Michigan State-Grand Valley State Quotes
11/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 2, 2006
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Michigan State Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie
Opening statement...
This was a great game for people from State, and people from Grand Rapids. I was very impressed with Grand Valley. (Head Coach) Dawn (Plitzuweit) just does such a terrific job with that program, and I've gotten to know Dawn very well. It was exactly what I expected. I think it's early for us offensively - our timing is off, but I'm not so concerned about that. That will come through time. I was happy about some of the defensive things we did. We're kind of ahead of the game a little bit defensively, in terms of some of the stops and adjustments we made. I really thought that Rene (Haynes) and Victoria (Lucas-Perry) and Mia (Johnson) defensively really led us, and I thought Allyssa (DeHaan) was fantastic, intimidating and blocking shots, and she was aggressive too. I thought Aisha (Jefferson) gave us a real spark. Those finishing five, for lack of a better term, I thought were very, very strong.
On DeHaan's play...
Allyssa's very significant, and has been since day one. There is nothing surprising to me about Allyssa's play in any way. She's been learning things a little bit. You let your younger people learn a little bit, but her learning curve is moving very quickly, so I'm not surprised. She has so many great things she can do out there. I want her to keep having fun, keep attacking and to not be distracted by mistakes. She gets hit pretty good. I thought she got hit a few times tonight. I want her to just enjoy that process of her just taking it all in and bringing her game.
On DeHaan's playing time...
With freshmen, you really don't know, you're kind of in limbo a lot. We hadn't had an opponent yet. But based on everything that Allyssa has done, you'd have to go way back to the summer until now, 27 minutes is not surprising to me.
On playing Grand Valley State in future years...
I told Dawn, `Dawn, we're not coming to your place.' She laughed, so I guess I want to continue it. I just have a great relationship with Dawn, and I have great respect for Grand Valley, and the athletic director. I know Shelley Applebaum knows them very well from an administrative point of view. We definitely will be looking to keep something working annually, at the Breslin though. We'll have to invite on this one.