VIDEOS -- SEAN WOODS (MSU) | SEAN WOODS (OVC) | GREG TODD (MSU) | GREG TODD (OVC)
NASHVILLE -- The Ohio Valley Conference held its annual Basketball Media Day on Tuesday at the Sheraton Music City Hotel. Head Men's Basketball Coach Sean Woods and Head Women's Basketball Coach Greg Todd visited with several media members and spoke to MSUEagles.com:
SEAN WOODSQ: What are your thoughts on this event?A: Media Day is always an enjoyable event. It tells me basketball season is here. I like seeing everyone in a more relaxed atmosphere. The OVC has 24 head basketball coaches, and, at this point, everyone is thinking about what they can do to make their teams successful in 2014-15.
Q: Angelo Warner was announced today as a Preseason All-OVC selection. Tell us about your expectations for him this season. A: We call Angelo "Mr. Consistency." He's our bulldog. Night in and night out, you know what you're going to get out of Angelo. He's consistent on both ends of the floor, which makes him so valuable. We have several quality guards and some talented big men this year, so Angelo has help.
Q: Over the past two years, you've talked about recruiting players who fit your style. How close are you to totally achieving that?A: I like the direction we're heading. Off the court, we are targeting young men who are serious about getting a college education. On the court, we like to play fast. We are trying to fill the program with athletic kids who love to play basketball. We want gym rats who are working hard to maximize their potential.
Q: It seems like you've been pleased with the marketing and publicity efforts in recent weeks. How important is that visibility for your program?A: I thought our athletic department did a great job with putting together Light Up the Lot. We had several hundred fans attend that event, including lots of Morehead State students. We hope those individuals will support us throughout the season. I've always said it's about selling the sizzle. That buzz is important for recruiting and our efforts in continuing to build the fan base.
(Quote of the Day)Q: Can you speak to your program's depth this season?A: I'm hoping everyone will add something to the soup this year to make it tastier.
GREG TODD
Q: What are your thoughts on this event?A: I am enjoying my first Ohio Valley Conference Media Day. I think it's great to gather with fellow coaches, league office representatives and media members to talk about the upcoming season. There's a lot of energy at this event and everyone is optimistic about the 2014-15 season.
Q: Almesha Jones was announced today as a Preseason All-OVC selection. Tell us about your expectations for her this season.A: I've been very blessed to coach some outstanding players over the years, and Almesha is in that category. She's one of the fastest players I've ever coached with the ball. Almesha is certainly an important part of our team. She seems very determined to have a great senior season.
Q: What is one area you're pleased with heading into the year?A: We are lucky to have four seniors and one redshirt junior. We have pretty good experience on our roster and decent balance. We will need all of those veteran players to step up for us this year.
Q: What is the biggest challenge for your squad in 2014-15?
A: We only have 11 players right now, so it will be crucial to stay healthy. I also think we can work on our overall toughness. We have some players who will learn how physical you need to be at this level for a chance at success.
(Quote of the Day)Q: What will it take for your team to cut down the nets in Nashville?A: It will take a really tall ladder and some scissors.
The Morehead State men are coming off a 20-win campaign (20-14) for the fourth time in the past six years. The 2013-14 Eagles also earned a spot in the College Basketball Invitational, which marked the program's fourth postseason berth in six seasons and ninth in school history.
The Morehead State women were 12-17 overall and 6-10 in league play a year ago.
The Morehead State men will host an exhibition on Nov. 5 before opening regular-season action on Nov. 14 at Mountain West Conference opponent UNLV. The Eagle women also begin regular-season play on Nov. 14 when they visit Norfolk State.
Follow the Basketball Eagles all season long on MSUEagles.com, Twitter.com/MSUAthletics, Facebook.com/MSUEagles, YouTube.com/MSUEagleAthletics and OVCDigitalNetwork.com.
