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 It's time for UNA Basketball Night at Lost Pizza Company featuring Coach Candy Whittaker and Coach Tony Pujol.

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 UNA Basketball Night is brought to you by Lost Pizza, Bank Independent, Burnley Spine and Sport, Renaissance Eye Care, The Carriage Wine and Market, Alabama Health Guidance, and Singing River Brewery.

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 Now live from Lost Pizza Company in historic downtown Florence, here's the voice of the UNA Lions, Benjamin Ray.

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 Hello and welcome to Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence for the first episode of UNA Basketball Night.

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 I'm Benjamin Ray alongside Mike Ezekiel.

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 One final go here in 2025 and as we turn the calendar to 2026, Mike,

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 it is Atlantic Sun basketball play for both the UNA basketball programs.

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 It feels like just yesterday we were here at Lost Pizza kicking off football season.

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 Now here we are tipping off conference play for basketball.

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 Where has time gone?

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 Yeah, time goes by quick, but first of all, happy holiday.

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 Good to have you back, Ben.

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 Good to be back here at Lost Pizza.

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 And last year, the birth of this idea of doing UNA basketball night at Lost Pizza kind of came about.

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 And how successful was it last year?

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 And to see the crowd that's here right now, I mean, it's piling in.

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 There's not enough tables, I don't think, for everybody.

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 So that's a great sign.

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 And it's good to be back talking about conference basketball that's coming up.

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 Non-conference play is kind of in the books.

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 And you hear people kind of refer to that as the preseason,

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 which is kind of weird because it does count towards your overall record.

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 But now you're into conference games.

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 You've got 18 on the schedule for the women and for the men.

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 Really exciting times.

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 And I'm glad to be back with you, partner, here as we roll into January 2026.

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 Tonight we're going to hear from both head coaches.

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 Candy Whitaker is in the house with her entire team.

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 India Howard and Alyssa Clutter are going to swing by as well.

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 Tony Pujol will join us shortly as well.

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 Dallas Howell, the sixth-year veteran, is back.

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 Cannon Jefferson.

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 It's kind of a veterans' night here as we tip off UNA basketball night from Lost Pizza Shoals.

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 And, Mike, one thing is certainly the excitement for UNA basketball is real.

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 Both teams have gone and combined 7-2 at home inside of the bank.

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 The women open up conference play on the road with a Florida swing

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 against Florida Gulf Coast and Stetson.

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 The men, they've got the opposite.

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 They've got those programs coming up north with Stetson on Thursday, a noon o'clock tip.

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 And then on Saturday it will be Florida Gulf Coast, Dunk City coming to the bank.

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 And what a great way to start off conference play with home games inside the bank.

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 Yeah, and a fun fact, I don't think that there's ever been a home game on New Year's Day

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 at CB&S Bank Arena in Flowers Hall.

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 So that's really exciting that we get to ring in the new year for the first time at home on the men's side.

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 And while that game's going on, I'm going to have a monitor up watching the women

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 because they're playing at 1 o'clock down at Florida Gulf Coast.

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 So excited about that.

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 Excited for both of these teams to kick off their season.

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 A great test right away for the women's team.

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 Can't wait to talk to Coach Whitaker about that.

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 And for the men as well, a big weekend with Stetson coming to town, a well-coached team.

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 And then FGCU that Saturday.

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 So real exciting basketball on the way.

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 The last time I remember kind of New Year's Eve basketball,

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 it was myself, you, and Will Corey making a trek from Valdosta, Georgia.

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 Or excuse me, from, no, it was Valdosta, Georgia to Pensacola, Florida on New Year's Eve.

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 Wow.

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 Yeah, we had a good stop looking for some food.

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 But hey, let's take a timeout when we come back.

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 Candy Whitaker will join us next and we'll take you inside the UNA Women's Basketball Program.

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 We're off and running.

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 It's UNA Basketball Night for Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

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 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?

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 You just found it at Lost Pizza.

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 Located at the corner of Seminary and East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

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 Lost Pizza is serving up a holiday deal worth celebrating.

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 Buy $25 worth of Lost Pizza gift cards and you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself.

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 Because Santa says you deserve one too.

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 This Christmas gift pizza.

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 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

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 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

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 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual

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 So stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

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 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

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 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

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 Yeah, this isn't that.

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 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

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 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

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 This is Dr. Hamp Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

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 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

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 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner,

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 Dr. Lisa Campbell, or myself.

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 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

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 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

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 Don't miss out on the good times.

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 In the mood to relax and wind down?

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 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers,

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 all paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie,

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 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

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 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

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 Cheers!

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 Here we go.

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 We're off and running at Lost Pizza Shoals in downtown Florence.

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 This is UNA Basketball, and I'm up in Benjamin Ray alongside Mike Ezekiel.

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 And we've got head coach Candy Whitaker here for the UNA women's basketball team.

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 She's got her entire program in the house tonight.

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 They're gearing up for Atlantic Sunplay to open up on Thursday down in Florida.

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 But, Coach, year two, how are you doing?

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 Did you guys have a good Christmas break?

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 We had a great Christmas break.

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 We stayed in Florence.

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 Our family did.

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 We had a great time.

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 And fortunate, our whole team got five days off,

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 which is a really great number for a Division I basketball team.

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 So I thought we all had a chance to reset, be around family, and now we're back at it.

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 Year two.

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 What's been the feeling for you compared to year number one?

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 Well, just, you know, a little bit more knowledge, right, about the league,

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 about, you know, recruiting, all the things that I think we can sell at North Alabama.

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 So the longer you're at a place, right, the more you understand it

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 and can really share how great it is.

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 But definitely more familiar with the league.

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 That first year, even though I had watched film and prepared,

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 I think seeing it up close and personal is just better and so definitely more knowledgeable.

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 Coach, I always go back to that first press conference back in March.

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 You talked about the identity of the team and the teams you've coached.

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 They've been that West Texas grit that you've talked about.

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 And I love seeing that.

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 And as you've kind of been here a second year now, you've got this team,

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 and you're trying to figure out that identity of this team.

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 What have you seen in conference play, or sorry, non-conference play heading in

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 that you would, I guess, characterize this team and their identity?

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 Well, you know, defense has to be a part of our identity.

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 We're certainly still working on that, and, you know, and we're a work in progress for sure.

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 But I think for us to win games, we've got to have a mentality that we're going to guard people.

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 We're going to get stops.

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 We're going to create some offense with our defense.

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 We've been better there.

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 I think last year we averaged four takeaways.

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 This year we're around eight.

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 So, you know, we've improved, but we've got to continue to make that a big part of us.

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 We want to share the basketball and play a great team-style offensive set with a lot of concepts

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 that we're really trying to teach kids how to play basketball and just not run plays.

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 Year one is always such a whirlwind.

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 You've got to come in.

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 You've got to evaluate.

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 You've got to recruit.

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 You've got to hire.

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 Year two, how did things slow down as you kind of moved into that sophomore campaign?

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 Well, recruiting's always there.

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 I always feel like we're signing a lot of kids every year.

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 You know, that's the name of the game these days.

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 You just kind of try to continue to bring talent in and put it to work and had to hire some new staff.

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 So in a lot of ways it's the same.

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 But, again, just more familiar with Florence, with North Alabama, with the league, with our returners.

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 You know, once you've coached someone longer than a couple months, right,

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 you know so much more about what they're capable of.

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 And I think all of our returners have done a fantastic job of continuing to grow themselves.

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 It's been really good to see some of the pieces that you've brought in and how they've really fit.

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 You really just see how it all works out with Sophia and how she's developed.

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 But you have a good core group of two that we're going to talk to tonight, India, Alyssa.

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 What was it like having them come back again and kind of having them part of the program already

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 and helping get you adjusted as well?

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 Well, I love both of them dearly.

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 I mean, they are just fantastic young women.

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 Both of them were voted captains by our team, hands down.

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 Everyone wanted them captains.

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 And it speaks to their leadership on and off the floor.

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 They're both big-time players for us.

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 But it's also all the other things they do.

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 You know, I think Alyssa's really taken on kind of a mother role where she's really looking after them outside of basketball.

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 And India's just a ball of energy and always talking and brings her personality to the court and off.

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 You know, they just do a great job of taking care of their teammates, being great teammates,

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 understanding our expectations and how we want to practice every day and the motor that you have to bring.

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 And so, you know, really appreciate both of them and glad I've been able to coach them for two years.

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 From the veterans to a couple of breakouts.

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 And I think it starts with Sofia Cipollotti.

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 As a freshman from Italy, we didn't see her a lot last year, right?

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 And then she comes in and all of a sudden, Coach, she's your leading scorer.

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 She's your leading rebounder.

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 I mean, what can you say about her breakout sophomore?

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 The super sophomore sensation, as we've been calling her in the office.

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 I love that.

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 Sofia, super sophomore sensation.

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 I'm sure she's here and loving all the S's attached to her name.

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 But, you know, I'm telling you, this is my 23rd year in collegiate coaching.

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 And I've never had a player, I've said this a lot publicly,

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 but I've never had a player make the turn as quickly as Sofia has from year one to year two.

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 And I give her the credit.

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 I mean, she is a worker.

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 She is in the gym.

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 She embraced hard.

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 Last year was hard for her in every way.

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 And she just wanted, she wants to play.

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 She wants to play professionally.

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 She loves the game.

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 She wanted to get better.

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 We had a fantastic offseason with her where she got better right in front of our eyes every single day.

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 And we made it really hard on her because I thought she needed to get tougher.

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 And she did.

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 And then she went home and played with the international team and I thought continued to get better.

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 Their feedback to us was just how proud they were of the jump she made under our leadership.

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 But Sofia is a worker.

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 That doesn't happen just because you're around great players, just because you're around coaches that are working with you.

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 That happens when players go to work.

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 She earned everything she's getting and I couldn't be more proud of her.

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 Sofia's got an incredible story, by the way, how she got to UNA, what she's done overseas in Italy and her impact in international basketball.

229
00:13:13,380 --> 00:13:16,520
 And to translate it here and to make that jump as a sophomore has been incredible.

230
00:13:16,960 --> 00:13:19,700
 Coach, I want to talk about another one that's made a jump as a sophomore as well.

231
00:13:19,780 --> 00:13:21,540
 Let's talk about Vinlander a little bit.

232
00:13:22,280 --> 00:13:24,920
 21 points in that Stanford game.

233
00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:26,620
 Big impact there.

234
00:13:26,740 --> 00:13:28,000
 Really saw her break out.

235
00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:30,480
 And she's had an incredible last few games as well.

236
00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:31,200
 She has.

237
00:13:31,300 --> 00:13:34,800
 You know, Vinland's been someone who's battled injury a lot of her career.

238
00:13:35,020 --> 00:13:36,740
 She tore her knee in high school.

239
00:13:36,880 --> 00:13:39,280
 She tore her knee in our first practice last year.

240
00:13:39,740 --> 00:13:42,660
 So she's had to battle a lot of adversity and come back from that.

241
00:13:42,800 --> 00:13:44,860
 But what a skilled post player.

242
00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,320
 I mean, can just do a lot of things with the ball in her hands.

243
00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:47,960
 Can shoot it.

244
00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:48,740
 Can pass it.

245
00:13:48,840 --> 00:13:49,600
 Makes decisions.

246
00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:51,460
 Understands the game at a high level.

247
00:13:52,300 --> 00:13:53,780
 And has stayed the course.

248
00:13:53,780 --> 00:13:55,960
 There's been times she hasn't gotten to play as much.

249
00:13:56,240 --> 00:13:58,300
 And she's just stayed the course.

250
00:13:58,420 --> 00:14:00,500
 And now she's kind of found her stride.

251
00:14:00,740 --> 00:14:03,580
 And we're seeing what we saw last year when she first got here.

252
00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:06,840
 It's just always a transition when you're coming off of an injury.

253
00:14:06,920 --> 00:14:08,340
 It just takes a period of time.

254
00:14:08,540 --> 00:14:10,900
 But Vinland's going to be really good for us.

255
00:14:11,140 --> 00:14:14,080
 And, you know, I think she's just scratched the surface.

256
00:14:14,720 --> 00:14:18,480
 It's kind of some international flair of the international lions this year, right?

257
00:14:18,560 --> 00:14:20,300
 You've got Coach Sandra Absinthe.

258
00:14:20,380 --> 00:14:21,660
 Coach A, she's in the house as well.

259
00:14:21,700 --> 00:14:25,760
 But she spent some time coaching with the Sweden national team over the break.

260
00:14:26,100 --> 00:14:28,000
 You talked about Sofia and her work in Italy.

261
00:14:28,060 --> 00:14:31,060
 You've got Greta Ramon, another young freshman as well from Italy.

262
00:14:31,060 --> 00:14:34,600
 And what about these Europeans and kind of the takeover they've had?

263
00:14:35,060 --> 00:14:37,220
 Well, you know, two things.

264
00:14:37,300 --> 00:14:39,160
 I think Europeans are very skilled typically.

265
00:14:39,380 --> 00:14:43,700
 I mean, just across the board, Europe spends a lot of time training.

266
00:14:44,520 --> 00:14:49,500
 Americans spend a lot of time playing the game, you know, to be honest, at the grassroots level.

267
00:14:49,620 --> 00:14:57,100
 So a lot of practice, a lot of skill work in Europe that I really enjoy how they play the game and see the game.

268
00:14:57,100 --> 00:15:06,720
 I think coming over is always a transition to guarding, the athleticism, the speed, sometimes, you know, to get used to the American way of playing.

269
00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,140
 But they've been good fits for us.

270
00:15:09,460 --> 00:15:19,520
 And another piece I kind of like is they don't really know if it's, you know, if they're playing Clemson or, you know, some other school, right?

271
00:15:19,560 --> 00:15:21,500
 It doesn't really matter to them.

272
00:15:21,580 --> 00:15:25,300
 So you kind of see them hook it up and just want to compete and play.

273
00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:27,300
 But we're excited to have them.

274
00:15:27,400 --> 00:15:34,320
 Our other group, our Americans have welcomed them and definitely, you know, taken them under their wing and helped them find their way around Florence.

275
00:15:34,720 --> 00:15:39,340
 Let's talk about a couple more since we're back in America, I guess, coming back to this side.

276
00:15:40,080 --> 00:15:43,320
 Ben, you've talked about this a lot with the Atlantic Sun Conference.

277
00:15:43,420 --> 00:15:49,460
 It seems like the teams in the men and women's side that both succeed seem to be the ones that have those upperclassmen, that veteran.

278
00:15:49,500 --> 00:15:53,040
 We need to talk about Allie and Buki a little bit.

279
00:15:53,120 --> 00:15:55,920
 A couple of upperclassmen that you brought in.

280
00:15:56,000 --> 00:16:01,760
 I think Buki is a graduate student, Allie a senior, and their experience and what they've done so far this season.

281
00:16:02,100 --> 00:16:07,760
 Yeah, I mean, I think that's the name of the game these days is to try to stay as old as you can, right, with the portal and transfers.

282
00:16:09,080 --> 00:16:12,200
 And both of them have been huge for us.

283
00:16:12,340 --> 00:16:18,000
 You know, I think Allie has been someone who just competes her tail off every night out.

284
00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:19,840
 She's making plays on the defensive end.

285
00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:21,640
 She's making plays on the offensive end.

286
00:16:21,760 --> 00:16:22,820
 She's setting up others.

287
00:16:22,940 --> 00:16:23,900
 She's hitting shots.

288
00:16:24,500 --> 00:16:28,580
 She's just fearless in so many ways and a true competitor.

289
00:16:29,180 --> 00:16:30,840
 And I think maximizes herself.

290
00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:34,540
 You know, I think Allie's getting every ounce.

291
00:16:34,600 --> 00:16:37,140
 We're getting every ounce out of Allie, I think, every single night.

292
00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:42,660
 Buki is someone who is in her fifth year and provides a ton of experience.

293
00:16:43,240 --> 00:16:49,560
 Her length at the guard position, her athleticism, her ability to defend has been tremendous for us.

