John Groce press conference (1/1)

[Dan]

Groce: Took Sunday off. Wanted to get minds and bodies right for conference season.

Groce: Rebounding is a concern going into Purdue game. They're going to be tough. Guys looking forward to challenge.

Groce: Third team in a row they've played that's one of best statistically in rebounding.

Groce: Ronnie Johnson is really, really talented. He's getting better with each game. Terone drives and shoots well.

Groce: D.J. Byrd is X-factor, bring that Purdue toughness. Respects and appreciates watching him on film.

Groce: Not very good defensively against Auburn in half court or in transition. Guys made shots that normally don't.

Groce: Defending the three was something they didn't do well against Auburn. Have to play harder to start game on that end.

Groce: It'll be loud, but guys are used to that.

Groce: Learned a lot about the team, finished up season one, headed into season 2.

Groce: Still some areas that need improvement. Some fundamental things aren't habits yet. Getting better, not mastered.

Groce: Rebounding has to be a mindset. Might not have the girth but have to get boards as a group of five.

Groce: Guards have rebounded well, they'll need to continue that. Not one dominant guy, have to do it by committee.

Groce: Tough to maintain early three-point shooting pace. Still capable of having big nights from three.

http://twitter.com/MarcusJ_NG

Groce says Purdue's D.J. Byrd is X-factor. "He's the guy that brings that Purdue toughenss to the table. He's kind of the head of the snake"

Groce isn't too worried about opening conference play on the road. "Our guys are used to that. That's just part of the gig."

Groce cites the need for a collective effort to hang on the boards: "We've got to go get it as a group of five."

http://twitter.com/FletcherPage

[BigTenChamp87]

Working on New Year's Day? Gotta like the work ethic.

[Trifecta23]

Why is the white guy always the x factor?

[cardsillinifan]

Rebounding is key, especially learning to rebound out of the zone. I am excited to see how a Groce coached team does against Purdue.

[Groundhogday]

Originally Posted by Trifecta23

Why is the white guy always the x factor?

Chester Frazier used to be our X-Factor.

[trevdv]

Originally Posted by Trifecta23

Why is the white guy always the x factor?

?? This doesn't even make sense.

1) That's not true

2) That's a racist stereotype

3) Is this a bad thing? Or were you just pointing it out?

[Trifecta23]

My bad.