Orangewomen Set to Begin 2003-04 Season
10/17/2003 6:19:18 PM | Women's Basketball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -First-year head coach Keith Cieplicki will run his first official practice at Syracuse on Saturday, October 18. The Orangewomen return three starters, including senior guard Julie McBride, who is on track to set school records for career points and assists.
The Orangewomen play an exhibition game on November 8 versus Team Concept. The regular-season opener is November 22 at Binghamton.
Head Coach Keith Cieplicki
On getting ready to start practice:
"I was coming over today, thinking, 'Wow. We're really starting.' I guess the reality is now starting to set in that we have a season to start. I'm really looking forward to getting out on the floor, teaching the game and establishing a good work ethic."
On the challenges of being in his first year:
"There's probably a few different things in my mind. One of them is establishing an intensity and mindset. All of those things, foundation-wise, help build programs. I think more than anything else, I'm excited to establish a work ethic. I've been warning the team. It's one thing to work out during the preseason, but it's another thing to be out on the floor with the ball. I really want this team to represent Syracuse in a way that everyone takes pride in."
On things it will take to build the program:
"Discipline and work ethic. I was just saying to one of my assistants today that I'm glad I don't have to work for me. I think there's got to be a work ethic that is at the highest level for every moment that we're in this building (Manley Field House), and a healthy dose of discipline. Discipline carries over into everything you do. If you can get up and go to class, you can set the screen when you need to set the screen."
On the style of this year's team:
"I got that question a lot in the interview, and I still have the same answer. A winning style. I'm gonna find a way to win. To me, as we go through this next phase of the preseason, we'll figure out how we're best going to do that. I'm not predicting we're going to score 100 a game. I like to guard the heck out of people. I like to be physical with people, and I don't like to throw the ball to the other team."
On his goals for the program:
"The first thing you want to do as a program is compete at a certain level where you win the games you're supposed to win. I'd like us to get to a point where we can compete in the top half of the league consistently. That's how we survived at Vermont. We didn't lose a lot games we were supposed to win. That's the first step. We can't go into a game where we have equal-or-better talent and lose. Short-term that has to be established. Then, depending on who we're playing, we know that's a game we're going to win. Then we worry about the heavy hitters."
On why he came to Syracuse:
"I really believe that this athletic department wants to see women's basketball succeed. I feel that there is a real commitment to it. Part of good coaching is knowing where you can win, and I think the men have proven that this is a place we can be successful."
Senior Guard Julie McBride
On what she expects for this season:
"I'm very excited. Life is about changes. I think it is going to be a great year. I'm really excited about Coach Cieplicki. He knows a lot about the game and loves the game so much."
On what she'll do differently with a new coach:
"I asked him to make me a better player. He said he's going to say some things to me that I've never heard before. I don't know if you'd call that putting the reins on me or letting me play, but I know when I leave in March or April, I'm going to be a better player."
On her place in the record book:
"Honestly, if I get them they're great accomplishments. Anybody's that's in a position to get a record they should strive for it. At the same time, I want to win. Things are going to be about the game. I just want to win. If I get them, great, if I don't and we win, great."
Sophomore Center Jill Norton
On the different coaching staff:
"I've enjoyed learning from both of them. They're both great coaches. We'll see what happens when practice starts."
On starting:
"I hope to start, but it doesn't matter as long as I can contribute and we're winning. It's a team game. I just hope to be able to do my part."