294
00:16:49,620 --> 00:16:51,800
 She's a ton of fun to watch in the open floor.

295
00:16:52,280 --> 00:16:53,560
 She leads us in assists.

296
00:16:54,460 --> 00:16:56,240
 You know, she's just done a fantastic job.

297
00:16:56,420 --> 00:17:01,140
 She unfortunately got hurt a couple games ago, but she'll be battling back,

298
00:17:01,200 --> 00:17:03,580
 and hopefully we'll see her at some point in the near future.

299
00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:09,460
 Coach, the first of many conversations we'll have with you this year here at Lost Pizza for UNA Basketball Night

300
00:17:09,460 --> 00:17:14,600
 on the road Thursday, Florida Gulf Coast, 1 p.m. Central, Saturday, Stetson.

301
00:17:14,840 --> 00:17:18,240
 It's always tough when you have to go on the road in conference play, but opening up in Florida,

302
00:17:18,340 --> 00:17:19,800
 what's kind of the outlook this weekend?

303
00:17:20,060 --> 00:17:20,900
 Well, we're excited.

304
00:17:21,620 --> 00:17:23,560
 You know, I think this league's wide open.

305
00:17:24,080 --> 00:17:27,820
 I think it's probably an interesting year for every coach.

306
00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:32,600
 So many teams lost, a lot of returners that really carried them last year.

307
00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:38,400
 I think probably Central Arkansas has the most as far as who they return, maybe EKU.

308
00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:43,280
 But everyone else had to go recruit, go to the portal, sign junior college kids late.

309
00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:45,740
 So it's a little bit of a guessing game what everyone has.

310
00:17:45,820 --> 00:17:47,940
 Everyone's kind of been right there in non-conference play.

311
00:17:48,160 --> 00:17:51,160
 So I'm definitely excited to get going.

312
00:17:52,060 --> 00:17:53,280
 This is what we prepare for.

313
00:17:53,700 --> 00:17:56,400
 You know, we learned a lot about ourselves in non-conference play.

314
00:17:56,940 --> 00:18:01,320
 You know, had some great wins, had some disappointing losses, but learned a lot.

315
00:18:01,580 --> 00:18:03,640
 And now it's go time.

316
00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:04,380
 Yeah.

317
00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:08,460
 And right off the bat, you start with FGCU, a team that obviously is the favorite.

318
00:18:08,740 --> 00:18:10,880
 And, you know, they've had a lot of success.

319
00:18:11,300 --> 00:18:14,500
 And maybe they're trying to prove something to themselves right now as well.

320
00:18:14,580 --> 00:18:18,680
 And to start right off the bat going down there, you know, what do you got to do to mentally prepare for that?

321
00:18:18,900 --> 00:18:25,440
 Yeah, I mean, I think, well, we're just preparing, like we do every week to win, you know, regardless of who we're going up against.

322
00:18:25,440 --> 00:18:27,540
 I think Florida Gulf Coast has had a lot of changes.

323
00:18:27,820 --> 00:18:33,180
 And so, like any program that has a lot of changes, they're figuring themselves out as well.

324
00:18:33,360 --> 00:18:38,660
 So I think it's about showing up and seeing who wants to go win that game more than the other team

325
00:18:38,660 --> 00:18:43,020
 and who's willing to do the little things and who's tougher by the end of the night.

326
00:18:43,120 --> 00:18:47,220
 I think a lot of these games are going to be evenly matched as far as skill, size, and talent.

327
00:18:47,880 --> 00:18:49,320
 Coach, as always, we appreciate it.

328
00:18:49,360 --> 00:18:50,620
 I know it's a big night for you all.

329
00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:52,240
 You've got your entire team here eating.

330
00:18:52,340 --> 00:18:54,400
 You've got the Christmas party after this with the team.

331
00:18:54,620 --> 00:18:58,740
 Can you tell us, take us inside what's going on at the Christmas party after this?

332
00:18:59,140 --> 00:19:03,660
 Well, I have a great staff that does a lot of fun things.

333
00:19:03,780 --> 00:19:05,420
 And I will tell you who else on our team.

334
00:19:05,540 --> 00:19:08,380
 India Howard always is a good time.

335
00:19:08,540 --> 00:19:10,240
 She has a lot of ideas.

336
00:19:10,440 --> 00:19:11,980
 She's like, Coach, can we do this?

337
00:19:12,300 --> 00:19:13,240
 Can we do this?

338
00:19:13,600 --> 00:19:14,700
 How about some s'mores?

339
00:19:14,900 --> 00:19:15,920
 Get the fire going.

340
00:19:16,500 --> 00:19:18,340
 So we'll have a good time.

341
00:19:18,460 --> 00:19:20,460
 You know, they're going to do a little Secret Santa.

342
00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:24,660
 And we're always so slammed, I feel like, leading up to Christmas.

343
00:19:24,820 --> 00:19:29,300
 So we sometimes have this better downtime right after Christmas to do some team stuff.

344
00:19:29,520 --> 00:19:31,340
 But the team's a lot of fun.

345
00:19:31,460 --> 00:19:33,500
 They've all got great personalities.

346
00:19:34,060 --> 00:19:35,640
 And we have a good time with them.

347
00:19:35,740 --> 00:19:37,240
 Well, Coach, we appreciate it as always.

348
00:19:37,300 --> 00:19:38,520
 And we'll do this again next week.

349
00:19:38,600 --> 00:19:39,140
 Sounds great.

350
00:19:39,220 --> 00:19:39,660
 Thank you all.

351
00:19:39,660 --> 00:19:41,380
 North Alabama head coach, Candy Witter.

352
00:19:41,480 --> 00:19:42,200
 Let's take a time out.

353
00:19:42,260 --> 00:19:43,500
 We're going to talk to India Howard next.

354
00:19:43,540 --> 00:19:44,720
 She's behind the camera and ready.

355
00:19:44,800 --> 00:19:48,900
 We'll find out what's going on at the Christmas party back when we get back here at Lost Pizza

356
00:19:48,900 --> 00:19:50,460
 Shoals for U&A Basketball Night.

357
00:19:53,460 --> 00:19:55,200
 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?

358
00:19:55,600 --> 00:19:57,420
 You just found it at Lost Pizza.

359
00:19:57,900 --> 00:20:02,260
 Located at the corner of Seminary and East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

360
00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:05,540
 Lost Pizza is serving up a holiday deal worth celebrating.

361
00:20:05,900 --> 00:20:08,420
 Buy $25 worth of Lost Pizza gift cards.

362
00:20:08,760 --> 00:20:10,940
 And you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself.

363
00:20:11,180 --> 00:20:13,340
 Because Santa says you deserve one too.

364
00:20:13,780 --> 00:20:15,280
 This Christmas gift pizza.

365
00:20:15,720 --> 00:20:17,460
 And keep a little bit for you.

366
00:20:17,900 --> 00:20:20,100
 Lost Pizza, downtown Florence.

367
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 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy.

368
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369
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 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area.

370
00:20:36,780 --> 00:20:39,680
 Helping with sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

371
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 Therapies coupled with dry kneeling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

372
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 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

373
00:20:48,660 --> 00:20:52,220
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

374
00:20:52,440 --> 00:20:54,220
 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

375
00:20:54,680 --> 00:20:57,520
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

376
00:20:57,520 --> 00:21:04,500
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options,

377
00:21:05,020 --> 00:21:08,140
 Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

378
00:21:08,640 --> 00:21:13,700
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard

379
00:21:13,700 --> 00:21:18,120
 or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

380
00:21:18,920 --> 00:21:22,920
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

381
00:21:25,980 --> 00:21:30,260
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

382
00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:32,220
 Yeah, this isn't that.

383
00:21:32,460 --> 00:21:36,420
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

384
00:21:36,800 --> 00:21:42,820
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking, and have a positive balance.

385
00:21:43,040 --> 00:21:43,600
 That's it.

386
00:21:43,700 --> 00:21:45,580
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

387
00:21:45,800 --> 00:21:51,260
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and the future of our community.

388
00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:52,160
 Bank independent.

389
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 We're invested in your future.

390
00:21:54,020 --> 00:21:54,900
 Member FDIC.

391
00:21:55,140 --> 00:21:58,980
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

392
00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:01,840
 This is Dr. Hampton Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

393
00:22:02,140 --> 00:22:06,220
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

394
00:22:06,220 --> 00:22:15,580
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Warner, Dr. Lisa Campbell, or myself.

395
00:22:16,040 --> 00:22:20,620
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

396
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 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall and roar lines.

397
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 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

398
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 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

399
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 Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

400
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 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

401
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 Don't miss out on the good times.

402
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 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

403
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404
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 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine

405
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 and an unmatched selection of nearly 1,000 different wines to suit any budget,

406
00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:06,840
 the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft beer destination

407
00:23:06,840 --> 00:23:08,400
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408
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 In the mood to relax and wind down?

409
00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:15,180
 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers,

410
00:23:15,540 --> 00:23:18,380
 all paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie,

411
00:23:18,740 --> 00:23:21,760
 and served with a smile in our cozy living room-style atmosphere.

412
00:23:22,460 --> 00:23:26,260
 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

413
00:23:26,660 --> 00:23:30,560
 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

414
00:23:30,980 --> 00:23:31,280
 Cheers!

415
00:23:35,900 --> 00:23:39,160
 We got the life of the party up next.

416
00:23:39,340 --> 00:23:40,840
 India Howard is with us.

417
00:23:40,900 --> 00:23:45,680
 Her third season at North Alabama from Texas, North Carolina, all over.

418
00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:47,140
 We're excited to have India back.

419
00:23:47,340 --> 00:23:50,720
 And India, for you, Christmas break, Christmas party.

420
00:23:50,860 --> 00:23:52,480
 Coach said you're kind of the ringleader.

421
00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:53,820
 So give us some insight.

422
00:23:53,880 --> 00:23:55,680
 What's going on here at the Christmas party tonight?

423
00:23:56,500 --> 00:23:59,220
 I'm confident we'll have a lot of games and we'll compete.

424
00:23:59,880 --> 00:24:01,380
 We find a way to always compete.

425
00:24:02,160 --> 00:24:03,800
 Spoons is a big one that we play.

426
00:24:04,200 --> 00:24:07,780
 It has us flipping the table over trying to get the last one and stuff.

427
00:24:09,020 --> 00:24:09,800
 Probably some desserts.

428
00:24:09,960 --> 00:24:13,240
 I asked for s'mores earlier so we could sit around the campfire, have a good time.

429
00:24:13,300 --> 00:24:14,660
 I think we'll be doing that.

430
00:24:14,720 --> 00:24:17,920
 And the gift exchange, we've all been getting ready for that, preparing.

431
00:24:18,040 --> 00:24:18,520
 So that was good.

432
00:24:18,600 --> 00:24:19,160
 A little secret Santa.

433
00:24:19,480 --> 00:24:21,920
 Your third season, what has stood out about this team?

434
00:24:23,640 --> 00:24:26,200
 There's a lot of talent this year.

435
00:24:26,580 --> 00:24:28,120
 Individually, everyone came with a lot.

436
00:24:28,460 --> 00:24:30,760
 And it was like putting it together to all gel well.

437
00:24:32,420 --> 00:24:33,720
 A lot of personality, a lot of fun.

438
00:24:34,040 --> 00:24:34,960
 I don't know, we just had a lot of fun.

439
00:24:35,220 --> 00:24:35,560
 Good laughs.

440
00:24:36,380 --> 00:24:38,620
 Yeah, a lot of connection in this team.

441
00:24:38,680 --> 00:24:39,760
 And it's so easy to see.

442
00:24:40,100 --> 00:24:42,160
 You're two under Coach Whitaker and you've been here.

443
00:24:42,620 --> 00:24:44,260
 This is your third year, I believe, right?

444
00:24:44,640 --> 00:24:44,820
 Fourth?

445
00:24:44,960 --> 00:24:45,660
 Yeah, third or fourth.

446
00:24:45,740 --> 00:24:47,200
 It feels like it's been a while.

447
00:24:47,920 --> 00:24:53,460
 But to see you grow and develop into your role at North Alabama, what's it been like being in Florence?

448
00:24:53,640 --> 00:24:54,640
 Obviously, you're from Texas.

449
00:24:54,900 --> 00:25:00,300
 So coming here to Florence and adjusting to this and being a part of this program, what has it meant to you over the three years?

450
00:25:02,540 --> 00:25:04,940
 I've loved the town, loved the area.

451
00:25:05,400 --> 00:25:08,420
 So I'm from big cities, Dallas, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina.

452
00:25:08,900 --> 00:25:14,480
 And that's what drew me here was that it was a nice small town, a lot of local shops, family-owned businesses.

453
00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:17,200
 And I really enjoy the people in this town.

454
00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:18,660
 The support we get is a lot.

455
00:25:19,700 --> 00:25:23,140
 Over the three years, I've gotten more comfortable in opening up more.

456
00:25:23,240 --> 00:25:28,320
 And I find myself walking around downtown, just smiling, talking to people, engaging with the community is a lot of fun.

457
00:25:28,920 --> 00:25:31,680
 And just my role in this team has changed over the years as well.

458
00:25:31,820 --> 00:25:33,100
 So growing into that has been nice.

459
00:25:34,100 --> 00:25:36,460
 Year three, new team this season.

460
00:25:36,960 --> 00:25:39,900
 For you, though, engineering major, right?

461
00:25:40,180 --> 00:25:40,580
 Yes, sir.

462
00:25:40,640 --> 00:25:42,980
 What has been your hardest class this semester?

463
00:25:43,240 --> 00:25:46,580
 Give us some insight into just how challenging your workload is.

464
00:25:47,360 --> 00:25:52,700
 My hardest class this semester is probably electrical circuits and devices.

465
00:25:54,220 --> 00:26:03,060
 ET 360, because we were doing a lot of calculus-based things with derivatives and integrations.

466
00:26:04,060 --> 00:26:06,860
 But the numbers we were working with were all imaginary.

467
00:26:07,340 --> 00:26:15,780
 And so we had to convert them into an imaginary realm that doesn't exist, do more calculus to them, and then bring them back to real life.

468
00:26:16,480 --> 00:26:22,920
 And so that concept was difficult for a lot of people, a lot of tutoring to get into afterwards.

469
00:26:23,740 --> 00:26:26,120
 Pulled out with all A's this semester and finished strong.

470
00:26:26,460 --> 00:26:29,820
 So it's definitely doable, but it was challenging.

471
00:26:29,820 --> 00:26:34,940
 It was new to wrap my mind around all these imaginary phasers and equations we had to work with.

472
00:26:35,200 --> 00:26:37,520
 Mike and I work with a lot of imaginary numbers, too.

473
00:26:38,140 --> 00:26:39,380
 No doubt about that.

474
00:26:40,020 --> 00:26:42,720
 It's been impressive to see what you've done in your academic career.

475
00:26:42,900 --> 00:26:44,640
 You were academic all-district last year.

476
00:26:44,720 --> 00:26:47,180
 And to hear you talk, it's so obvious as to why.

477
00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:53,100
 I just got to know, with this engineering degree, is there any way you ever get to apply that into basketball?

478
00:26:54,900 --> 00:26:56,080
 Sometimes problem-solving.

479
00:26:56,520 --> 00:27:00,440
 As a team captain, a lot of my teammates come up to me with problems and issues.

480
00:27:00,800 --> 00:27:03,480
 But that's something more logic-based than engineering.

481
00:27:05,200 --> 00:27:06,060
 Calculations with numbers.

482
00:27:06,500 --> 00:27:11,380
 I'm also a math minor, so any time coach has questions about, all right, India, what score do we need to have?

483
00:27:11,420 --> 00:27:14,440
 Or percentage-wise, he's usually asking me numbers there.

484
00:27:14,620 --> 00:27:16,200
 So I like that a lot.

485
00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:19,460
 And what's next for you when you graduate next December, right?

486
00:27:19,540 --> 00:27:21,220
 So what do you want to do with this engineering degree?

