March 4, 2002

2002 ACC Women's Basketball Tournament

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Candice savannah
Would North Carolina State Terah James be able to play next year and and will you tell her I said hey.

Debbie Antonelli
Candice, yes Terah will be able to play and I'm sure she would appreciate your thoughts. She is going to be a difference-maker next year.

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Donna, Charlottesville, VA
What do you think it will take for Virginia to get into the NCAA tournament for a 19th straight time? One win in ACC Tourney or more?

Debbie Antonelli
Great question Donna. Yes, I think Virgina is in because of their strength of schedule and RPI. Debbie Ryan has done a terrific job with this group. They just may get number 19 consecutive. A win in the tournament would only help.

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Bernadette, Sacramento, CA
What does North Carolina have to do to win the ACC Tournament, and be successful in the Final Four Tournament? Week-to-week, you see glimpses of their greatness, but not the consistency.

Debbie Antonelli
Sylvia Hatchell does a great job deep into February getting her teams ready to play. I would be surprised if NC is not there in the final against Duke. Teasley has to have a big game. I think NC could use Candace Sutton even more and look for her to really elevate her game in the post season.

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Barry (Phoenix)
Who do you see as the favorites for next year?

Debbie Antonelli
I like Duke again with the class they have coming in. I like a healthy NC State and I think UVA will be very good next year. Watch out for Ga Tech. They have a top 10 recruiting class coming in next year so they may be young but will be talented.

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Bobby, Greensboro, NC
Why is NC State's Defense So Predictable? They do the Same thing after every made basket or miss shot! Scouting shows this and as an observer of the Lady Pack this year!

Debbie Antonelli
With NC State struggling to score this year, at times they have had to rely on their defense. It has been pretty good at times. Come post season, you must be able to get some stops. They do not extend as much as they have in the past and I think that is a function of depth.

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Marquis, Winston-Salem,NC
Do you think Amy Simpson can emerge as one of the Top Defenders in the ACC? She is constantly ask to Guard the other team's Top Player but does not get any credit for slowing down the other teams top offensive threat!

Debbie Antonelli
I think Amy has done a terrific job for the Pack on the other team's best offensive player. If that is going to be her role and she can accept that, then she will be even better. I think when Amy plays defense, her offense gets better.

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Mark, Richmond VA
Gail G. will probably get coach of the year for taking Duke to 16-0, but without a doubt I think the best coaching job was done by Debbie Ryan. Virginia had practically nothing coming back after graduations, redshirts and early departures. Rightfully so, they were picked 8th pre-season. Virginia has underperformed in the past few years, but has excelled this year with far less talent. Heading into the tournamenet, do you think this is a testment to Ryan, or just an influx of young, houngry talent?

Debbie Antonelli
I agree with you. I think it is a testament to the job Debbie has done this year with this group of young players. They are hungry and have had a blast this year. Debbie is having so much fun. That is usually the first thing she says to me when I ask her about her team. She has done a terrific job. I think Gail Goestenkors is the coach of the year this year for the reasons that you mentioned.