Aug. 4, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head basketball coach Darrin Horn spoke to members of the media Monday at the Volleyball Competition Facility. Junior forward Evaldas Baniulis of Lithuania and sophomore forward Austin Steed also spoke as the team prepares to go on a four-game European tour with competitions in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria.

Head Coach Darrin Horn
(On scheduling the overseas trip)
“The basics were in the works. I thought it was great insight on the part of Eric Hyman and I also need to credit Coach Odom for it.”

“I think the big thing is we have time to work with them. We have 10 days to work and the trip will give us a chance to see how guys interact.”

(On the purpose of the trip)
“It’s a great education experience. For most of them, it’s their first time going overseas. The basketball will be basketball and other part will be fun. We think experiencing and the education (opportunities) of being in another country is important. Obviously you can’t do that if you’re waking up at four every morning and working these guys.”

(On the effect of the new three-point line distance)
“We actually hadn’t thought about that. It’s not going to be that different. I’m actually interested to see how it does affect things…I don’t think you’ll see that big a change in percentages because hopefully the better shooters will be taking those shots.”

(On how much of the playbook will be used)
“Very little. We’re not as concerned with the whole of it as we are with a handful of things we’ve picked out and our progress. We’ll worry about instilling everything as we get to the trip.”

“We’ll have four games. We’ll probably have one team we can’t compete with, one we match up evenly and on that’s not very good. That’s just how they go.”

(On if he will monitor players’ minutes)
“Yes and no. We need to see what everyone can do and try different combinations. Given foul trouble or close games in the last five minutes, I’m not going to say, `Does this guy have his 20 minutes’.”

Evaldas Baniulis – Jr. – Forward
“I’ve been to all three countries (that we’re visiting). I went on a small road trip this summer with my family. I haven’t told the team about (the countries) yet. I think (Assistant Video Coordinator) Kris DeBlasio is providing a fact packet on all of them for us.

“This trip is all about bonding and getting to know each other and the coaches. It’s good to see (how we play) but it’s more to find out who’s who because the season is so far away. We’re already like a family. This trip is to bring the coaches into the family.”

(On returning to Europe)
“I’m looking forward to being there. I’m not looking forward to the flight because it’s too long.”

(On Coach Horn’s style)
“We definitely run more with this coach. As far as the style itself, we haven’t started all the plays yet.”

Austin Steed – So. – Forward
“This is my very first trip (overseas). I’ve been to Virginia and Florida a couple of times, but that’s about it.”

“I just want to see us play as a team and see the stuff we learn in the games (while) transitioning to the new staff.”

(On Coach Horn’s style)
“It’s very intense. Practices this year are going to be very intense. He wants us to talk, yell and get in the face of the defender. He just wants us to be more intense.”