487
00:27:21,980 --> 00:27:26,140
 So I'm doing electro-mechanical, so electric side and mechanic side.

488
00:27:26,880 --> 00:27:31,820
 I would like definitely an internship this upcoming summer, looking for job opportunities.

489
00:27:32,460 --> 00:27:33,440
 Kind of flexible, though.

490
00:27:33,660 --> 00:27:41,060
 Like anything with calculations, drawing, AutoCAD designs, mechanical parts, I love it all.

491
00:27:41,060 --> 00:27:44,800
 So, I mean, NASA's right around the corner in Huntsville, so that's not far from here.

492
00:27:45,220 --> 00:27:48,860
 I've even looked, maybe even the Air Force, possibly doing some engineering up there.

493
00:27:49,100 --> 00:27:56,660
 But I just had an internship at Forsyth and Long this past summer, which was nice just to get some experience and things.

494
00:27:56,720 --> 00:27:59,240
 And I'm just looking currently to get more and more experience in different areas.

495
00:27:59,240 --> 00:28:02,260
 Because that had a lot of chemical base, too.

496
00:28:02,660 --> 00:28:07,040
 So it's just the more you can learn and soak up, you can apply it almost everywhere.

497
00:28:08,360 --> 00:28:14,420
 I want to circle back a little bit to the conflict resolution, the problem-solving that you were kind of talking about and figuring out things.

498
00:28:14,840 --> 00:28:17,800
 To see Coach Whitaker up here, I know you were standing behind the camera.

499
00:28:18,080 --> 00:28:22,900
 And to hear her say, hands down, our two captains were voted India Howard, Alyssa Clutter.

500
00:28:22,940 --> 00:28:27,580
 What does it mean to you to know that you have that vote of confidence, not only from your head coach, but from the team as well?

501
00:28:28,800 --> 00:28:29,580
 It feels good.

502
00:28:29,720 --> 00:28:31,120
 I feel ready for that role this year.

503
00:28:32,700 --> 00:28:36,100
 We've talked about it a lot, too, that coach doesn't just kind of give out captains.

504
00:28:36,100 --> 00:28:38,580
 I was like, okay, who's the seniors? All right, you guys will be our captains.

505
00:28:39,040 --> 00:28:43,160
 Last year, you know, in the previous years, we haven't always had distinguished captains.

506
00:28:43,320 --> 00:28:49,540
 But the role to fill also comes with the burden of a lot more work that we take on than our teammates at times.

507
00:28:49,660 --> 00:28:53,340
 And figuring stuff out or having extra meetings or conflicts and conversations.

508
00:28:54,460 --> 00:28:56,180
 But I love leading my team.

509
00:28:56,540 --> 00:29:01,940
 I love helping them out, guiding them, especially our freshmen that come in or some of our international players.

510
00:29:02,760 --> 00:29:09,660
 Just in being that this is both me and Melissa's second year with Coach Whitaker, we understand the system pretty well.

511
00:29:10,400 --> 00:29:15,940
 So I think that's also a big change of growth that we had from last year is last year everyone was learning it new.

512
00:29:16,660 --> 00:29:21,440
 Now we have a lot of leadership, so everyone's learning a lot quicker because we're teaching each other.

513
00:29:21,540 --> 00:29:24,680
 We're coming back after hours and doing walkthroughs and stuff.

514
00:29:24,820 --> 00:29:26,760
 So it's just been really great to do that.

515
00:29:27,280 --> 00:29:31,060
 India, let's wrap up with this before we head to our break right here.

516
00:29:31,360 --> 00:29:34,740
 You guys are opening up on the road, Florida, Florida, Gulf Coast, Stetson.

517
00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:37,000
 But next week, you're at home, Eastern Kentucky, Bellarmine.

518
00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:41,620
 How excited are you to get back in the bank playing Atlantic Sun games in front of the hometown crowd?

519
00:29:42,380 --> 00:29:43,080
 Oh, I'm so excited.

520
00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:44,440
 I can't wait for our crowd to come out.

521
00:29:44,580 --> 00:29:46,160
 The timing of it I love.

522
00:29:46,980 --> 00:29:52,580
 We just had a stretch of away games, but they came right after finals, which I was like, perfect, thank you.

523
00:29:52,780 --> 00:29:59,980
 Because studying on the road or catching up, doing projects and papers is a lot of work mentally and physically on you.

524
00:30:00,060 --> 00:30:04,200
 But when you get to just focus on school, school's out and you hit the road, then it's fine.

525
00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:08,240
 And then now, break's ending, so people are coming back in town.

526
00:30:08,360 --> 00:30:11,620
 They're done traveling with their families, so hopefully we can pack the bank and everyone can come support.

527
00:30:11,780 --> 00:30:12,960
 So I'm so excited for it.

528
00:30:13,060 --> 00:30:13,600
 I know they will.

529
00:30:13,640 --> 00:30:14,900
 We appreciate you chatting with us, India.

530
00:30:14,980 --> 00:30:16,200
 Have fun at the Christmas party.

531
00:30:16,280 --> 00:30:18,920
 Hope you enjoy some s'mores and best of luck this year.

532
00:30:18,940 --> 00:30:19,880
 I know we'll talk to you again.

533
00:30:20,080 --> 00:30:20,720
 Thank you so much.

534
00:30:20,880 --> 00:30:21,700
 That's India Howard.

535
00:30:21,820 --> 00:30:25,620
 Coming up next, Alyssa Clutter stops by to talk here at Lost Pizza Shoals.

536
00:30:25,680 --> 00:30:28,160
 This is UNA Basketball Night on 93.9 The Score.

537
00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:34,060
 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift you just found at Lost Pizza?

538
00:30:34,580 --> 00:30:42,200
 Located at the corner of Seminary and East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence, Lost Pizza is serving up a holiday deal worth celebrating.

539
00:30:42,560 --> 00:30:47,600
 Buy $25 worth of Lost Pizza gift cards and you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself.

540
00:30:47,820 --> 00:30:50,000
 Because Santa says you deserve one too.

541
00:30:50,440 --> 00:30:54,140
 This Christmas, give pizza and keep a little bit for you.

542
00:30:54,600 --> 00:30:56,580
 Lost Pizza, downtown Florence.

543
00:30:59,200 --> 00:31:08,320
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy effective for osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, foot ulcers, shoulder pain and more.

544
00:31:08,560 --> 00:31:16,360
 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area, helping with sleep, energy, recovery, pain and inflammation.

545
00:31:16,880 --> 00:31:20,100
 Therapies coupled with dry kneeling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

546
00:31:20,420 --> 00:31:25,040
 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments and more.

547
00:31:25,340 --> 00:31:28,900
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

548
00:31:29,100 --> 00:31:30,900
 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

549
00:31:31,320 --> 00:31:34,180
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

550
00:31:34,620 --> 00:31:41,140
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options,

551
00:31:41,680 --> 00:31:44,800
 Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

552
00:31:44,800 --> 00:31:54,680
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

553
00:31:55,580 --> 00:31:59,440
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

554
00:32:02,620 --> 00:32:06,920
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

555
00:32:07,580 --> 00:32:08,860
 Yeah, this isn't that.

556
00:32:08,860 --> 00:32:13,080
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

557
00:32:13,460 --> 00:32:19,560
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking and have a positive balance.

558
00:32:19,700 --> 00:32:20,260
 That's it.

559
00:32:20,360 --> 00:32:22,220
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

560
00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:27,900
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and the future of our community.

561
00:32:28,100 --> 00:32:28,820
 Bank independent.

562
00:32:29,020 --> 00:32:30,460
 We're invested in your future.

563
00:32:30,660 --> 00:32:31,540
 Member FDIC.

564
00:32:31,780 --> 00:32:35,600
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date scratched-up glasses?

565
00:32:36,080 --> 00:32:38,480
 This is Dr. Hamp Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

566
00:32:38,480 --> 00:32:42,860
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

567
00:32:43,160 --> 00:32:52,340
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner, Dr. Lisa Campbell, or myself.

568
00:32:52,720 --> 00:32:57,260
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

569
00:32:57,680 --> 00:33:00,620
 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall.

570
00:33:00,960 --> 00:33:01,780
 And roar lines.

571
00:33:02,440 --> 00:33:07,060
 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

572
00:33:08,300 --> 00:33:11,000
 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

573
00:33:13,880 --> 00:33:15,660
 Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar.

574
00:33:16,100 --> 00:33:18,020
 And 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

575
00:33:19,020 --> 00:33:22,560
 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

576
00:33:25,700 --> 00:33:27,140
 Don't miss out on the good times.

577
00:33:27,460 --> 00:33:30,840
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

578
00:33:32,160 --> 00:33:32,920
 Got wine?

579
00:33:33,340 --> 00:33:39,740
 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine and an unmatched selection of nearly 1,000 different wines to suit any budget,

580
00:33:40,140 --> 00:33:45,060
 the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft beer destination in the heart of downtown Florence.

581
00:33:45,540 --> 00:33:47,480
 In the mood to relax and wind down?

582
00:33:47,880 --> 00:33:51,840
 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers,

583
00:33:52,220 --> 00:33:55,040
 all paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie,

584
00:33:55,420 --> 00:33:58,420
 and served with a smile in our cozy living room-style atmosphere.

585
00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:02,920
 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

586
00:34:03,320 --> 00:34:07,240
 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

587
00:34:07,620 --> 00:34:07,960
 Cheers!

588
00:34:09,960 --> 00:34:15,240
 Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, the Shoals.

589
00:34:15,360 --> 00:34:17,560
 Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.

590
00:34:23,100 --> 00:34:26,820
 She's back for year number four from Washington, Pennsylvania.

591
00:34:27,180 --> 00:34:28,440
 She's a veteran now.

592
00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:30,220
 Alyssa Clutter is in the house.

593
00:34:30,380 --> 00:34:31,980
 Alyssa, Christmas break.

594
00:34:32,040 --> 00:34:33,660
 I know you got to go home to Pennsylvania.

595
00:34:33,980 --> 00:34:35,380
 How's the holidays been for you?

596
00:34:35,500 --> 00:34:36,520
 It's been really good.

597
00:34:36,620 --> 00:34:39,540
 Really excited to see my family and my friends when I went home.

598
00:34:39,780 --> 00:34:40,500
 So that was really nice.

599
00:34:40,900 --> 00:34:41,780
 All right, now you're back.

600
00:34:41,840 --> 00:34:44,380
 You're gearing up for your fourth run through the Atlantic Sun.

601
00:34:44,500 --> 00:34:46,700
 But for you, last year was a tough ending, right?

602
00:34:46,760 --> 00:34:49,120
 You had the knee injury, cut your junior year short.

603
00:34:49,240 --> 00:34:51,920
 What has this rehab been like getting back to the floor?

604
00:34:52,600 --> 00:34:56,680
 It's definitely been difficult, just the mental aspect, getting your confidence back.

605
00:34:57,060 --> 00:35:03,060
 Having stability and confidence in my knee has definitely been a challenge, but I've had a lot of people supporting me along the way.

606
00:35:03,160 --> 00:35:06,720
 A lot of strength, rehab, everything I need right in front of me.

607
00:35:06,820 --> 00:35:08,140
 So I'm really thankful for that.

608
00:35:08,580 --> 00:35:15,480
 What have you learned the most about yourself over this four-year period, not only on the floor, but just personally as you've developed in college here at UNA?

609
00:35:15,780 --> 00:35:19,840
 I think, honestly, like the biggest key for me has been confidence.

610
00:35:19,840 --> 00:35:28,300
 And even leading into this injury and after, that has been the biggest part of my game that I've been still developing.

611
00:35:28,640 --> 00:35:33,100
 And that's been changing my game all throughout my college career.

612
00:35:33,600 --> 00:35:40,060
 Sometimes when players get injured and they take a step back, they sit on the bench, they kind of see the game in a different way, right?

613
00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:46,840
 What did you learn throughout that process last year as you kind of had to close the game out as almost a year, rather, as another coach?

614
00:35:47,180 --> 00:35:50,160
 Yeah, honestly, I could kind of see everything from the coach's perspective.

615
00:35:50,480 --> 00:35:55,120
 I see why they get so mad at us sometimes because it looks so easy from when you're on the bench.

616
00:35:55,620 --> 00:36:05,900
 No, but, yeah, it definitely was a different perspective, seeing a lot of options on the floor that aren't necessarily my position, and strengths and advantages from different players, too.

617
00:36:05,980 --> 00:36:13,500
 Like, I really wanted to help out my team as much as I could when I was on the bench, and you can just see the game differently when you're viewing it from a different perspective.

618
00:36:14,000 --> 00:36:20,920
 And now you've kind of viewed this season from a different perspective than others because this is your senior year, and we asked this to India a minute ago,

619
00:36:20,920 --> 00:36:28,080
 and Coach Whitaker was up here and talking about how kind of that vote of confidence, like hands down, our captains, Alyssa Clutter, India Howard.

620
00:36:28,340 --> 00:36:31,640
 What's it like not only having that vote of confidence from her, but also from your teammates?

621
00:36:32,280 --> 00:36:36,500
 I mean, I love it. I love my team. I will give everything to them.

622
00:36:37,120 --> 00:36:45,380
 I love the people I'm surrounded by. I'm so thankful for all of them, and them instilling confidence in me helps me bring everything I can to the table.

623
00:36:46,300 --> 00:36:52,100
 Year four, every team is unique. What has stood out to you about this group this season?

624
00:36:52,740 --> 00:36:58,640
 Well, we do have a lot of veterans on our team. I think that just boosts our IQ on the floor.

625
00:36:58,640 --> 00:37:06,340
 Like, we can see things. We all have different opinions and different, like, thoughts throughout the game, helping each other out.

626
00:37:06,420 --> 00:37:11,460
 Like, see this look, make different reads and things like that. Like, our team IQ is definitely high.

627
00:37:12,200 --> 00:37:19,960
 Yeah, and not only the veterans that were brought in, thinking of Ali and Buki, but other players like Sophia that started here as a freshman

628
00:37:19,960 --> 00:37:26,300
 and have really taken a big jump as a sophomore. What's it like to see the young players come along as well and to really strengthen this group?

629
00:37:26,640 --> 00:37:31,700
 I mean, I love it. I've been here for so long. I love seeing people transform, get better.

630
00:37:31,860 --> 00:37:36,200
 She's always in the gym. She always wants to get better. She's coachable. She's willing to learn.

631
00:37:36,200 --> 00:37:39,180
 And, like, she has a lot of potential in her years to grow, too.

632
00:37:39,920 --> 00:37:45,200
 Now, Coach Whitaker was on earlier, and she said you've kind of adopted the mother role of this team.

633
00:37:45,320 --> 00:37:50,320
 What does that look like? And when you hear that, what's your feeling to that?

634
00:37:50,480 --> 00:37:55,520
 Yeah, so that mother role has been passed down from Sarah Walgamuth, if you recall.

635
00:37:56,520 --> 00:38:02,700
 So it definitely is a lot sometimes, just keeping everyone organized, making sure we're on the same page,

636
00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:09,340
 making sure we're everywhere we need to be, just keeping us in check, like, on and off the floor, emotionally,

637
00:38:09,760 --> 00:38:13,320
 like, just being there for my teammates in any way that I can, really.

638
00:38:14,040 --> 00:38:17,560
 We talked about India having that life of the party Christmas role.

639
00:38:17,720 --> 00:38:20,420
 And if you're the mother, what is your role at the Christmas party tonight?

640
00:38:21,940 --> 00:38:25,420
 Honestly, it's like India's bringing the party.

641
00:38:25,640 --> 00:38:27,140
 I'm making sure we have the party.

642
00:38:28,540 --> 00:38:30,680
 So, yeah.

643
00:38:31,540 --> 00:38:38,020
 From Washington, Pennsylvania, India kind of mentioned the Florence small-town feel kind of drew her here.

644
00:38:38,100 --> 00:38:40,600
 What's been your favorite thing about Florence for four years now?

645
00:38:40,940 --> 00:38:43,780
 I love, like, the family aspect of the town.

