than she’s been in two years. Can you relate to that?

JEFF WALZ: I’m buddies with Cori. My favourite line, I’d inform her, if you happen to don’t like your job, discover a new job. Everybody — I imply, I’m listening this morning at 4:20 as the employees exterior my window on the resort on the street are working. I imply, you select your career. If you don’t prefer it, discover a new career. It’s what I say.

Yeah, I imply, in fact, it’s plenty of work, however we selected to do it and we get compensated for it. I imply, I don’t suppose anyone goes to really feel too sorry for us that you simply is perhaps drained. I’m drained too, however who isn’t?

What time had been you all up? You know, it takes lots of people to run an occasion, and I do know all people has the solutions of the right way to repair it. It’s like being a coach. Every fan can inform me precisely what’s incorrect with my staff, okay, and the right way to repair it till you, effectively, why don’t you come to apply and watch what we do? Our practices are at all times open. Ah, nah, I can’t make that. I’m having espresso with my buddies, or I’ve lunch day by day.

I really like Cori. She’s nice. We are buddies, however we select to do what we do. No, I imply, if you happen to don’t prefer it, discover a new job. I hope that wasn’t too harsh. God darn, aren’t you all drained too? We all work our ass off.

Cameron, first time I’ve seen him in about six years. Is this your first occasion you’ve labored or what? (Laughing) I’m so sorry as a result of I didn’t reply to his textual content, as a result of I wasn’t certain who it was. No? Okay.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)I’m curious, what has it been wish to see them develop over the past two years and the way a lot have you ever seen them step up into the roles they’ve needed to be in for you guys to be right here this 12 months?

JEFF WALZ: Yeah, I’m actually excited for them. It’s a extremely good group that was thrown into the fireplace early as freshmen, and there have been plenty of expectations. I really feel they’ve continued to get higher each single day, each recreation.

It’s been plenty of enjoyable, as a result of there have been the ups and downs. There have been some instances the place I’m pushing them a little bit more durable than they most likely are used to being pushed. Then they’re additionally studying the right way to play with different actually good players.

I feel that’s the place they’ve actually showcased this 12 months what they’re capable of do. Throughout the 12 months I feel we’ve had six players that one time or one other, six totally different players, which have scored no less than 20 factors in a recreation.

Our staff is at some extent the place it’s, like, hey, if it’s your night time, we’re getting you the ball. If the match-up favors you, we’re going to you.

It’s by no means, effectively, I’m the main scorer, and I feel they’ve discovered that. That’s one of many issues I’ve preached to them about, as a result of all of them have aspirations of desirous to play after faculty sooner or later.

I inform them, I’m, like, what WNBA coaches and GMs, what they need to have the ability to make sure of is that you know the way to play with different good players. You is perhaps the very best participant in your staff, however you is perhaps a high-volume shooter. Can you rating 15 and solely need to take 9 photographs, ten photographs? Or to get these 15 are you taking pictures 23 and 24 instances?

I feel our players are studying that, and so they’re capable of showcase that, hey, we’re capable of play with different good players; then when it’s our night time, when it’s my night time, it’s my night time. But they’re not egocentric and at all times wanting it to be their night time.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Jeff, each of those groups, you and Michigan, are actually led by these sophomores. You’ve had plenty of good — success with youthful players on the larger levels earlier than. What do you suppose — how is it totally different whenever you’re a sophomore versus a senior heading into these huge moments, and the way do you as a coach assist your players via that? What are you hoping to be taught out of your staff?

JEFF WALZ: Yeah, we’re at some extent within the 12 months now the place I simply suppose it’s the following recreation. Sure, it’s an enormous recreation. There’s no query about it, however I don’t suppose they’re feeling the strain. If any individual desires to say it’s strain of I’m solely a sophomore, what do I do? It’s, like, hey, I’m right here enjoying.

Youth is fantastic as a result of they don’t typically understand what they’re actually doing, what they’re enjoying and what this implies to be one among 16 groups left. I’m trying ahead to it.

You know, there’s seniors which can be enjoying in it for the primary time that they most likely have a little bit extra strain on themselves they really feel as a result of it’s my final time.

You know, I attempt to ensure I educate our youngsters on the truth that it’s not simple to get right here. It’s not simple to get to the ultimate 16, so don’t take it without any consideration. Enjoy each single second we’re right here. Take all of it in. You know, stroll round, be sure you take a look at issues, you take a look at all that’s being finished for this occasion as a result of there’s no assure you’re getting again right here.

