It was mentioned. We talked about it, getting back to what we were doing early in the season, when we were getting stops and it was leading to easy baskets.

When the position was open [after the 2003 season], I mentioned to my wife that he was probably going to be the manager,

I kind of got a feeling this morning when I talked to his mom. She said he got up early and was ready to play. Good. It never hurts when your best shooter in the league is ready to play.

He wandered through last season. We talked at the end of the season, and he said he was going to be stronger. He came back this fall as a different person - dedicated and focused.

After the season, when I talked with him, I told him he had to spend the time with Tim [offensive coordinator Lappano]. He had to learn what Tim and Tyrone were looking for.

We talked at halftime about character, composure and about this being a season-defining game for us. When I said that, I hoped we'd win.