Making a statement

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Thursday March 23, 2000 03:18 PM

Andy Landers, a three-time National Coach of the Year, is in his 21st season at Georgia. Landers has averaged 24.3 wins a year, third-best among all active Division I coaches with as much tenure. The Lady Bulldogs are one of only four teams to reach the NCAA Final Four five times. Georgia is 31-3 and the No. 1 seed in the West region of the NCAA tournament. The Lady Bulldogs have advanced to the Sweet 16 and face UNC on Saturday. Check out Landers' diary every week on CNNSI.com.

March 23, 2000
Portland, Oregon

The games have begun! After two rounds of the NCAA tournament, we have had a number of surprises in terms of both upsets and close calls. It would seem that this year's field is making the statement that, on any given night, practically any team in the tournament can be competitive.

We are pleased with the way our basketball team has performed in these opening rounds. Our team has prepared itself well for our opponents, both offensively and defensively. In games against Montana and Stanford, our inside players have stepped up on both ends of the floor and particularly on the glass. They seem to be having their most active and athletic presence of the year -- deflecting balls, defending and rebounding with tenacity. Our perimeter game continues to be strong in all areas.

Andy Landers and the Lady Bulldogs will face North Carolina in the East Regional semifinals on Saturday. Matthew Stockman/Allsport

Now, we look forward to our matchup with North Carolina. They are an extremely athletic team with a number of outstanding players. Teasley at the point is a terrific play-maker, while Barksdale is a very athletic 4-girl. Barksdale's ability to lead the ACC in both scoring and rebounding speaks volumes about the impact she can have on a game.

Without question, we will have to play our "A game" in order to continue to advance, but this is a team playing with great confidence and enthusiasm. Most importantly, it is a basketball team that is playing very well together, so we look forward to our trip to the regionals for the 12th time in the 17 seasons we have reached the NCAA Tournament, and a great game with North Carolina.

-- Coach Landers

 

Related information
Stories
Previous editions from Georgia coach Andy Landers
Multimedia
Visit Multimedia Central for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.

Copyright © 2000 CNN/Sports Illustrated An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.