646
00:38:44,020 --> 00:38:45,920
 I love the small-town feeling.

647
00:38:46,140 --> 00:38:48,320
 I love the people who come to our games.

648
00:38:48,460 --> 00:38:54,200
 It's just, like, I've gotten really close with, like, some of my people that come to our games every day.

649
00:38:54,320 --> 00:38:55,040
 I love it.

650
00:38:55,160 --> 00:38:56,240
 I love the support.

651
00:38:56,500 --> 00:38:58,300
 It's just a family feel all around.

652
00:38:58,700 --> 00:39:02,120
 Now, we've got a lot of basketball left to play, so I don't want to jump ahead too much,

653
00:39:02,220 --> 00:39:04,180
 but plans for after college.

654
00:39:04,320 --> 00:39:06,160
 Kind of, you know, what's your graduation date?

655
00:39:06,160 --> 00:39:09,400
 What are you majoring in, and what's your plans as far as a career?

656
00:39:09,860 --> 00:39:14,820
 So, my major is biology, and I plan to go to physician assistant school after.

657
00:39:15,440 --> 00:39:21,520
 So, what that looks like for me is either applying to schools that are in Charleston, South Carolina,

658
00:39:21,760 --> 00:39:28,500
 which is a big plan of mine, or going back home for a little bit, same thing, working and applying for schools.

659
00:39:28,700 --> 00:39:30,240
 So, not done with school quite yet.

660
00:39:30,480 --> 00:39:34,220
 Boy, you, India, I think Emma Kate Tittle's also a biology major.

661
00:39:34,340 --> 00:39:36,320
 What are road trips like for you guys?

662
00:39:36,460 --> 00:39:38,040
 Are there the books just out like crazy?

663
00:39:38,040 --> 00:39:47,120
 Yeah, it's definitely a challenge to have such a demanding major, and all of our team is very high IQ, as I said, like on and off the floor.

664
00:39:47,200 --> 00:39:52,700
 We work really hard in the classroom, and when we travel, we are with each other.

665
00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:54,420
 I mean, we are studying together.

666
00:39:54,780 --> 00:39:56,220
 We're in the library together.

667
00:39:56,500 --> 00:39:59,540
 We're just really focused on our academics as well.

668
00:40:00,260 --> 00:40:06,920
 Last question for me, Alyssa, as we kind of look ahead to conference play, we're back on the court, starting with a big test in FGCU.

669
00:40:07,120 --> 00:40:07,820
 You're on the road.

670
00:40:08,260 --> 00:40:14,760
 Actually, kind of a little break here, but six straight road games, then you finally get to come back home here in about a week.

671
00:40:14,760 --> 00:40:20,640
 But what's kind of the goals as we go into this week and start this conference playoff, hopefully on the right foot?

672
00:40:21,120 --> 00:40:23,020
 I mean, two road wins, obviously.

673
00:40:23,220 --> 00:40:26,340
 I mean, as Coach Whitaker said earlier, our league is wide open.

674
00:40:26,600 --> 00:40:35,160
 There's been so many changes in every team, and I've watched these teams develop for years, and this league, there is a great opportunity within here.

675
00:40:35,240 --> 00:40:43,540
 So, I'm really excited to get on the road, get out, see our competition, get a feel for the teams we're going to play, and just get out there and get us a road win.

676
00:40:43,980 --> 00:40:44,960
 Alyssa, we're excited.

677
00:40:45,120 --> 00:40:47,320
 One last run for you this season.

678
00:40:47,460 --> 00:40:49,000
 Best of luck, and thanks for chatting with us.

679
00:40:49,020 --> 00:40:50,340
 I'm sure we'll have you on again this year.

680
00:40:50,560 --> 00:40:50,940
 Thank you.

681
00:40:51,200 --> 00:40:52,260
 That's Alyssa Clutter.

682
00:40:52,360 --> 00:40:53,520
 UNA women on the road.

683
00:40:53,640 --> 00:40:56,920
 Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday, Saturday against Stetson.

684
00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:59,460
 Next week, they'll be home inside the bank.

685
00:40:59,520 --> 00:41:00,260
 Let's take a timeout.

686
00:41:00,320 --> 00:41:09,180
 When we come back, Tony Pujol makes his first appearance and last appearance of 2025 here on UNA Basketball Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

687
00:41:11,020 --> 00:41:12,760
 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?

688
00:41:13,200 --> 00:41:14,980
 You just found it at Lost Pizza.

689
00:41:15,480 --> 00:41:19,820
 Located at the corner of Seminary and East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

690
00:41:19,820 --> 00:41:23,120
 Lost Pizza is serving up a holiday deal worth celebrating.

691
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 Buy $25 worth of Lost Pizza gift cards, and you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself.

692
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 Because Santa says you deserve one, too.

693
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 This Christmas, give pizza.

694
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 And keep a little bit for you.

695
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696
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697
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698
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 Therapies coupled with dry needling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

699
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700
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 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

701
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 Please visit us at burnleycowrow.com.

702
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 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

703
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 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options,

704
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705
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 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard

706
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 or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

707
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 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

708
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 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

709
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 Yeah, this isn't that.

710
00:42:49,740 --> 00:42:53,960
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

711
00:42:54,360 --> 00:43:00,440
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking, and have a positive balance.

712
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 That's it, a 20% scholarship to UNA.

713
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 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and the future of our community.

714
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715
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716
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 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date scratched-up glasses?

717
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 This is Dr. Ham Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

718
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 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

719
00:43:24,080 --> 00:43:33,260
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner, Dr. Lisa Campbell, or myself.

720
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 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

721
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722
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 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

723
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724
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725
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 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

726
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 Don't miss out on the good times.

727
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 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

728
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729
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 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine

730
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731
00:44:21,120 --> 00:44:24,500
 the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft beer destination

732
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733
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 In the mood to relax and wind down?

734
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 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers,

735
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736
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737
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 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey

738
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 at the Carriage Wine & Market, located at 121 East Mobile Street

739
00:44:46,160 --> 00:44:48,180
 on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

740
00:44:48,180 --> 00:44:48,940
 Cheers!

741
00:44:54,500 --> 00:44:57,180
 What an opening night.

742
00:44:57,260 --> 00:45:01,220
 It is a jam-packed, full-capacity crowd here at Lost Pizza Shoals

743
00:45:01,220 --> 00:45:02,560
 in historic downtown Florence.

744
00:45:02,660 --> 00:45:03,960
 Benjamin Ray, Mikey, Ezekiel.

745
00:45:04,320 --> 00:45:07,520
 And for the first time, we welcome in men's coach Tony Pujol.

746
00:45:07,640 --> 00:45:10,660
 Coach, how about this turnout tonight for the first episode?

747
00:45:10,940 --> 00:45:11,640
 Unbelievable, huh?

748
00:45:12,040 --> 00:45:17,520
 I mean, this community has been unbelievable, just the way they've come out

749
00:45:17,520 --> 00:45:21,620
 for all our sports and the way they support this university.

750
00:45:22,460 --> 00:45:27,660
 Can't talk enough about this community and how it supports every sports team

751
00:45:27,660 --> 00:45:28,760
 and our university.

752
00:45:29,060 --> 00:45:31,980
 And the running joke with basketball in the South, right?

753
00:45:32,020 --> 00:45:33,760
 Nobody cares about basketball until January.

754
00:45:33,880 --> 00:45:34,820
 That's not the case here.

755
00:45:35,000 --> 00:45:35,440
 Not in Florence.

756
00:45:35,580 --> 00:45:36,160
 Not in Florence.

757
00:45:36,460 --> 00:45:39,660
 November, December basketball games have been fun in the bank.

758
00:45:40,080 --> 00:45:41,760
 Coach, you just go back to last year.

759
00:45:42,020 --> 00:45:43,200
 I mean, last three, four years, right?

760
00:45:43,240 --> 00:45:44,660
 This thing has really taken off.

761
00:45:44,720 --> 00:45:46,820
 But what has the support from this community meant to you?

762
00:45:46,820 --> 00:45:47,400
 It's been everything.

763
00:45:47,780 --> 00:45:52,980
 I mean, our guys are completely energized with the students,

764
00:45:52,980 --> 00:45:56,000
 the student-athletes that support one another.

765
00:45:56,580 --> 00:45:58,100
 But the way the community has come out,

766
00:45:58,180 --> 00:46:01,600
 one of the things that I learned in the development of this program

767
00:46:01,600 --> 00:46:04,260
 and the development of every athletic program at the university,

768
00:46:05,400 --> 00:46:10,180
 there was a thirst in our community for the days of, you know,

769
00:46:10,260 --> 00:46:13,460
 Gary Elliott and Coach Jones in basketball, right?

770
00:46:14,360 --> 00:46:19,340
 Man, it was so much fun, the run that we had last year.

771
00:46:19,420 --> 00:46:22,740
 And then we start this year, we play a couple of games at home in November,

772
00:46:22,740 --> 00:46:23,900
 and it doesn't feel like November.

773
00:46:24,380 --> 00:46:26,280
 It feels like January, February.

774
00:46:26,920 --> 00:46:32,060
 So that just goes to show you the commitment that this community has with our programs.

775
00:46:33,160 --> 00:46:35,920
 I'm very grateful to be a part of such a great community.

776
00:46:36,460 --> 00:46:41,120
 And, Coach, how exciting it is to open ASUN play this Thursday on New Year's Day.

777
00:46:41,400 --> 00:46:44,080
 A New Year's Day game has never happened in CB&S Bank Arena.

778
00:46:44,180 --> 00:46:45,140
 This will be the first one.

779
00:46:45,340 --> 00:46:46,940
 So very excited for the community.

780
00:46:46,940 --> 00:46:53,340
 But as we kind of close the book on non-conference play, a lot of days off since December 19th.

781
00:46:53,340 --> 00:46:56,060
 So what's it kind of look like over the break for the players?

782
00:46:56,240 --> 00:47:01,520
 Yeah, the guys got to go home on the 20th, and we didn't bring them back to the 26th.

783
00:47:01,520 --> 00:47:04,980
 We wanted to make sure that they spent time with their families during Christmas.

784
00:47:05,660 --> 00:47:12,520
 We could have played a game after Christmas, but we thought, let's just bring them back and get them ready for conference play.

785
00:47:13,260 --> 00:47:21,740
 So they got a chance to go home, got a chance to spend time with family, and I think it was a good time for all of us to just kind of break away for a little bit.

786
00:47:22,380 --> 00:47:25,320
 But I'll tell you right now, they've come back very enthusiastic.

787
00:47:26,300 --> 00:47:28,300
 We had the first day.

788
00:47:28,400 --> 00:47:36,720
 We brought them in, got a lift, got a practice in, practiced yesterday, gave them today where they can kind of, you know, kind of decide what they want to do.

789
00:47:36,800 --> 00:47:40,700
 They all came in in the morning, and they were excited about getting back on the court.

790
00:47:41,120 --> 00:47:43,880
 And then we'll have two-day prep for Stetson starting tomorrow.

791
00:47:44,060 --> 00:47:50,520
 So we're excited about this season, but right now our focus now is turning to Stetson on Thursday.

792
00:47:50,920 --> 00:47:52,820
 Team 8, Coach, hard to believe it.

793
00:47:52,840 --> 00:47:54,440
 It's been eight years now, right?

794
00:47:54,520 --> 00:47:55,600
 Each team is unique.

795
00:47:55,720 --> 00:47:57,180
 Each team has its own identity.

796
00:47:57,180 --> 00:48:00,260
 What has stood out about this year's team through the non-conference slate?

797
00:48:00,460 --> 00:48:04,380
 You know, let me go back April 2, 2018, right?

798
00:48:04,440 --> 00:48:05,640
 That's when it all kind of began.

799
00:48:06,140 --> 00:48:12,300
 My wife and I received a call that we were going to be the head coach at the University of North Alabama.

800
00:48:12,880 --> 00:48:18,880
 And that's a day that I am so grateful for because it connected me to this place.

801
00:48:19,500 --> 00:48:32,740
 But now what this team means for me, it's a team that understands the last seven years and what the men that have been a part of this seven-year buildup of this team,

802
00:48:33,340 --> 00:48:42,220
 what it means to them to have those guys come in here, sacrifice and work so hard from the coaches that have been here, the players that have played here.

803
00:48:42,760 --> 00:48:46,400
 And these guys understand the mantle that they carry, right?

804
00:48:46,520 --> 00:48:48,260
 Because it has been passed on to them.

805
00:48:48,840 --> 00:48:52,700
 The cool thing about it is that those guys also come back in the summer.

806
00:48:53,100 --> 00:49:00,440
 Damian Forrest, Tay Fields, you know, guys like Will Soucy, they were all here during the summertime working out with our guys.

807
00:49:01,280 --> 00:49:03,560
 So there's a brotherhood that's been built.

808
00:49:04,000 --> 00:49:07,840
 And they're expecting this team to just carry the mantle, move it forward.

809
00:49:08,400 --> 00:49:09,680
 By the way, quick sidebar.

810
00:49:09,760 --> 00:49:14,820
 Since you brought up Tay Fields, I saw recently he went 16 of 17 overseas, had quite a game.

811
00:49:15,140 --> 00:49:15,540
 38.

812
00:49:16,080 --> 00:49:17,680
 Yeah, scored 38 points, man.

813
00:49:18,520 --> 00:49:20,460
 Tay's a special human being, man.

814
00:49:20,540 --> 00:49:21,940
 I'm so happy for him.

815
00:49:22,680 --> 00:49:30,560
 You know, a couple of his teammates, you know, Cannon Jefferson and Dante Bacchus and, you know, all those guys, they stay in contact.

816
00:49:30,860 --> 00:49:32,840
 You know, these guys are constantly talking to one another.

817
00:49:33,500 --> 00:49:36,200
 And Tay, I think, is such a unique human being.

818
00:49:36,420 --> 00:49:44,680
 I was fortunate to, and our staff for sure, we all, I think I'm speaking for them, that it's a privilege to coach a guy like that, right?

819
00:49:44,760 --> 00:49:46,280
 Somebody that's all about winning.

820
00:49:46,700 --> 00:49:48,920
 And now he's carrying it over in the pro level.

821
00:49:49,100 --> 00:49:52,060
 And we're just very proud of Tay and what he's been able to do.

822
00:49:52,440 --> 00:49:54,580
 Yeah, a lot of guys succeeding at the pro level.

823
00:49:54,860 --> 00:49:57,380
 And, you know, a lot of accomplishments last year.

824
00:49:57,460 --> 00:49:58,860
 Obviously, put the book on that.

825
00:49:58,920 --> 00:50:01,700
 And now you've got guys that got a taste of that last year.

826
00:50:01,760 --> 00:50:04,060
 Now they're trying to find their own identity, as you talked about.

827
00:50:04,280 --> 00:50:07,420
 And Dante Bacchus, what a great start to the season he's had.

828
00:50:07,500 --> 00:50:09,060
 Cannon Jefferson, we're going to talk to him.

829
00:50:09,280 --> 00:50:12,240
 And those guys, you know, they were first off the bench last year.

830
00:50:12,320 --> 00:50:13,840
 Now they're kind of, it's their time.

831
00:50:14,100 --> 00:50:15,200
 And they're doing their thing.

832
00:50:15,320 --> 00:50:20,540
 What have you seen with guys like that, guys like Kevin, just now that they've found their role as a starter, what they've done?

833
00:50:20,540 --> 00:50:28,420
 Yeah, I think like anything else, the time of the year during the non-conference for us is to kind of get that identity built, right?

834
00:50:28,920 --> 00:50:34,640
 And you have guys that were in role positions last year, Dante, Cannon, Kevin.

835
00:50:35,840 --> 00:50:38,380
 You know, Dallas was a starter for us before he went down.

836
00:50:38,540 --> 00:50:39,920
 Cornelius was a starter for us.

837
00:50:40,240 --> 00:50:44,020
 But those three guys are coming in, and they're trying to find their niche, right?

838
00:50:44,400 --> 00:50:46,320
 And I think they've figured out some things.