So I feel as a senior, typically you’re feeling a little bit bit extra strain as a result of you understand it’s your final alternative.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Jeff, clearly you guys have been one of many extra constant packages within the ACC with the ability to get thus far regardless of adjustments and portal and roster turnover and all of that. What do you’re feeling like has allowed you and this program to have the kind of endurance that you simply’ve been capable of have and the consistency you’ve had?

JEFF WALZ: Well, it’s plenty of work. It’s good employees, good players. You know, we take plenty of pleasure within the character of the youngsters that we attempt to recruit, ones that need to work, ones which can be going to get within the gymnasium.

I feel our tradition that we’ve established over 19 years, you understand, we’ve had plenty of success inside our league, however even on a nationwide stage. I don’t suppose it’s simply the ACC that we’ve had success. We’ve finished it on a nationwide stage.

When you are taking a step again, which you don’t fairly often do as a coach, however whenever you truly take a look at issues and I’m sitting down with my employees, as a result of Steph Norman has now moved on to Arizona State and is doing nice issues there.

She was with me for 18 years. We talked. It’s, like, we now have had the chance to play in 17 of those. COVID took one 12 months after which one other 12 months, our third 12 months, we didn’t make the event. We’ve had the chance to take part in 13 Sweet 16s.

We’ve acquired buddies — I’ve acquired buddies which have coached on this enterprise for 20, 30 years which have finished it a few times or try to get again to it. It’s onerous, however we’ve been very lucky and blessed to have the chance to do it as many instances as we now have, however we by no means take it without any consideration, as a result of I do understand how onerous that is.

I ensure our youngsters know, and we push our youngsters similar to all people else does, however you’re actually looking for the right combination who’s prepared to presumably give of themselves for the betterment of the staff. We’ve been lucky to seek out that since we’ve been right here.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Jeff, Mackenly talks about how she likes to play bodily, aggressive. I feel you referred to as it that bully ball mentality. How would you describe her on-field persona versus — sorry, on-court persona?

JEFF WALZ: It’s spring soccer time. I do know. It’s spring soccer (laughing).

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Exactly. Her on-court persona versus how she is off the courtroom and simply being a pacesetter for the locker room.

JEFF WALZ: Mack is a sweetheart. I informed her mother and pop that if — I’ve acquired three women myself, and in the event that they grew as much as be like her, they might be top-notch. I’d be thrilled. She’s as giving and caring, compassionate as any participant I’ve ever had off the ground.

Then when she steps on the ground, she’s as aggressive, as bodily, however she does it nonetheless having enjoyable. It’s one of many issues I’ve tried to get plenty of players that I’ve coached right here up to now to grasp. It’s okay to have one persona on the ground and one persona off the ground. Truly that’s what Mack does.

She’s at all times acquired a smile on her face. You know, we preach in our program you solely get one alternative to make a primary impression, so ensure it’s a terrific one. She completely has conquered that. I imply, whenever you all get the prospect, if you happen to haven’t talked to her, I imply, simply watch her. She’ll be up right here as we speak. I imply, she’s acquired a smile on her face. She’s at all times complimentary to her teammates.

Yeah, she’s an exquisite child.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)What form of menace do Elif and Laura pose after they’re collectively on the courtroom?

JEFF WALZ: They each have the flexibility to stretch the ground. They can each shoot the three. Both being worldwide players and know the right way to play behind the 3-point line. They move the ball extraordinarily effectively. They can deal with the ball. That’s actually been an enormous a part of our success is having 5 players on the ground the place all 5 can rating.

All 5 have the flexibility to shoot a 3 and make a 3. Obviously Taj might be going to take extra of them, Imari Berry, than perhaps Mack would, however Mack has the flexibility to step on the market and shoot it. Laura does; E does.

When you’ve got a 4, 5 participant per se, that’s simply the numbers that everyone provides them, that may stretch it out and shoot it, it spreads issues out for everyone else, provides our guards a chance to drive.

It’s been a luxurious for us to have the ability to have these two on the ground this complete season.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Coach. Good luck tomorrow.

Student-athletes as we speak are Elif Istanbulluoglu, Laura Ziegler, and Tajianna Roberts. We’ll begin with questions for the student-athletes.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Elif, Jeff has talked so much about how he looks like that summer time and collaborating with the Turkish league actually helped you. What did you are taking from that have that has enabled you to have the season that you’re having proper now?

ELIF ISTANBULLUOGLU: Spending the identical courtroom with the professionals, I really feel like the extent that I see, I used to be, like, yeah, I need to go to that stage, and it made me understand, like, what am I presupposed to do. And having my coach with me can also be, okay, that’s what I would like, and he is aware of, and he pushes me day by day.

