How do you feel the regular season went? You started 20-1, then slipped and won just two of your last six.
Now that it's over, I'm very pleased. Coming off last season, there were a lot of challenges for this team. We didn't end with wins and losses we wanted, but looking at the season as a whole we're pleased.
Last year's Final Four obviously changed things for the program. You have a relatively young squad now, and yet they're judged against previous success. Are the expectations unfair?
That was something that we had to experience for the first time this year. We lost four great seniors, and we saw we had great expectations put on us. For the first time, we had to say that's all nice and everything, but we have to evaluate how we play now. At the beginning of the year, we struggled to keep our guys humble and hungry. At the end of the year, some people thought we should be disappointed, but we feel the opposite. We had the same record as last year, but the perception is different from last year.
Let's talk about perception. What would be a successful NCAA tournament as far as 'Nova Nation is concerned?
Probably another Final Four. But as long as we're playing the best we can and we're the best team we can be, then we're happy.
You sound a little like my mom: "Just be the best John you can be, and I'll be proud of you."
We really do it. It sounds cliche, but that's what we try to do.
You were right near the top of the polls for much of the season. Some players get caught up in the rankings and the pride associated with being the No. 1 team in the country. Did that distract your crew at times?
