Tennessee freshman Scott Faces the Barnes Challenge
IslandStats.com
Tennessee freshman wing Ralph Scott met with the media in Knoxville for his first formal press conference since arriving on campus, lifting the lid on his brutal "welcome to college" moment and adapting to life under head coach Rick Barnes.
After six weeks in the program, the Florida native reflected on the transition to SEC basketball, his positional fit, and why he is working to shed a habit of deferring to teammates on the court.
Here is everything the Volunteer newcomer had to say during his media debut.
On his first six weeks at Tennessee
“It’s been really good. I’m getting used to the team. Getting used to the system and how we play, style of play. It’s a lot to get used to but really enjoying it and appreciating the opportunity.”
On where he has improved most
“I feel like conditioning wise— Coach Barnes, he’s going to make you run. He’s going to make you play defense. I feel like that’s been a big thing I’ve worked on but also the little things.
"Defensively, I feel like I’m guarding the ball better. I feel like I’m shooting the ball better on offense and that sort of thing.”
On his "welcome to college" moment
“My welcome to college moment was definitely some sprints after practice. I want to say 2-3 weeks ago.
"First time in a while that I’ve thrown up after a practice, but that was my welcome to college moment.”
On what a Rick Barnes practice looks like
“I’d say that we compete a lot. We do a lot of skill work at the start, but once it gets really into it, we compete. We go after each other.
"I’d say that’s where he sees us getting better. Going against each other all the time.”
On adjusting to life in Tennessee compared to Florida
“These last couple weeks it’s been raining a lot. We didn’t really get that as much in Florida.
"Other than that, I’m liking it. I’m liking the sunny weather and all the trees— I like that for sure.”
On his ceiling as a player
“I’d say for me, I’m not totally sure yet what my ceiling is, but I know that I’m going to work, put as much as I can into being as good as I can be.
"Obviously, I want to be a great player. I want to be SEC Player of the Year, whatever I can get to be a great player, but I don’t know right now. But I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there.”
On whether he naturally defers to teammates
“I wouldn’t really say I naturally defer. I think on the court, I play with a lot of really good players.
"I think I’ve just developed that habit, but they’re telling me I’ve got to get rid of it, so I’m going to do what I’m told.”
On his role and position in the squad
“Right now, I’m like a two/three (guard). Guarding the ball. Shooting the ball. Getting shots in our offense.
"I feel like my job is just to bring energy when I get on the court. Play hard defense. Score the ball when I can and just play how Coach wants us to play.”
