Mississippi State interim women’s basketball coach Doug Novak made his first media appearance since taking on the role Thursday and took the opportunity to stress the importance of patience as he and the team adjust to each other.
“My goal is still the same, to add value, now it’s just from a different seat,” said Novak, whose hiring as an assistant coach to Nikki McCray-Penson on Sept. 7 before being named interim head coach Oct. 12. “Any time there’s change it takes time to adjust. But moving forward each day gets better and better, and the best thing we can do for (McCray-Penson) would be to play our best, and I know she’d want that from everyone she’s coached and recruited.”
Stepping in after McCray-Penson resigned to focus on her health, Novak has spent the past couple of weeks working to steady the ship and create a positive environment for learning his system.
Expectations for the Bulldogs in the form of preseason predictions are low, with both the media and coaches picking State to finish ninth in the Southeastern Conference. Novak said their focus is on adjusting to the situation and taking it one thing at a time.
“I have zero expectations other than having a great practice tomorrow,” Novak said. “For me over the years it’s been about a foundation of footwork both on the offensive and defensive side. … Gradually, we’re starting to put layers on that foundation, but like I said you can’t skip steps.”
A positive for the Bulldogs is the return of Myah Taylor and Rickea Jackson, two veterans who have garnered some hype by appearing on preseason awards watch lists. Novak acknowledged the importance of their leadership as well.
“They understand that some things are more important than others,” he said. “They don’t get off track the way a young player might. Their leadership in the team continues to grow.”
Taylor also spoke with the media Thursday and said she has embraced her role as one of the team’s more experienced players.
“I just try to use my experience to help everyone here,” she said. “I’ve definitely taken pride in that, and I want to help my team as much as I can.”
Mississippi State tips off against Mississippi College in an exhibition game at 6 p.m. today, their lone exhibition game before the regular season opens at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 against Alabama State at Humphrey Coliseum.
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