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Chat Reel: Iciss Tillis
Duke forward looks to ACC and NCAA tournaments
Posted: Tuesday February 27, 2001 5:27 PM
Updated: Tuesday February 27, 2001 5:27 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Duke's Iciss Tillis. Welcome and thanks for joining us!
Iciss Tillis: Thanks it's great to be here. I appreciate all of your questions. Let's get rolling.
From a guest in Madison, Wis.: Iciss, congratulations on the regular season title! What are your thoughts about the ACC tournament, and do you think Duke will end up with a number one seed in the NCAAs?
Iciss Tillis: I very excited bout the ACC tournament. I do think we will get the No.1 if we keep playing well. I'm not sure that works, but I know we will get the No.1 seed fi we win the ACC.
From DukeBaller: Tell us about the influence that the seniors on the team (i.e. missy west, georgia schweitzer, and rochelle parent) have had on you.
Iciss Tillis: Yes, they had a great influence on me. I have a lot of respect for them. When we are on the court they make us feel comfortable. They have taken us underclassmen in and made us feel welcome. We have learned a lot from them, not just the physical aspect of the game but mental preparation too.
From Duke: Great game last night, Iciss. What do you see as the team's major obstacles/weaknesses as the postseason begins?
Iciss Tillis: I think we could tighten up our game all the way around. I really can't pick out one thing. We need to continue to play well as a team, to play team basketball and I don't think will be a problem.
From Jessie Strauss in Durham, N.C.: As the regular season winds down, what are you and the team doing to prepare for the ACC and NCAA tournaments? Are you changing your conditioning or practices any?
Iciss Tillis: We are just going to keep practicing the way we have. Our practices are going to be intense and focused more so now because we have a goal in mind. We will continue to practice and play like champions.
From Miranda Clayson in Hinsdale, N.Y.: What is the hardest transition that you had to overcome when you went from high school basketball to college basketball?
Iciss Tillis: The toughest transition has been learning how to play defense on the college level and knowing when to take a shot -- what's a good shot what' a bad shot.
From Section 6 Crazy in Burlington, N.C.: When are you going to dunk for the home crowd?
Iciss Tillis: As soon as I get the opportunity to, if I get out on a fast break. But it must be in good timing. I can't do it if the game is in jeopardy.
From Section 7 in Durham, N.C.: Hey Iciss, I never miss a home game and have enjoyed watching you play. There has always been a lot of talk that Duke doesn't have a "post game". I have seen you block shots, post up, and hit the boards, what do you say to those people?
Iciss Tillis: That's what they think. I'm not known to be a physical player. That is my game and I will have to work on that. I shoot well from the outside. Coach has been working with me on playing inside and I will continue to work on it.
From Barry in Phoenix, Ariz.: Iciss! Congratulations on a GREAT season so far! Do you see yourself playing more of the 3 (small forward) position in the future, or will you probably remain a power forward?
Iciss Tillis: I'll probably remain a power forward.
From Bobby Shoemaker in Lexington, Va.: Who do you think is the hardest opponent you will have to face in the tournament?
Iciss Tillis: It's hard to say because we don't know who we are going to play. All the games will be tough, because everyone is shooting for the tournament and the ACC title. And whoever wins the ACC tournament gets an automatic bid, so it will be tough.
From Big_Sexy: Where does the name Iciss originate from?
Iciss Tillis: She is the Egyptian goddess of fertility. She is Ramses the Great's daughter and Cleopatra's mother. And there was an old sitcom called "O Mighty Iciss."
From Duke: Who were some of the other "heavies" who recruited you, and why did you choose Duke?
Iciss Tillis: I was recruited by Kansas, UCLA, Notre Dame, UConn. Those were my top-five choices at the end. I chose Duke because of its academic program and athletic program. I also had an opportunity to help the program win a national championship.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Iciss Tillis. Thanks for joining us!
Iciss Tillis: Thank you very much.
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