Chad Holbrook tournament press conference recap
Chad Holbrook spoke to the media after the NCAA Tournament field of 64 was announced. Here are some highlights from his roughly 10-minute press conference.
--Clarke Schmidt will start Friday night against Rhode Island, Holbrook said. He said the sophomore righty will be ready to go and there shouldn't be a reason to change the rotation.
--He was mum on not getting a national seed, saying all eight national seeds were very deserving. Also said he was thankful to be in that conversation for one of those top eight.
--Holbrook said he's not going to "reinvent the wheel" when it comes to a lineup, but said TJ Hopkins could get more time at hitting at the top of the lineup.
--Holbrook said he knows how important the first game is and how challenging the regional is, saying no one has hit Rhode Island's starting pitcher well in his last couple starts.
--When asked about being paired with Clemson, he responded with saying he and the team are focusing on this regional and not worrying about what happens after that right now. Said there's still a chance this team could play at home in the Supers if Clemson loses.
--He praised the SEC, saying it's deserving of the flurry of hosts and national seeds. Said playing teams like A&M, Ole Miss, etc. prepares a team for postseason play. He did say, "I wish like crazy (the SEC) got one more."
--Holbrook hinted at tough practices over the course of the week after Hoover. He did say they've scrimmaged a few times before rain hit and players are in good spirits.
--He seemed in high spirits about the regional, given the team was on the outside looking in last year.
--He was adamant about about focusing on Friday, saying if the Gamecocks don't, South Carolina will "get our tails kicked."
Game times:
Friday
UNC Wilmington vs. Duke, 1 p.m. EST on ESPN3
South Carolina vs. Rhode Island, 7 p.m. EST on ESPN3
Saturday
Game 1 loser vs. Game 1 winner, Noon EST
Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 6 p.m. EST
Sunday
Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser, Noon EST
Game 5 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 6 p.m. EST
Monday (if needed)
Winner take all game, 6 p.m. EST
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