Again, sharing the identical courtroom with them, the imaginative and prescient, their expertise, it’s not the identical method you’re watching on TV. It’s truly — it’s a privilege I feel, and it was a terrific expertise to be with them, and having Coach Walz there with me additionally helped me as a result of he was there with me on a regular basis.

Again, within the basketball courtroom he was teaching me nonetheless, speaking to me day by day, what I must do to get to that stage, so it was particular.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Laura and Tajianna, I’ll ask you this: Coach was in right here a minute in the past speaking about how when all 5 players on the courtroom can rating and move and shoot from three and one particular person can have the night time one night time and one other the opposite night time; speak about what that has meant for you guys getting thus far that everyone can contribute and do it?

LAURA ZIEGLER: I feel we speak about it on a regular basis that we now have 5 folks on the courtroom, each time they will rating. That’s our basis. Like, we at all times are harmful.

From my perspective, I’d hate to scout us as a result of we all know how we scout. We at all times have that one or two those that we form of attempt to take out and say, they gained’t shoot or they gained’t do something behind the perimeter. You will help a little bit bit extra, however you’ll be able to’t try this with our staff when we now have 5 folks on the market that may rating behind the three.

So actually, it makes it simpler for everybody on the courtroom, too, as a result of it’s tougher to double-team, triple staff, do no matter to be heavy and assist. So after we’re on the market and everybody can move, everybody can rating, it’s enjoyable. Like, we simply get to play with one another differently. I really like enjoying with 5 people who find themselves simply good, who can do every little thing. We can learn one another.

It’s actually enjoyable. It’s a privilege to play with a bunch like that.

TAJIANNA ROBERTS: Yeah, I form of agree with every little thing Laura stated, however I feel as effectively it’s a reduction in a way, if I don’t have it going that night time, my shot isn’t falling, my job is to get into the paint and get it to any individual who’s scoring.

I feel there’s not been a day the place all of us, all 5 of us, have been clicking, however there additionally hasn’t been a day the place none of us are clicking.

Like Laura stated, it’s a privilege. It’s an honor to have the ability to play with so many proficient players, as a result of not even simply the 5 on the ground, however these folks coming off the bench as effectively. It’s simply no break.

You sub, and like she stated, there’s no one you can’t guard. I feel it’s simply, like I stated, a reduction. If I don’t have it going, any individual has it going, and I feel we discover pleasure and pleasure in any individual else scoring. It’s simply enjoyable to play with. Like she stated, we’re a nightmare to scout.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)For all of you, I ponder if you happen to might speak about Imari Berry and her evolution this 12 months and what it’s like having a participant like that coming off the bench? Laura you’re laughing, so I’m curious.

LAURA ZIEGLER: I’m laughing as a result of I really like that query. Because Imari Berry, she’s a baller. She acquired a really feel for the sport that you could’t see. You both have it otherwise you don’t have it, and she or he does loopy issues on a regular basis the place I’m taking a look at her and I’m, like, you didn’t simply try this, and she or he makes the shot. I’m, like, effectively, no matter; I’m going to run again on protection.

She’s superb, and I don’t suppose we speak sufficient about her passing both, as a result of she will rating and does all kinds of highlights that get put on the market to see, however she’s a extremely good passer too.

We typically get on her for passing an excessive amount of due to the way in which she scores the ball. You have the staff at apply or a recreation be mad at her and say you higher shoot the ball subsequent time as a result of she likes to move. She’s very selfless.

She at all times brings the power, too, which I do know I lean on so much. She’s a terrific teammate. She’s among the finest on the market. It’s simply a lot enjoyable enjoying along with her.

ELIF ISTANBULLUOGLU: Yeah, we now have an inside joke with me and Imari. I’m, like, that’s your position; I’m simply in it. She does one thing loopy. I’m, like, that’s your position; I’m simply in it.

She’s one among a form undoubtedly. She can shoot, she will move, and she or he’s an superior particular person. She’s so enjoyable to be round.

I really feel like within the courtroom each time she does one thing, we’re, like, oh, my God, and she or he simply makes it informal. Okay, I suppose.

LAURA ZIEGLER: I typically catch myself passing the ball and standing and watching as a result of she’s doing one thing. I’m like how is she doing that? Wow. I higher go rebound in case she misses. You need to. Otherwise, Walz will yell at you, so… (laughing)

TAJIANNA ROBERTS: I feel as her fellow sophomore and seeing her evolution from us being freshmen to this 12 months, it’s actually so surreal. She’s made the largest leap that I feel anyone has made. It’s so superb to see simply how effectively she’s flourished this 12 months.

