The University of Mississippi Athletics
Grove-Side Q&A
12/15/2006 | Women's Basketball
This is the third installment of OleMissSports.com's Grove-Side Q&As and features Ole Miss women's basketball coach Carol Ross. Since returning to her alma mater, Ross has taken the Rebels to postseason play in each of her first three seasons, and year four tipped off last month. Questions were sent in by fans through OleMissSports.com over the last two weeks and touch on a variety of topics. Grove-Side Q&As are a regular feature on OleMissSports.com and provide Rebel fans interactive opportunities with some of the key figures in Ole Miss athletics.
Q: Is Armintie Price the best player you have ever coached?
A: Armintie is certainly a gifted and talented basketball player. She has gotten more out of her ability than any other player I have ever coach.
Q: What makes Armintie Price different?
A: Her heart. Her heart is so good. We, her coaches, teammates, and university benefit greatly from her heart. We see it through the game of basketball. We see it when she plays.
Q: What is your opinion about the NCAAs proposal to ban use of male practice players?
A: I am against the ban. Implementing guys in practice situations has gone on for years. We used them in high school practices back in the 70's. It improves our game.
Q: What did you expect out of your freshmen class this year?
A: I have high expectations for anyone wearing the uniform, rookies included. I don't think we've seen the best out of the five freshmen yet, which is exciting.
Q: Alliesha Easley has adapted to college ball it appears. Do you think she will be another Armintie Price?
A: Easley will just be herself. She need not walk in anyone's shoes, including Armintie's. I do however, feel that she has the toughness, skill and competitiveness to continue to become a consistent force for Ole Miss and the SEC.
Q: What improvements in facilities do you think Ole Miss needs for the Rebels to compete equally with other top programs around the country?
A: We've got a long way to go. Certainly, we have paid dearly at Ole Miss for the negligence of the sport of basketball. There is a price to pay for excellence. The question is how badly do we want to have a consistent winner in both basketball programs, and are we willing to step up financially to make that happen. To answer the question, we need major rehab to the arena. We also need a practice facility for day-to-day operations.
Q: What are things you look for in evaluating a potential recruit?
A: Talent on the court, ability in the classroom and the character to make an impact in the community. As far as playing ability goes, I coach best the players who are tough, competitive and driven. Of course, at the college level they need to be able to put the ball in the basket and play physical.
Q: How do you sell a recruit on Ole Miss when competing with the likes of Tennessee, LSU, etc.?
A: With our facilities, it's a little tough. Kids can clearly see who is making a commitment and who's making excuses, and if they can't, the competition will point it out. Having said that, we sell ourselves: the coaching staff, the players and the people that will surround them when they come to Ole Miss.
Q: What lessons did you learn from playing Maryland that will be valuable to you going into your SEC schedule?
A: I was disappointed that we didn't play better. It was hard to take many positives away from that game. We didn't compete well enough to make many judgments.
Q: What is the biggest thing fans can do to help you?
A: Get in the bleachers! We have built a great home schedule. We have a talented and entertaining team, and we wear Ole Miss on the front of our jerseys. It matters most during SEC competition. Fans DO make a difference. It matters most to the players. They want to be appreciated, and yes,it matters to recruits
PREVIOUS GROVE-SIDE Q&A:
Athletics Director Pete Boone (October 18, 2006)
Men's Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy (November 15, 2006)