839
00:50:47,140 --> 00:50:50,700
 That's the cool thing about, you know, the games that we've played so far.

840
00:50:51,140 --> 00:50:53,080
 It's really prepared us for what's coming.

841
00:50:53,660 --> 00:50:56,000
 And, you know, I'm sure we'll talk about that.

842
00:50:56,440 --> 00:51:02,120
 But the one thing I can tell you about these guys is winning is the most important thing.

843
00:51:02,700 --> 00:51:06,420
 They're about going back and playing for championships.

844
00:51:07,140 --> 00:51:16,100
 And when you do it collectively as a group, when you're connected with your teammates, they know that's when those special moments happen.

845
00:51:16,540 --> 00:51:26,820
 And that's a good thing about, you know, the legacy that guys have left behind is they've passed that torch to them is you want to make sure that we're continuing this.

846
00:51:26,940 --> 00:51:27,880
 It's not about individuals.

847
00:51:28,060 --> 00:51:29,060
 It's about the group.

848
00:51:29,720 --> 00:51:34,780
 And this team, Coach, has some guys that have been around a while, Cornelius Williams, Dallas Howell.

849
00:51:34,840 --> 00:51:40,420
 How much have they been kind of calming factors for this team as some of these guys have learned their new roles?

850
00:51:40,560 --> 00:51:41,640
 Cannon Jefferson, too, right?

851
00:51:41,680 --> 00:51:42,860
 He's been here for three years.

852
00:51:43,560 --> 00:51:46,080
 So, you know, you've got you've got all these guys.

853
00:51:46,260 --> 00:51:55,220
 I can tell you right now, Dallas Howell, you know, you look at his numbers right now and, you know, Dallas is coming off a pretty extensive injury.

854
00:51:55,400 --> 00:52:03,400
 But he's been he has been so he's the type of player when he's on the court, everybody seems to be level, right?

855
00:52:03,400 --> 00:52:09,080
 He's a he's a calming factor on the court just because of his leadership, his understanding.

856
00:52:10,000 --> 00:52:12,520
 He's constantly communicating with his teammates.

857
00:52:13,180 --> 00:52:16,820
 He definitely makes the game easier for all his teammates.

858
00:52:17,020 --> 00:52:24,900
 So, man, it's a it's it's it's it's really important when Dallas is out there because he definitely makes a difference when when he's out on the court.

859
00:52:25,180 --> 00:52:28,160
 Let's talk about some of these other guys that are kind of the role players.

860
00:52:28,560 --> 00:52:31,520
 Darkon King, how he's really come into his own as a sophomore.

861
00:52:31,920 --> 00:52:34,840
 You got some of these young guys like Cortez, Braylon.

862
00:52:35,240 --> 00:52:39,440
 What have they meant to this team and what kind of development have you seen from them during non-conference?

863
00:52:39,540 --> 00:52:45,180
 Yeah, I think like anything else, all these guys, especially the young guys, right, like Braylon Patton and Cortez Graham.

864
00:52:45,740 --> 00:52:49,500
 You know, those guys are going to it's going to take it's going to take some time with them.

865
00:52:49,640 --> 00:52:54,760
 And the good thing about it is they've got some veterans above them that that are going to kind of guide them through it.

866
00:52:54,760 --> 00:52:57,920
 Right. So I'm really excited about their future.

867
00:52:58,380 --> 00:53:01,420
 I'm excited about the things that they can bring to the table.

868
00:53:01,920 --> 00:53:03,840
 But they got to keep putting in the work. Right.

869
00:53:03,880 --> 00:53:05,640
 That's there's nothing here that's going to be given.

870
00:53:06,120 --> 00:53:08,720
 They're going to have they're going to have to go out and earn everything they get.

871
00:53:09,040 --> 00:53:12,940
 And, you know, to a man, those two guys have really put in the time.

872
00:53:13,000 --> 00:53:14,420
 And then we've got some guys that have come in.

873
00:53:14,520 --> 00:53:16,780
 Like you're saying, Darkon, who's now in his second season.

874
00:53:17,300 --> 00:53:20,940
 You know, he's he's he's one that's coming along really nicely.

875
00:53:20,940 --> 00:53:29,220
 I know our staff is really they really have a lot of confidence in him when he's on the floor, both on both sides of the floor with him.

876
00:53:29,300 --> 00:53:30,660
 It's going to be the consistency part.

877
00:53:30,780 --> 00:53:38,000
 So we just need him to stay consistent, to continue to grow and contribute, understand his role and what he has to bring to the team.

878
00:53:38,220 --> 00:53:40,220
 Obviously, coach, the last three years have been great.

879
00:53:40,300 --> 00:53:47,760
 And a lot of these guys have been along for that ride, the league championship last year in the regular season, the A-Sun championship game appearance.

880
00:53:47,860 --> 00:53:50,520
 How much has that all fueled this team this year?

881
00:53:50,620 --> 00:54:01,100
 Yeah, my hope is that they they understand that those moments are for them to carry the team and to continue to grow in the areas that we need to grow to year in and year out.

882
00:54:01,100 --> 00:54:08,620
 Because we told them from day one that their target on their back right now is huge, especially in the league.

883
00:54:09,120 --> 00:54:09,320
 Right.

884
00:54:09,320 --> 00:54:20,520
 So just know that every game, starting with Thursday's game against Stetson, they're going to receive their best blow and they got to be ready to meet that and surpass it.

885
00:54:21,120 --> 00:54:26,340
 So our guys are going to they're going to get an understanding tomorrow when we present Stetson to them.

886
00:54:26,760 --> 00:54:29,880
 They're going to get an understanding of what is needed in a game like that.

887
00:54:30,120 --> 00:54:32,980
 And I'm going to tell you right now, it doesn't matter who we play in the league.

888
00:54:33,260 --> 00:54:34,800
 I don't care what their record is.

889
00:54:34,900 --> 00:54:40,160
 When you start playing in this league, you better bring it because teams will catch you if you're not ready to play.

890
00:54:40,460 --> 00:54:42,540
 Yeah, every single game, you got to come ready.

891
00:54:42,640 --> 00:54:45,400
 That's a well-coached team that's coming to town Thursday, as we all know.

892
00:54:45,980 --> 00:54:49,140
 Coach, let's kind of close the book on non-conference play officially.

893
00:54:49,540 --> 00:54:53,400
 And since this is the first time we've gotten to talk this year, let's go back to San Francisco.

894
00:54:53,700 --> 00:54:55,840
 I mean, we haven't gotten to talk about how big that win is.

895
00:54:55,900 --> 00:55:00,300
 But for me, just my opinion, and you may agree, the Ole Miss win was huge.

896
00:55:00,360 --> 00:55:04,280
 But this San Francisco team, that might be one that's almost bigger than that, in my opinion.

897
00:55:04,480 --> 00:55:08,600
 Yeah, I mean, turn around and look at their season so far, right?

898
00:55:08,600 --> 00:55:14,240
 Like, we go down there, which, by the way, it's not an easy task to play down there.

899
00:55:14,800 --> 00:55:17,400
 I don't know what their home record is like for the last three years.

900
00:55:17,480 --> 00:55:18,300
 It's something ridiculous.

901
00:55:19,400 --> 00:55:24,100
 But then they turn around the following week, and they beat Mississippi State in Tupelo.

902
00:55:24,700 --> 00:55:28,380
 So, listen, it was a top 60 team in the country.

903
00:55:29,420 --> 00:55:40,640
 If you look at our schedule, anybody that follows analytics, if you look at the strength of schedule that our team has, top to bottom, it is ranked top 60 in the country.

904
00:55:40,860 --> 00:56:00,920
 So, for us to go up against that type of talent on both the defensive side and the offensive side and be able to play, and the majority of those games on the road, and be able to get two road wins, you know, against teams like Jacksonville State and San Francisco, it just says a lot about this team and what it's capable of doing.

905
00:56:01,360 --> 00:56:12,760
 But a lot of credit goes to our guys and their resiliency, because I think in that game, the game began, we were down 24-6 with about eight minutes to play in the first half, and then by halftime, we were down two.

906
00:56:13,340 --> 00:56:16,660
 So, our guys took their best blow, and then they just fought back.

907
00:56:17,240 --> 00:56:27,180
 And then for Ken and Jefferson to make the play at the end of the game, after they just hit back-to-back threes to tie the game, was just significant for us.

908
00:56:27,220 --> 00:56:30,320
 And then getting the defensive stop on the road was huge.

909
00:56:30,320 --> 00:56:36,220
 So, very, extremely proud of the way those guys competed out in San Francisco.

910
00:56:36,820 --> 00:56:40,560
 Well, Coach, conference play opens up Thursday, Saturday, inside of the bank.

911
00:56:40,760 --> 00:56:45,280
 Stetson at noon, Florida Gulf Coast, Dunk City, coming to town on Saturday as well.

912
00:56:45,320 --> 00:56:46,600
 It's going to be a big opening week.

913
00:56:46,640 --> 00:56:47,600
 And how excited are you?

914
00:56:48,000 --> 00:56:49,980
 You guys haven't been in the bank since what?

915
00:56:50,460 --> 00:56:50,860
 November.

916
00:56:51,560 --> 00:56:51,700
 November.

917
00:56:51,900 --> 00:56:54,480
 How excited are you to be back home with all of our friends?

918
00:56:54,680 --> 00:56:55,720
 Yeah, unbelievable.

919
00:56:55,860 --> 00:56:56,760
 I can't wait, right?

920
00:56:56,840 --> 00:56:58,000
 I think our guys can't wait.

921
00:56:58,880 --> 00:57:01,940
 You know, it's unbelievable that the conference season's already here.

922
00:57:02,600 --> 00:57:05,600
 You know, it just seemed like yesterday the guys got here in June, right?

923
00:57:05,640 --> 00:57:06,500
 That's seven months ago.

924
00:57:06,940 --> 00:57:12,840
 So, I mean, we're just extremely excited to finally play back here at home.

925
00:57:13,540 --> 00:57:15,640
 And I think our guys are as well.

926
00:57:15,800 --> 00:57:18,140
 So, we're truly, truly looking forward to it.

927
00:57:18,260 --> 00:57:18,900
 We can't wait.

928
00:57:18,980 --> 00:57:20,320
 It'll start on Thursday.

929
00:57:20,980 --> 00:57:24,640
 A run to March with Alabama and Stetson at 12 o'clock.

930
00:57:24,720 --> 00:57:25,780
 We hope you'll join us at the bank.

931
00:57:25,840 --> 00:57:27,400
 Coach, great first session with you.

932
00:57:27,420 --> 00:57:29,060
 We're going to do this all season long.

933
00:57:29,440 --> 00:57:30,920
 Tell us about the next two guys coming up.

934
00:57:30,980 --> 00:57:33,260
 Dallas, Howell, Cannon, Jefferson, what they mean to this program.

935
00:57:33,380 --> 00:57:35,840
 Oh, I mean, well, I'll start with Cannon.

936
00:57:36,860 --> 00:57:45,040
 You know, Cannon for us, Cannon played a role spot for us for the last two years playing

937
00:57:45,040 --> 00:57:45,980
 behind Jakari Lane.

938
00:57:46,660 --> 00:57:50,300
 And, you know, he was patient throughout that whole process.

939
00:57:50,960 --> 00:57:53,800
 And, you know, the keys have been handed over to him now.

940
00:57:54,360 --> 00:57:58,300
 And we couldn't ask for a better person to be running the program for us.

941
00:57:58,920 --> 00:58:02,400
 He is one that has truly earned his spot.

942
00:58:02,980 --> 00:58:08,060
 And now what I need from him is not only from a basketball standpoint, but from a leadership

943
00:58:08,060 --> 00:58:11,080
 standpoint, understand his role and what it means to our team.

944
00:58:11,520 --> 00:58:15,320
 And his growth is going to be determined on how far this team goes.

945
00:58:15,860 --> 00:58:17,540
 And I want him to understand that.

946
00:58:17,660 --> 00:58:20,020
 And we've had conversations already about it.

947
00:58:20,140 --> 00:58:23,780
 So I'm really excited and can't wait to see how that unfolds.

948
00:58:24,040 --> 00:58:27,020
 As far as Dallas is concerned, Dallas is now in his sixth year with us.

949
00:58:27,100 --> 00:58:28,320
 Obviously, he got hurt last year.

950
00:58:28,680 --> 00:58:31,660
 So we can't wait to see him now playing league play.

951
00:58:32,220 --> 00:58:37,300
 It's been just a tough, you know, him coming back.

952
00:58:37,820 --> 00:58:40,460
 But he has done it like a trooper.

953
00:58:40,560 --> 00:58:41,860
 He's really worked his tail off.

954
00:58:42,420 --> 00:58:47,100
 And I'm excited for him to see how the second half of the season rolls for him.

955
00:58:47,540 --> 00:58:48,500
 We can't wait, Coach.

956
00:58:48,920 --> 00:58:49,960
 Thursday inside the bank.

957
00:58:50,040 --> 00:58:51,280
 We hope to see everybody out there.

958
00:58:51,360 --> 00:58:52,520
 Coach, we'll see you there for sure.

959
00:58:52,580 --> 00:58:54,420
 And we'll see you next week here at Lost Pizza Shoals.

960
00:58:54,540 --> 00:58:54,980
 You got it.

961
00:58:55,460 --> 00:58:57,240
 It's UNA head basketball coach Tony Pujol.

962
00:58:57,360 --> 00:59:00,240
 Coming up next, Dallas Howard, Cannon Jefferson will stop by.

963
00:59:00,280 --> 00:59:01,540
 We'll see who wants to go first.

964
00:59:01,660 --> 00:59:04,960
 This is UNA basketball night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

965
00:59:06,960 --> 00:59:08,700
 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?

966
00:59:09,080 --> 00:59:10,900
 You just found it at Lost Pizza.

967
00:59:11,480 --> 00:59:15,740
 Located at the corner of Seminary and East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

968
00:59:15,740 --> 00:59:19,060
 Lost Pizza is serving up a holiday deal worth celebrating.

969
00:59:19,400 --> 00:59:24,440
 Buy $25 worth of Lost Pizza gift cards and you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself.

970
00:59:24,700 --> 00:59:26,840
 Because Santa says you deserve one too.

971
00:59:27,280 --> 00:59:28,760
 This Christmas, give pizza.

972
00:59:29,220 --> 00:59:31,000
 And keep a little bit for you.

973
00:59:31,420 --> 00:59:33,600
 Lost Pizza, downtown Florence.

974
00:59:36,180 --> 00:59:39,800
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy.

975
00:59:39,980 --> 00:59:45,140
 Effective for osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, foot ulcers, shoulder pain, and more.

976
00:59:45,140 --> 00:59:49,920
 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area.

977
00:59:50,260 --> 00:59:53,180
 Helping with sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

978
00:59:53,700 --> 00:59:56,920
 Therapies coupled with dry kneeling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

979
00:59:57,260 --> 01:00:00,660
 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser,

980
01:00:01,060 --> 01:00:01,840
 adjustments, and more.

981
01:00:01,840 --> 01:00:05,740
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

982
01:00:05,940 --> 01:00:07,720
 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

983
01:00:08,440 --> 01:00:11,000
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

984
01:00:11,000 --> 01:00:16,940
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual

985
01:00:16,940 --> 01:00:21,640
 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

986
01:00:22,140 --> 01:00:27,920
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give

987
01:00:27,920 --> 01:00:31,540
 us a call at 256-648-5710.

988
01:00:32,480 --> 01:00:43,760
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

989
01:00:44,440 --> 01:00:45,700
 Yeah, this isn't that.

990
01:00:45,860 --> 01:00:49,920
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

991
01:00:50,100 --> 01:00:54,980
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

992
01:00:55,080 --> 01:00:56,380
 and have a positive balance.

993
01:00:56,520 --> 01:00:57,100
 That's it.

994
01:00:57,180 --> 01:00:59,080
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

995
01:00:59,260 --> 01:01:03,460
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and

996
01:01:03,460 --> 01:01:04,740
 the future of our community.