Like, her confidence stage, simply seeing it, you’ll be able to inform in her power, the way in which that she — like the way in which she represents herself. She’s so assured in herself. I really like seeing that simply from seeing her final 12 months, and I feel she’s made so many strides mentally.

She’s so much stronger mentally. Can’t no one knock her smile. She’s going to carry that power regardless. We may very well be in a useless severe scenario, and she or he’s at all times going to discover a approach to make you chuckle in case you are down. Like they stated, she’s simply a tremendous particular person off the courtroom, and I feel that’s a testomony to how she performs as effectively, as a result of it’s simply so enthusiastic and with plenty of pleasure.

So I feel the largest factor I really like about it’s simply her development and me with the ability to see it.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Going again to her freshman 12 months, was she –how has her confidence grown precisely? Was she extra humble her freshman 12 months? More timid? Can you describe her freshman 12 months bounce to now the arrogance she has as a sophomore?

TAJIANNA ROBERTS: I feel it’s a mixture of every little thing. You know, we’re freshmen simply making an attempt to determine what your position is and what you may be for this staff. I feel final 12 months, you understand, we had plenty of seniors, so she was extra on the quiet aspect. I feel this 12 months she simply is extra comfy with being who she is.

I feel on the courtroom that interprets as effectively. You know, she’s a humble particular person in itself. She nonetheless is even with all of the superb issues that she does, so I feel it’s simply her confidence and realizing extra of her position in a way.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Obviously Michigan has a extremely good sophomore class, as do you guys. Their high two scorers are sophomores; identical for you guys. How do you’re feeling like y’all stack up, and what’s the scouting and defending these two players?

TAJIANNA ROBERTS: I want to reply this. Yeah, they’ve a terrific sophomore class, you understand, and their two high scorers, but in addition Holloway, she matches into that.

I feel we now have the identical factor as effectively. We have a terrific sophomore class. We have me, Mackenly, and Imari Berry. So I feel they’re a terrific staff general; we’re a terrific staff general. I feel the match-up goes to be nice, and I’m tremendous excited to see what tomorrow’s recreation brings.

They’re nice players, however we’re nice players as effectively. So I’m simply tremendous excited.

LAURA ZIEGLER: Yeah, I feel they’re a staff that simply play their position rather well. We speak about Olson and Swords, however everybody is aware of what their job is and so they do it rather well. They’re a high-scoring staff. They common plenty of factors, and so they pressure plenty of turnovers too, that are issues we now have met within the season already.

We know the right way to play that. We’ll be prepared for that, however they’re a extremely good staff. We’re on the level of the season the place there are solely actually good groups left, so it will likely be a extremely huge recreation tomorrow. I’m very excited.

ELIF ISTANBULLUOGLU: What you all stated. Good job.

(*16*)Q. (*16*)Walz was simply in right here saying that typically whenever you’re youthful, you don’t — perhaps as a sophomore you don’t perceive the gravity of this second and the way onerous it’s to get to a Sweet 16. Laura, I used to be questioning out of your perspective what this implies having transferred into this program and realizing that, closing trip.

LAURA ZIEGLER: I talked so much about that the final couple of weeks as a result of I feel I perceive that perspective precisely coming from a mid-major. I understand how tough it’s to get to the NCAA Tournament, to begin with, however even attending to the Sweet 16 as a result of we now have to win our convention just about to get wherever close to that.

It’s simply superb. I understand how onerous that’s. I’ve been round plenty of nice faculty players who by no means acquired the prospect to take action, and now you might be in an setting the place that’s the usual. The Sweet 16, being with Walz, that’s the usual.

It’s nice to be round that, since you need to win, however I feel the folks I’m round by now, they’re so used to profitable, which is why I needed to come back right here, however I undoubtedly have a special perspective on it as a result of I understand how tough it’s.

It’s been my dream for therefore a few years attending to be on this second and play on this, but it surely’s tough and only a few players get to do it.

So it’s one thing that I hope they soak up, however I additionally know they’ve years in entrance of them the place they will do it once more, and it’s going to be enjoyable to look at, as a result of it’s a really particular group. It’s nonetheless fairly a younger group too. We have plenty of sophomores, as we talked about. Freshmen too. It’s superb, and it’s going to it’s enjoyable to see what they do the following couple of years.