Gary Blair talks Auburn victory, traveling to Georgia and more

Notes from Gary Blair interview

* Both the men’s and women’s team just got back from Kentucky, and both arenas, Rupp and Memorial, provided a great atmosphere. People from around town would shop around the area before the game and there was so much basketball merchandise to be bought, particularly on the men’s side.

* It was a shame that he was able to hit the half court shot in Memorial Arena the day before their matchup with Kentucky and that Peyton Little could only hit the rim of what would have been a game tying, buzzer-beating three pointer. That video has gone somewhat viral, and he had no idea it was being filmed when he shot it. He got close a couple of times before hitting the shot and then proceeded to show off his old man moves.

* He thinks the Manti Te’o situation is very sad. Social media is everywhere these days and people are too easily tricked into believing what is not true. He just had a meeting with his staff members to tell them that he wants them on the phone talking to the parents of his players when planning next weekend’s parent’s weekend. He feels sorry for Te’o right now because he believes Te’o was tricked.

* The team took Monday off to allow the players to go to class and meet their professors without any interference. He has been on the road recruiting the past couple of days in Alabama and South Carolina , and it’s clear that when you walk into a room with the A&M logo on your sleeve, people know who you are now. It’s a completely different feeling from what was felt in the Big 12.

* He believes that Kristi Bellock is the most improved player in the country. Her improvement is due to her good attitude while being a role player on three good teams over the past three years. Now, Bellock is ready for her moment and has done a great job this season.

* It’s too early to tell if Courtney Walker is the future of the A&M basketball program. Every ball game, Walker has to guard the other team’s best player. Sometimes that wares on her and hurts her on the offensive side of the ball. However, she is still doing well and hopefully Courtney Williams will be able to start guarding some of those tall two and three players to take some of the pressure off of Walker.

* There is no doubt that Kelsey Bone is a first team All-American. Bone is putting up numbers that are the best in the SEC and some of the best in the country. He’s spending a lot of time marketing Bone to the media in order to get Bone the credit that is due to her.

* Georgia hasn’t forgotten how badly A&M beat them in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs could be the most important game of the year. With a win, A&M could set themselves up perfect for the second half of conference play, knowing that they have a bunch of games at home.

* After playing Georgia, A&M travels to Mississippi State where they will be reunited with Vic Schaefer. Mississippi State has some injury problems, but Schaefer is coaching them up well.