997
01:01:04,880 --> 01:01:05,640
 Bank independent.

998
01:01:05,880 --> 01:01:07,300
 We're invested in your future.

999
01:01:07,500 --> 01:01:08,380
 Member FDIC.

1000
01:01:08,640 --> 01:01:12,460
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

1001
01:01:12,920 --> 01:01:15,320
 This is Dr. Ham Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

1002
01:01:15,660 --> 01:01:19,700
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

1003
01:01:19,700 --> 01:01:26,980
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner,

1004
01:01:27,360 --> 01:01:29,200
 Dr. Lisa Campbell, or myself.

1005
01:01:29,580 --> 01:01:34,100
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

1006
01:01:34,540 --> 01:01:38,620
 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall and roar lines.

1007
01:01:39,320 --> 01:01:43,900
 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

1008
01:01:45,160 --> 01:01:47,840
 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

1009
01:01:50,740 --> 01:01:54,860
 Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

1010
01:01:55,820 --> 01:01:59,420
 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

1011
01:02:02,560 --> 01:02:03,960
 Don't miss out on the good times.

1012
01:02:04,300 --> 01:02:07,680
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

1013
01:02:09,080 --> 01:02:09,760
 Got wine?

1014
01:02:10,200 --> 01:02:16,600
 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine and an unmatched selection of nearly a thousand different wines to suit any budget,

1015
01:02:17,000 --> 01:02:21,920
 the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft beer destination in the heart of downtown Florence.

1016
01:02:22,400 --> 01:02:24,320
 In the mood to relax and wine down?

1017
01:02:24,720 --> 01:02:28,700
 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers,

1018
01:02:28,860 --> 01:02:35,320
 all paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie, and served with a smile in our cozy living room-style atmosphere.

1019
01:02:36,000 --> 01:02:39,780
 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

1020
01:02:40,180 --> 01:02:44,080
 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

1021
01:02:44,500 --> 01:02:44,820
 Cheers!

1022
01:02:51,960 --> 01:02:55,640
 Welcome back down to the Lost Pizza Shoals for UNA Basketball Night.

1023
01:02:55,700 --> 01:02:57,600
 I'm Benjamin Ray alongside Mike Ezekiel.

1024
01:02:57,660 --> 01:03:02,760
 And next up, we've got North Alabama's starting point guard, Cannon Jefferson, New Orleans' finest.

1025
01:03:03,180 --> 01:03:05,200
 Hard to believe your third season.

1026
01:03:05,320 --> 01:03:08,300
 First of all, third season, it feels like you've been here five years.

1027
01:03:08,400 --> 01:03:10,380
 You've been a part of this great run, Cannon Jefferson.

1028
01:03:10,520 --> 01:03:11,340
 How are you doing this evening?

1029
01:03:11,460 --> 01:03:11,960
 I'm doing good.

1030
01:03:12,020 --> 01:03:12,380
 How are y'all?

1031
01:03:12,520 --> 01:03:12,860
 We're good.

1032
01:03:12,940 --> 01:03:14,600
 Thank you so much for stopping by tonight.

1033
01:03:15,120 --> 01:03:17,000
 Christmas break, how was it going home?

1034
01:03:17,060 --> 01:03:18,140
 Did you get to see any old friends?

1035
01:03:18,320 --> 01:03:18,660
 I did.

1036
01:03:18,740 --> 01:03:22,940
 I got to see family, big brothers, old friends from high school, friends I grew up with.

1037
01:03:23,120 --> 01:03:23,720
 Got to see them all.

1038
01:03:23,760 --> 01:03:24,420
 It was good seeing them.

1039
01:03:24,760 --> 01:03:28,440
 And of course, for people that don't know, you've got a good connection to the Manning family.

1040
01:03:28,560 --> 01:03:28,960
 I do.

1041
01:03:29,240 --> 01:03:31,100
 Those are seeing them when I stopped by.

1042
01:03:32,380 --> 01:03:36,580
 I think it was someday when I stopped by, we talked and caught up, and it was good.

1043
01:03:36,580 --> 01:03:40,760
 And then now he's playing at his bowl game right now, so I'm going to support them here.

1044
01:03:41,340 --> 01:03:42,280
 Yeah, it's really cool.

1045
01:03:42,620 --> 01:03:47,340
 And Ben's old good friend, Archie Manning, always good to hear about him and his connection

1046
01:03:47,340 --> 01:03:47,640
 to you.

1047
01:03:47,700 --> 01:03:51,600
 He talked about you by name when he came to Florence a couple years ago, so that's really

1048
01:03:51,600 --> 01:03:51,880
 cool.

1049
01:03:52,040 --> 01:03:57,920
 Cannon, hearing Coach Puhul talk just a moment ago about your journey and the patience you

1050
01:03:57,920 --> 01:04:01,300
 had those first two years and how you contributed, but now the keys are yours.

1051
01:04:01,520 --> 01:04:03,900
 What's it like to have that confidence from your head coach?

1052
01:04:04,300 --> 01:04:04,780
 It's good.

1053
01:04:04,780 --> 01:04:08,980
 You know, just building the confidence with him was the main thing, was just coming here

1054
01:04:08,980 --> 01:04:10,860
 these first two years, learning from the guys.

1055
01:04:10,980 --> 01:04:16,160
 I was, that were in front of me, Jakari Lane, KJ Johnson, Tay Fields, Daniel Ortiz, some

1056
01:04:16,160 --> 01:04:17,020
 great players.

1057
01:04:17,160 --> 01:04:20,080
 Just playing behind them first two years kind of built me for this moment.

1058
01:04:20,220 --> 01:04:22,140
 I've just been ready to take on the challenge.

1059
01:04:22,820 --> 01:04:26,100
 And what are some of the things that you learned from playing behind some of those great guys?

1060
01:04:26,320 --> 01:04:27,640
 Really just patience, honestly.

1061
01:04:27,760 --> 01:04:28,400
 Just patience.

1062
01:04:28,860 --> 01:04:33,640
 Figuring out the game, the speed of the game kind of slowed down when you learn more about

1063
01:04:33,640 --> 01:04:33,800
 it.

1064
01:04:40,980 --> 01:04:44,020
 It kind of paved the way for me, and I'm forever thankful for that.

1065
01:04:44,380 --> 01:04:49,680
 You know, you mentioned a lot of those names like KJ, Jakari, and some of those great duos

1066
01:04:49,680 --> 01:04:50,740
 over the last few years.

1067
01:04:50,840 --> 01:04:53,820
 But we got quite a great duo now with you and Kev.

1068
01:04:54,020 --> 01:04:54,220
 Right.

1069
01:04:54,220 --> 01:04:58,120
 So talk about Kev and his development as a sophomore and what it's like playing with

1070
01:04:58,120 --> 01:04:58,820
 him in the backcourt.

1071
01:04:58,920 --> 01:04:59,420
 It's good.

1072
01:04:59,560 --> 01:05:01,000
 You know, me and Kev talk.

1073
01:05:01,140 --> 01:05:03,060
 We're roommates now sometimes in the hotel.

1074
01:05:03,260 --> 01:05:06,280
 I think it's just fun playing with a guy like Kev.

1075
01:05:06,360 --> 01:05:07,840
 Just high energy always.

1076
01:05:08,120 --> 01:05:13,260
 Just pick a guy up like me sometimes when I'm kind of low on energy or any other teammates.

1077
01:05:13,460 --> 01:05:16,480
 Kev's always going to be aggressive offensively, defensively.

1078
01:05:16,640 --> 01:05:19,960
 So it's fun playing alongside Kev.

1079
01:05:20,340 --> 01:05:23,640
 Now for you, you knew your role was going to expand coming into this season.

1080
01:05:23,740 --> 01:05:25,240
 So what was the offseason like for you?

1081
01:05:26,040 --> 01:05:26,660
 It was good.

1082
01:05:26,800 --> 01:05:32,280
 Just a lot of work really just kind of built confidence in myself knowing that this year

1083
01:05:32,280 --> 01:05:34,800
 is going to be a bigger role, bigger challenge.

1084
01:05:34,800 --> 01:05:39,600
 So just kind of this offseason really just focusing on just bettering myself, kind of

1085
01:05:39,600 --> 01:05:44,200
 just being able to do anything I can to just provide wins for our team.

1086
01:05:44,680 --> 01:05:50,200
 We go into a new chapter in January as we start conference play on New Year's Day, this Thursday

1087
01:05:50,200 --> 01:05:51,040
 at noon at home.

1088
01:05:51,040 --> 01:05:51,420
 Yes, sir.

1089
01:05:51,740 --> 01:05:56,200
 But as we kind of put the close the book on non-conference play and look back, what did

1090
01:05:56,200 --> 01:05:57,520
 you learn over those 11 games?

1091
01:05:57,560 --> 01:05:59,900
 Not only about yourself, but what did this team also learn?

1092
01:06:00,140 --> 01:06:00,600
 A lot.

1093
01:06:00,600 --> 01:06:03,960
 I think our team, we learned a lot about just our chemistry.

1094
01:06:04,800 --> 01:06:06,380
 We went through a lot of challenges.

1095
01:06:06,700 --> 01:06:09,580
 We overcame some games, fell short some games.

1096
01:06:09,620 --> 01:06:13,700
 But I think it was all just lessons, honestly, that we can carry over to the conference schedule.

1097
01:06:14,160 --> 01:06:16,240
 You had a game winner, San Francisco.

1098
01:06:16,640 --> 01:06:20,000
 Take us through that and what that felt like for you to close the game out.

1099
01:06:20,560 --> 01:06:21,160
 It was good.

1100
01:06:21,260 --> 01:06:26,180
 Honestly, it might not seem like it to everyone, but I really wasn't having the best of the game,

1101
01:06:26,380 --> 01:06:27,340
 that game, San Francisco.

1102
01:06:27,340 --> 01:06:32,260
 But I just kind of stayed confident, stayed aggressive, thing that Coach Tony helps me

1103
01:06:32,260 --> 01:06:34,260
 every day, just kind of staying positive.

1104
01:06:35,080 --> 01:06:36,440
 And the moment just came, honestly.

1105
01:06:36,560 --> 01:06:37,500
 We were just chipping away.

1106
01:06:37,680 --> 01:06:41,260
 San Francisco is a great team, and we were just chipping away team defensively.

1107
01:06:41,400 --> 01:06:45,480
 And I was put in a position at the end of the game to make a play, and that's what I did.

1108
01:06:46,120 --> 01:06:48,600
 Yeah, and when the ball's in your hands, you've got to come up big.

1109
01:06:48,660 --> 01:06:50,360
 And you showed that you could do that in that game.

1110
01:06:50,540 --> 01:06:50,920
 Yes, sir.

1111
01:06:51,020 --> 01:06:53,680
 You talked about it wasn't your best individual performance that night.

1112
01:06:53,680 --> 01:06:56,460
 You've had some really good ones, I think, about Alabama A&M.

1113
01:06:56,580 --> 01:06:58,660
 Jacksonville State, you had 16 in that game.

1114
01:06:58,860 --> 01:06:59,140
 Yes, sir.

1115
01:06:59,160 --> 01:07:00,220
 Played nearly the whole way.

1116
01:07:00,920 --> 01:07:04,660
 Mississippi State in the opener led late in the second half of that game.

1117
01:07:04,700 --> 01:07:05,680
 You had 16 there.

1118
01:07:05,940 --> 01:07:06,240
 Yes, sir.

1119
01:07:06,320 --> 01:07:09,920
 What's been some of your favorite, I guess, individual games that you've had so far?

1120
01:07:10,420 --> 01:07:14,360
 I would say my favorite game probably so far was Jacksonville State.

1121
01:07:15,760 --> 01:07:18,440
 Jacksonville State was just a comeback.

1122
01:07:19,120 --> 01:07:23,660
 First game of the month, really just kind of trying to start December.

1123
01:07:23,680 --> 01:07:25,540
 December off right, so just chipping away.

1124
01:07:25,820 --> 01:07:31,040
 Again, didn't really play the best I wanted to first half, but just staying positive, chipping away, team win.

1125
01:07:31,840 --> 01:07:32,700
 That was really a big game.

1126
01:07:32,780 --> 01:07:36,020
 San Francisco was a – I just love it because it was a big team win.

1127
01:07:36,500 --> 01:07:38,860
 That playing right back was just so much better.

1128
01:07:39,360 --> 01:07:41,960
 Coming off that win, locker room was always the best.

1129
01:07:42,580 --> 01:07:46,220
 But those two games were probably the top of my season so far.

1130
01:07:46,220 --> 01:07:51,520
 You look at this roster and you and I might have one of the bigger front courts out there, right?

1131
01:07:51,600 --> 01:07:54,200
 You got Cornelius Williams, one of the best mid-major big men.

1132
01:07:54,300 --> 01:07:56,100
 You got Dallas Howell who's been around forever.

1133
01:07:56,240 --> 01:07:57,820
 He's the marksman from three.

1134
01:07:57,960 --> 01:08:00,700
 And Dante Bacchus kind of the do-it-all big man.

1135
01:08:00,780 --> 01:08:02,060
 What's it like playing with those three?

1136
01:08:02,700 --> 01:08:03,100
 Helpful.

1137
01:08:03,280 --> 01:08:04,420
 I mean, it's amazing.

1138
01:08:04,540 --> 01:08:06,280
 I think we take advantage of that.

1139
01:08:06,380 --> 01:08:10,560
 Like you said, Cornelius is, in my opinion, the top big in this whole conference.

1140
01:08:10,560 --> 01:08:12,200
 And he shows that kind of every night.

1141
01:08:12,860 --> 01:08:15,860
 Dallas is a guy you're going to get the leadership out of him every night.

1142
01:08:16,020 --> 01:08:16,820
 Some big shots.

1143
01:08:16,960 --> 01:08:20,200
 Dante's another big piece for us to rebound, score points.

1144
01:08:20,300 --> 01:08:23,160
 So those three guys are really big for us every night.

1145
01:08:23,700 --> 01:08:26,300
 They might not know, but they really are helpful every single night for us.

1146
01:08:26,660 --> 01:08:31,120
 You know, the guard room, it always seems like it was like the veteran presence there.

1147
01:08:31,200 --> 01:08:33,280
 And this year it seems like you're now the veteran guy.

1148
01:08:33,780 --> 01:08:35,760
 You got a lot of young guys like Kev.

1149
01:08:35,840 --> 01:08:38,260
 You got guys like Braylon Patton, Cortez Graham Howard.

1150
01:08:38,380 --> 01:08:39,820
 He'll bring the ball up every now and then.

1151
01:08:39,920 --> 01:08:40,260
 Yes, sir.

1152
01:08:40,260 --> 01:08:44,360
 What's it like being, I guess, the veteran of this young core of guards now?

1153
01:08:44,880 --> 01:08:45,900
 It's crazy, honestly.

1154
01:08:46,060 --> 01:08:47,160
 Just time just flies.

1155
01:08:47,360 --> 01:08:51,540
 You know, it feels like I was just a freshman playing behind Jakari and KJ.

1156
01:08:51,680 --> 01:08:55,200
 So just kind of being in that role, just talking to them after practice,

1157
01:08:55,640 --> 01:08:57,700
 they're kind of asking questions, wanting to learn.

1158
01:08:57,760 --> 01:09:00,340
 And it just reminds me that that was me, honestly.

1159
01:09:00,420 --> 01:09:03,740
 It feels like kind of it was yesterday, but it was really two years ago

1160
01:09:03,740 --> 01:09:04,480
 and time's just flying.

1161
01:09:04,560 --> 01:09:08,860
 But it's great to be in the position just to lead them, just have fun,

1162
01:09:08,860 --> 01:09:10,120
 just cherish the moments with them.

1163
01:09:10,260 --> 01:09:10,960
 So, yes, sir.

1164
01:09:11,220 --> 01:09:15,120
 So, what, since you've been here, North Alabama's won a regular season championship,

1165
01:09:15,460 --> 01:09:17,260
 made the NIT run.

1166
01:09:17,360 --> 01:09:19,720
 So you've been a part of some of the best Division I moments.

1167
01:09:19,900 --> 01:09:22,320
 And how much have you all been fueled by that?

1168
01:09:22,940 --> 01:09:25,100
 I know I have.

1169
01:09:25,100 --> 01:09:29,860
 If Coach Tony wore his ring to practice out there, they kind of just remind us that that's our goal.

1170
01:09:30,020 --> 01:09:34,620
 And honestly, yeah, this – I've been on some great teams at UNA so far.

1171
01:09:34,740 --> 01:09:37,180
 Last year was a big year for us.

1172
01:09:37,220 --> 01:09:42,180
 And this year, hopefully, we're just trying to push through that last wall to make it to March Madness.

1173
01:09:42,720 --> 01:09:48,200
 Yeah, and kind of last thing for me, closing the book on last year's team and all those accomplishments.

1174
01:09:48,480 --> 01:09:50,400
 You're finding your own identity now.

1175
01:09:50,740 --> 01:09:55,420
 What's the team goal as you go into January, go into conference play, and make that run towards March?

1176
01:09:56,020 --> 01:09:58,300
 For us, I think just high energy.

1177
01:09:58,640 --> 01:10:02,260
 Like, I think we always need to just keep our foot on the gas.

1178
01:10:02,380 --> 01:10:03,940
 We just don't let up.

1179
01:10:03,980 --> 01:10:06,840
 We're a really talented team, and we've got a lot of depth to our team.

1180
01:10:06,840 --> 01:10:11,960
 But I think if we just piece it together every half, just 40 minutes a night,

1181
01:10:12,600 --> 01:10:15,400
 we'll be a really dangerous team and a really fun team to watch.

1182
01:10:15,700 --> 01:10:17,440
 What's been your favorite part about playing in the bank?

1183
01:10:18,640 --> 01:10:22,300
 Of course, it's the vault, the fans, the everyone that comes in support.

1184
01:10:22,580 --> 01:10:24,640
 It's amazing playing in Florence.

1185
01:10:24,780 --> 01:10:29,180
 We weren't able to all of December, so the first, I'm definitely going to be excited

1186
01:10:29,180 --> 01:10:30,520
 to be back in front of our home crowd.

1187
01:10:31,280 --> 01:10:33,020
 I miss it, honestly, so I'm excited.

1188
01:10:33,400 --> 01:10:35,100
 Now, you mentioned the championship ring.

1189
01:10:35,240 --> 01:10:35,960
 Where's your ring?

1190
01:10:36,920 --> 01:10:38,680
 Mine's sitting on top of my dresser.

1191
01:10:38,740 --> 01:10:42,420
 I don't really bring it out too often like Coach Tony here,

1192
01:10:42,520 --> 01:10:45,500
 but I like to keep mine just on my dresser.

1193
01:10:45,600 --> 01:10:47,100
 I just see it before I go to sleep.

1194
01:10:47,160 --> 01:10:48,360
 Just give me a little quick reminder.

1195
01:10:48,680 --> 01:10:51,360
 Night of Champions, the home opener against Lane.

1196
01:10:51,460 --> 01:10:53,700
 What did it mean to you to get that ring in that moment?

1197
01:10:53,760 --> 01:10:55,760
 What was your reaction when you saw it for the first time?

1198
01:10:56,920 --> 01:10:58,080
 My reaction was crazy.

1199
01:10:58,160 --> 01:11:00,820
 The ring, it's a nice ring.

1200
01:11:01,620 --> 01:11:02,700
 It's heavy, too.

1201
01:11:03,040 --> 01:11:08,200
 It was a good moment just to see everyone have guys like Will Soucy come back.

1202
01:11:08,320 --> 01:11:09,760
 Tate Fields, his parents came.

1203
01:11:09,840 --> 01:11:12,580
 It was just a fun moment to enjoy with the guys.

1204
01:11:12,700 --> 01:11:13,760
 Glad we came out with the win.

1205
01:11:14,200 --> 01:11:15,520
 Glad seeing everyone in the bank.

1206
01:11:16,000 --> 01:11:16,780
 It was just fun.

1207
01:11:16,880 --> 01:11:17,880
 Smiles on everyone's faces.

1208
01:11:18,520 --> 01:11:19,440
 All right, Cannon, last thing.

1209
01:11:19,520 --> 01:11:23,140
 What's it going to take for this team to make another historic run through the Atlantic Sun?

1210
01:11:24,580 --> 01:11:24,900
 Connection.

1211
01:11:25,300 --> 01:11:25,620
 Chemistry.

1212
01:11:26,740 --> 01:11:27,060
 Positivity.

1213
01:11:27,960 --> 01:11:29,500
 Just joy, honestly.

1214
01:11:30,660 --> 01:11:32,080
 I think we're right there, honestly.

1215
01:11:32,300 --> 01:11:34,760
 I think we have a, of course, have a great chance.

1216
01:11:34,900 --> 01:11:37,340
 And I think we'll get it done this year.

1217
01:11:37,360 --> 01:11:37,840
 And I'm excited.

1218
01:11:38,180 --> 01:11:39,200
 We're excited as well.

1219
01:11:39,260 --> 01:11:40,600
 We can't wait to watch you Thursday.

1220
01:11:40,840 --> 01:11:42,580
 Inside of the bank against Stetson.

1221
01:11:42,640 --> 01:11:44,460
 Atlantic Sun play opens up.

1222
01:11:44,900 --> 01:11:45,860
 12 o'clock tip.

1223
01:11:45,900 --> 01:11:46,800
 We hope you'll join us.

1224
01:11:47,020 --> 01:11:49,520
 Cannon, set up our next guest, Dallas Howell.

1225
01:11:50,420 --> 01:11:52,240
 Coach Pujol's been here eight years.

1226
01:11:52,420 --> 01:11:55,060
 Dallas has been here for six of those eight years.

1227
01:11:55,140 --> 01:11:56,320
 Now, what does he mean to this program?

1228
01:11:56,520 --> 01:11:56,940
 A lot.

1229
01:11:57,000 --> 01:12:01,040
 When you have a guy that's been here for six years, he kind of, he knows everything.

1230
01:12:01,180 --> 01:12:03,220
 He knows what TP's going to scream at us about.

1231
01:12:03,340 --> 01:12:05,400
 He knows what Coach Smitty, they're going to say.

1232
01:12:05,500 --> 01:12:07,460
 So Dallas is still, like you say, I'm a vet.

1233
01:12:07,460 --> 01:12:09,520
 Dallas is the vet vet.

1234
01:12:09,660 --> 01:12:11,760
 So he kind of helps us with everything.

1235
01:12:12,440 --> 01:12:13,020
 Yes, sir.

1236
01:12:13,060 --> 01:12:13,820
 It's fun having him.

1237
01:12:14,020 --> 01:12:15,660
 The vet vet is coming up next.

1238
01:12:15,820 --> 01:12:17,480
 Cannon Jefferson, thanks for joining us, sir.

1239
01:12:17,680 --> 01:12:18,360
 Thank you all for having me.

1240
01:12:18,440 --> 01:12:19,880
 That's Cannon Jefferson next.

1241
01:12:19,980 --> 01:12:24,620
 We chat with the vet vet, Dallas Howell here at Lost Pizza Shoals for U&A Basketball Night

1242
01:12:24,620 --> 01:12:25,840
 on 93.9 The Score.

1243
01:12:28,180 --> 01:12:29,900
 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?

1244
01:12:30,280 --> 01:12:32,100
 You just found it at Lost Pizza.

1245
01:12:32,700 --> 01:12:36,940
 Located at the corner of Seminary and East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

1246
01:12:36,940 --> 01:12:40,240
 Lost Pizza is serving up a holiday deal worth celebrating.

1247
01:12:40,620 --> 01:12:45,560
 Buy $25 worth of Lost Pizza gift cards, and you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself.

1248
01:12:45,740 --> 01:12:48,040
 Because Santa says you deserve one, too.

1249
01:12:48,360 --> 01:12:49,980
 This Christmas gift pizza.

1250
01:12:50,360 --> 01:12:52,200
 And keep a little bit for you.

1251
01:12:52,620 --> 01:12:54,780
 Lost Pizza, downtown Florence.

1252
01:12:57,220 --> 01:13:02,620
 Burnley Spine & Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy, effective for osteoarthritis,

1253
01:13:02,880 --> 01:13:06,320
 plantar fasciitis, knee pain, foot ulcers, shoulder pain, and more.

1254
01:13:06,520 --> 01:13:11,860
 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area, helping with

1255
01:13:11,860 --> 01:13:14,360
 sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

1256
01:13:14,900 --> 01:13:18,100
 Therapies coupled with dry needling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

1257
01:13:18,100 --> 01:13:23,020
 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

1258
01:13:23,020 --> 01:13:26,920
 Burnley Spine & Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

1259
01:13:26,920 --> 01:13:28,900
 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

1260
01:13:29,580 --> 01:13:32,180
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

1261
01:13:32,640 --> 01:13:38,120
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan, or you are under 65 and exploring individual

1262
01:13:38,120 --> 01:13:42,800
 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

1263
01:13:43,300 --> 01:13:49,100
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard, or give

1264
01:13:49,100 --> 01:13:52,780
 us a call at 256-648-5710.

1265
01:13:53,600 --> 01:13:57,600
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

1266
01:14:00,780 --> 01:14:04,900
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

1267
01:14:05,600 --> 01:14:06,840
 Yeah, this isn't that.

1268
01:14:06,840 --> 01:14:11,060
 I didn't have to write a long essay, or audition, or make a half-court shot.

1269
01:14:11,380 --> 01:14:16,120
 I just had to open a bank-independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

1270
01:14:16,260 --> 01:14:17,540
 and have a positive balance.

1271
01:14:17,680 --> 01:14:18,240
 That's it.

1272
01:14:18,340 --> 01:14:20,220
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

1273
01:14:20,420 --> 01:14:24,620
 When bank-independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and

1274
01:14:24,620 --> 01:14:25,900
 the future of our community.

1275
01:14:26,080 --> 01:14:28,440
 Bank-independent, we're invested in your future.

1276
01:14:28,640 --> 01:14:29,540
 Member FDIC.

1277
01:14:29,780 --> 01:14:33,600
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

1278
01:14:34,080 --> 01:14:36,480
 This is Dr. Ham Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

1279
01:14:36,480 --> 01:14:40,860
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

1280
01:14:41,180 --> 01:14:48,140
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner,

1281
01:14:48,200 --> 01:14:50,320
 Dr. Lisa Campbell, or myself.

1282
01:14:50,720 --> 01:14:55,260
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

1283
01:14:55,680 --> 01:14:59,800
 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall and roar lines.

1284
01:14:59,800 --> 01:15:05,040
 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

1285
01:15:06,340 --> 01:15:09,000
 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

1286
01:15:11,920 --> 01:15:16,020
 Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

1287
01:15:17,020 --> 01:15:20,560
 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

1288
01:15:23,760 --> 01:15:25,140
 Don't miss out on the good times.

1289
01:15:25,140 --> 01:15:28,860
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

1290
01:15:30,200 --> 01:15:30,960
 Got wine?

1291
01:15:31,400 --> 01:15:36,300
 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine and an unmatched selection of nearly 1,000

1292
01:15:36,300 --> 01:15:40,820
 different wines to suit any budget, the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft

1293
01:15:40,820 --> 01:15:43,120
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1294
01:15:43,580 --> 01:15:45,540
 In the mood to relax and wind down?

1295
01:15:45,920 --> 01:15:50,520
 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers, all

1296
01:15:50,520 --> 01:15:54,600
 paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie, and served with a smile in

1297
01:15:54,600 --> 01:15:56,480
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1298
01:15:57,140 --> 01:16:00,960
 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

1299
01:16:01,360 --> 01:16:05,260
 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

1300
01:16:05,660 --> 01:16:06,000
 Cheers!

1301
01:16:11,460 --> 01:16:13,420
 Time flies when you're having fun.

1302
01:16:13,500 --> 01:16:17,100
 In our last segment, the super veteran, the, what did Cannon call you?

1303
01:16:17,120 --> 01:16:19,160
 The veteran veteran joins us next.

1304
01:16:19,920 --> 01:16:23,200
 The vet, vet Dallas Howell, his sixth season at North Alabama.

1305
01:16:23,340 --> 01:16:23,820
 He's back.

1306
01:16:23,900 --> 01:16:25,740
 He's healthy from Enterprise, Alabama.

1307
01:16:25,880 --> 01:16:27,260
 Dallas, how's it feel to be back?

1308
01:16:27,580 --> 01:16:28,280
 It feels great.

1309
01:16:28,480 --> 01:16:31,960
 Just thankful to be able to come back again and not have to end my career.

1310
01:16:32,080 --> 01:16:36,700
 Howell went down last year, but just excited to be back on the court playing with my guys

1311
01:16:36,700 --> 01:16:37,360
 and having fun.

1312
01:16:38,060 --> 01:16:41,520
 Obviously, you went through Senior Day last year, but you made sure that they announced

1313
01:16:41,520 --> 01:16:42,640
 that you were coming back.

1314
01:16:42,920 --> 01:16:46,340
 How quickly did you make that decision that you were coming back?

1315
01:16:47,340 --> 01:16:50,840
 I told, my grandpa talks about this all the time with me.

1316
01:16:51,300 --> 01:16:55,160
 Right after I got hurt down in the locker room, the coaches came in after the game,

1317
01:16:55,260 --> 01:16:59,640
 and I was laying on the couch to keep my knee elevated, and they came by me first.

1318
01:17:00,320 --> 01:17:04,120
 And I think it was the second thing I told him was that I just wasn't done with this game yet,

1319
01:17:04,480 --> 01:17:06,880
 and that if they'd have me back, that I'd come back.

1320
01:17:06,940 --> 01:17:10,240
 And he told me right then and there that they'd do whatever it took to get me back out there.

1321
01:17:11,280 --> 01:17:18,360
 Yeah, obviously, it was a tough time when that happened right away, but we could sense, okay, he's not done.

1322
01:17:18,440 --> 01:17:18,980
 He's back.

1323
01:17:19,180 --> 01:17:20,300
 It's really good to see.

1324
01:17:20,960 --> 01:17:22,140
 Time for a stat of the day.

1325
01:17:22,380 --> 01:17:23,300
 Haven't had one yet.

1326
01:17:23,380 --> 01:17:24,360
 Here's your stat of the day.

1327
01:17:24,920 --> 01:17:28,160
 There's not a lot of six-year players in college basketball today.

1328
01:17:28,700 --> 01:17:32,580
 There's only seven that have been at the same school for six years, and he's one of them.

1329
01:17:32,980 --> 01:17:34,400
 Four of those are at the power level.

1330
01:17:34,800 --> 01:17:41,900
 And for you to do it here at North Alabama, six years to be in a company with players from Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa State, USC,

1331
01:17:42,560 --> 01:17:43,400
 it's got to be kind of special.

1332
01:17:44,080 --> 01:17:48,840
 Absolutely, and it just speaks to this community in my eyes that there's just so much love here,

1333
01:17:48,960 --> 01:17:50,460
 and there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

1334
01:17:51,220 --> 01:17:54,760
 There's nowhere else I could see myself playing other than right here around this community

1335
01:17:54,760 --> 01:17:59,000
 with these people that show so much love and support, and it's just so special here.

1336
01:17:59,220 --> 01:18:00,300
 I think of you.

1337
01:18:00,440 --> 01:18:04,440
 I think of a guy like Will Susi who got the extra year, right, the fifth year.

1338
01:18:04,620 --> 01:18:08,280
 What is it about this place that has made you feel that way?

1339
01:18:09,140 --> 01:18:12,200
 It's just how special everybody makes you feel.

1340
01:18:12,320 --> 01:18:13,720
 You know, everybody talks to you like your family.

1341
01:18:14,000 --> 01:18:14,660
 Everybody comes up.

1342
01:18:14,720 --> 01:18:18,100
 Everybody knows your name, and you know all theirs because of how much support they show

1343
01:18:18,100 --> 01:18:19,020
 and how much they're around.

1344
01:18:19,520 --> 01:18:23,680
 It's just the effort that gets put in, you know, day in, day out by everybody around the community.

1345
01:18:24,300 --> 01:18:30,220
 Yeah, and speaking of community turnout, how exciting is it that Thursday we get to open conference play at home,

1346
01:18:30,760 --> 01:18:34,260
 New Year's Day, never hosted a New Year's game in CB&S Bank Arena,

1347
01:18:34,440 --> 01:18:35,680
 so it'll be really exciting.

1348
01:18:35,820 --> 01:18:38,160
 But you've played in front of the bank for a long time.

1349
01:18:38,220 --> 01:18:39,480
 You saw those sold-out crowds.

1350
01:18:39,840 --> 01:18:40,800
 What's it like playing at home?

1351
01:18:41,380 --> 01:18:44,960
 It's an unreal experience, and we've been itching for it for a while.

1352
01:18:45,080 --> 01:18:46,500
 You know, didn't have a home game in December.

1353
01:18:47,000 --> 01:18:49,840
 It's been a while since we played in front of them and just ready to get back out there

1354
01:18:49,840 --> 01:18:51,760
 and feel that love again, feel that support.

1355
01:18:52,160 --> 01:18:59,680
 Now, you arrived way back in the 2020-21 season, which was the year after COVID, the COVID season, as everybody calls it.

1356
01:18:59,740 --> 01:19:04,920
 So you arrive in December of that year, and wouldn't you know it, UNA makes a run to the A-Sun Championship that year.

1357
01:19:05,020 --> 01:19:07,900
 Then two years later, a CBI invite.

1358
01:19:08,040 --> 01:19:12,560
 I also had the big splash with KJ hitting the half-court buzzer beater against Lipscomb.

1359
01:19:13,080 --> 01:19:14,980
 Last year, I know it was a great year.

1360
01:19:15,040 --> 01:19:18,600
 I know it was tough for you as well, but UNA makes a great run into the NIT.

1361
01:19:18,940 --> 01:19:22,700
 I mean, what's it been like for you to be a part of all these historic Division I moments?

1362
01:19:23,280 --> 01:19:29,240
 It's just awesome to look back on, you know, to see not only how far I've come as a player,

1363
01:19:29,320 --> 01:19:32,800
 but to see how far the town has come and the program has come.

1364
01:19:32,900 --> 01:19:37,540
 I mean, I remember the COVID season, you know, the gym had to be empty because of COVID,

1365
01:19:37,720 --> 01:19:39,980
 so it was just cardboard cutouts of people.

1366
01:19:39,980 --> 01:19:45,440
 And now it's going back to last year, seeing those crowds for the A-Sun Tournament was just unreal to see that difference.

1367
01:19:46,240 --> 01:19:48,060
 Yeah, what a special year that was.

1368
01:19:48,200 --> 01:19:52,860
 And now you get another opportunity starting Thursday, 18 games coming up.

1369
01:19:53,160 --> 01:19:59,600
 And obviously you go one at a time, but what's kind of the goal, the expectation for your final season to be special

1370
01:19:59,600 --> 01:20:00,820
 and what you would want it to be?

1371
01:20:01,420 --> 01:20:06,100
 The expectation is always you have to look at it, obviously, like you said, game by game,

1372
01:20:06,100 --> 01:20:09,700
 but then it's also you've got to look at it as you're going undefeated every day.

1373
01:20:09,880 --> 01:20:12,920
 And then even when you lose one, you look at the next one, okay, we're starting to go undefeated here.

1374
01:20:13,100 --> 01:20:16,880
 You've got to go 1-0 every time, and that's just the mindset that we're going to come into it with

1375
01:20:16,880 --> 01:20:18,360
 and just attack every day.

1376
01:20:19,180 --> 01:20:22,260
 Team 8, and again, you've been here for six of the eight teams, right?

1377
01:20:22,300 --> 01:20:23,860
 But what's been unique about this year's team?

1378
01:20:25,140 --> 01:20:29,660
 This team is just, it feels like we're so competitive, and we just, we want to win so bad

1379
01:20:29,660 --> 01:20:33,880
 that we just have to hone in how we have to affect winning as a team.

1380
01:20:34,200 --> 01:20:38,720
 And that's something that's been kind of fun to look at as individuals and as a team together

1381
01:20:38,720 --> 01:20:41,440
 and try and figure out, okay, how can I help this person improve,

1382
01:20:41,500 --> 01:20:43,440
 or how can I help the team improve in this aspect?

1383
01:20:43,640 --> 01:20:45,960
 And it's just something that's been interesting with this group.

1384
01:20:46,400 --> 01:20:48,560
 You've been with a lot of your teammates for a while.

1385
01:20:48,760 --> 01:20:50,740
 You've definitely been with this coaching staff a long time.

1386
01:20:50,840 --> 01:20:51,720
 Talk about Coach Pujol.

1387
01:20:51,820 --> 01:20:55,420
 Talk about coaches like Ahmaud Smith, guys that you've been with a long time,

1388
01:20:55,560 --> 01:20:58,740
 and how that factored into you being here all six years.

1389
01:20:59,200 --> 01:20:59,520
 For sure.

1390
01:20:59,680 --> 01:21:02,780
 I mean, you know, at that point, or at this point, those guys are family.

1391
01:21:03,140 --> 01:21:07,040
 And it's just, they show so much passion for not just the sport,

1392
01:21:07,120 --> 01:21:09,300
 but for the people that they bring in and for the community around them.

1393
01:21:09,300 --> 01:21:12,180
 And it just shows that they grow everything that they touch.

1394
01:21:12,420 --> 01:21:14,960
 And it's just, it's fun to see, and it's fun to be a part of,

1395
01:21:15,000 --> 01:21:17,740
 and fun to be part of their family now that they've brought in through this program.

1396
01:21:18,020 --> 01:21:20,680
 We talked to Alyssa Clutter about this when she was on earlier,

1397
01:21:20,840 --> 01:21:23,500
 but you kind of see things differently when you're rehabbing,

1398
01:21:23,560 --> 01:21:25,160
 watching games from the bench last year.

1399
01:21:25,200 --> 01:21:28,580
 How do you feel like you grew as a player through that process?

1400
01:21:29,580 --> 01:21:30,560
 I think it just helps.

1401
01:21:31,560 --> 01:21:33,280
 Obviously, one thing that it helps with is patience,

1402
01:21:33,600 --> 01:21:37,440
 understanding that everything's going to happen on its own time,

1403
01:21:37,460 --> 01:21:39,040
 and you can't really do anything to affect that.

1404
01:21:39,040 --> 01:21:43,640
 But then also, just helping seeing the game from a different perspective,

1405
01:21:44,140 --> 01:21:46,120
 seeing it from how the coaches are seeing it,

1406
01:21:46,200 --> 01:21:48,140
 and not so much as how we see it on the court.

1407
01:21:48,280 --> 01:21:50,700
 So you have to understand the difference in how they're talking to you

1408
01:21:50,700 --> 01:21:51,960
 or how you have to listen to them there.

1409
01:21:52,400 --> 01:21:56,160
 So it's just kind of relaying that to my teammates and myself best I can.

1410
01:21:56,760 --> 01:22:01,060
 And kind of being that extra coach, traveling, being on the bench,

1411
01:22:01,220 --> 01:22:02,540
 seeing it from a different perspective,

1412
01:22:02,540 --> 01:22:04,340
 have you been able to channel that this year

1413
01:22:04,340 --> 01:22:07,480
 as you've tried to develop your game back to what it used to be

1414
01:22:07,480 --> 01:22:10,000
 or maybe now is something a little different?

1415
01:22:10,640 --> 01:22:13,380
 There's for sure a middle ground that I have to find with, like,

1416
01:22:14,100 --> 01:22:16,860
 say in the right amount or sometimes I'll get quiet

1417
01:22:16,860 --> 01:22:18,280
 or sometimes I feel like I say too much.

1418
01:22:18,320 --> 01:22:21,180
 So I was trying to find that middle ground of being both a player

1419
01:22:21,180 --> 01:22:23,040
 and the coach in that aspect.

1420
01:22:23,480 --> 01:22:26,720
 But it's been something that I've been trying to figure out as I'm going along.

1421
01:22:27,260 --> 01:22:29,800
 You came off the bench against Mississippi State, right?

1422
01:22:29,860 --> 01:22:32,420
 When you checked in, what was that feeling like for you?

1423
01:22:33,380 --> 01:22:35,800
 It was just a surreal experience.

1424
01:22:36,020 --> 01:22:40,500
 Just felt like everything I'd worked for for the past, I think it was nine months

1425
01:22:40,500 --> 01:22:43,960
 at that time, maybe ten months at that time that had gone by.

1426
01:22:44,240 --> 01:22:48,640
 And it was just an experience that I'll never forget of just stepping out

1427
01:22:48,640 --> 01:22:52,040
 on that court again, especially in an environment like that

1428
01:22:52,040 --> 01:22:54,960
 where there's all those people and just a great team that you're playing against.

1429
01:22:54,960 --> 01:22:57,540
 It's what you work for, you know?

1430
01:22:57,660 --> 01:22:59,000
 So it was just fun to experience that.

1431
01:22:59,340 --> 01:23:03,820
 And staying on that same train of thought, two days later,

1432
01:23:03,920 --> 01:23:05,900
 you're back in the bank for the first time playing.

1433
01:23:06,320 --> 01:23:07,480
 You're getting your ring.

1434
01:23:07,600 --> 01:23:10,960
 You're seeing the banner, the naming of Gary Elliott court.

1435
01:23:11,360 --> 01:23:13,600
 And then you get to play and you get that start.

1436
01:23:13,840 --> 01:23:15,400
 And you've started every game since.

1437
01:23:15,520 --> 01:23:18,840
 But that first game back in the bank, was that memorable for you?

1438
01:23:19,180 --> 01:23:20,300
 Absolutely, absolutely.

1439
01:23:20,520 --> 01:23:23,900
 And it's something that I go back and think about a lot.

1440
01:23:24,200 --> 01:23:27,940
 Just, you know, I go out to that spot on the court before games sometimes

1441
01:23:27,940 --> 01:23:30,800
 where I had my injury last year and just take a knee and just think about,

1442
01:23:31,320 --> 01:23:32,100
 okay, that happened.

1443
01:23:32,180 --> 01:23:34,120
 And now all this work that I've put in to come back

1444
01:23:34,120 --> 01:23:38,540
 and to get to stand on that spot again and perform in front of, you know,

1445
01:23:38,560 --> 01:23:40,880
 the people that come to CB&S and play with my teammates

1446
01:23:40,880 --> 01:23:42,640
 is just something I'll never take for granted.

1447
01:23:43,160 --> 01:23:45,520
 Let's talk about this team and some of your teammates.

1448
01:23:45,520 --> 01:23:46,800
 And he's here, Cannon Jefferson.

1449
01:23:46,940 --> 01:23:48,380
 You've played with him the last two years.

1450
01:23:48,480 --> 01:23:51,240
 And what's it been like for you seeing him take such a huge step forward this year?

1451
01:23:51,600 --> 01:23:52,300
 It's been great.

1452
01:23:53,480 --> 01:23:56,720
 You know, I've talked about it with past teammates and current teammates

1453
01:23:56,720 --> 01:23:59,300
 and whatever for the past couple of years, how good Cannon is

1454
01:23:59,300 --> 01:24:02,400
 and how good he can be when given the opportunity

1455
01:24:02,400 --> 01:24:04,920
 and just knowing that your time's going to come.

1456
01:24:05,320 --> 01:24:06,660
 And he's a great example of it.

1457
01:24:07,500 --> 01:24:10,360
 Just knowing that, okay, you're behind some guys that are unreal.

1458
01:24:10,880 --> 01:24:13,540
 And no matter how good you may perform, you have to wait your turn.

1459
01:24:13,620 --> 01:24:14,700
 And he's done that so well.

1460
01:24:14,980 --> 01:24:17,220
 And now he's getting his chance to perform and he's taking advantage of it.

1461
01:24:17,280 --> 01:24:18,640
 And it's just – it's fun to see that.

1462
01:24:19,140 --> 01:24:22,460
 Yeah, and talk about some of these other guys that have gotten to do that as well.

1463
01:24:22,560 --> 01:24:26,720
 Kevin DeKovacic moving in as a sophomore, really kind of taken into his role.

1464
01:24:26,820 --> 01:24:29,440
 Dante Bacchus as a forward and what he's done this year.

1465
01:24:29,780 --> 01:24:31,520
 He was kind of the sixth man last year.

1466
01:24:31,860 --> 01:24:35,740
 A lot of development and a lot of growth from guys that were role players last year

1467
01:24:35,740 --> 01:24:36,900
 and now have become starters.

1468
01:24:37,400 --> 01:24:40,060
 Yeah, that's something that we're big on.

1469
01:24:40,160 --> 01:24:42,460
 You know, we saw it returning 10 guys from last year.

1470
01:24:42,540 --> 01:24:45,440
 It's just something that you have to – it's a culture thing.

1471
01:24:45,540 --> 01:24:49,740
 It has to be ingrained in you to expect, okay, now I've been in the program a year.

1472
01:24:49,800 --> 01:24:50,520
 I've waited my turn.

1473
01:24:50,640 --> 01:24:51,300
 I've worked for it.

1474
01:24:51,340 --> 01:24:53,320
 Now I have to take that jump and show what I can do.

1475
01:24:53,400 --> 01:24:55,240
 And we've had a lot of guys step up and do that this year.

1476
01:24:55,460 --> 01:24:58,160
 And we've got to do it even more so going into conference play.

1477
01:24:59,760 --> 01:25:02,460
 Cornelius Williams, Dante Bacchus, and yourselves.

1478
01:25:02,920 --> 01:25:07,460
 Three of the biggest bigs you could have in a lineup in the A-Sun, right?

1479
01:25:07,500 --> 01:25:08,520
 We've got a good stat.

1480
01:25:08,600 --> 01:25:11,220
 You and A undefeated when outscoring opponents in the paint.

1481
01:25:11,340 --> 01:25:13,300
 Undefeated when outrebounding a team.

1482
01:25:13,380 --> 01:25:16,720
 How much pride has this team taken in kind of being the bullies on the court?

1483
01:25:17,020 --> 01:25:18,340
 We take a lot of pride in it.

1484
01:25:18,660 --> 01:25:22,180
 And it's something that we have to keep performing in every night and every practice.

1485
01:25:22,180 --> 01:25:24,800
 We have to put a focus on it because that's where we can be dominant.

1486
01:25:24,980 --> 01:25:26,860
 And that's what we've shown this year so far.

1487
01:25:26,920 --> 01:25:28,080
 And we want to continue showing that.

1488
01:25:28,480 --> 01:25:32,080
 But when you have guys like Dante and Neil, it's hard not to be dominant in the paint.

1489
01:25:32,240 --> 01:25:35,060
 So it's something that we have to lean into and lean on.

1490
01:25:35,520 --> 01:25:37,960
 And then obviously we work on the other sides to win that.

1491
01:25:38,160 --> 01:25:39,180
 Okay, that's failing a little bit.

1492
01:25:39,240 --> 01:25:41,800
 Now we can go to the other aspects of the game and really dominate there too.

1493
01:25:42,400 --> 01:25:46,820
 Yeah, speaking of dominating the paint, you take yourself, Jamal, and Neil.

1494
01:25:46,960 --> 01:25:49,440
 Those three players, 31 blocks combined.

1495
01:25:49,580 --> 01:25:50,760
 I mean, that's really impressive.

1496
01:25:50,760 --> 01:25:54,260
 I think there may not be another trio in the A-Sun that's done that.

1497
01:25:54,500 --> 01:25:56,200
 So what's that like?

1498
01:25:56,240 --> 01:25:59,140
 Do you take pride in that part of your game, getting the swatted shots?

1499
01:25:59,540 --> 01:25:59,900
 Absolutely.

1500
01:26:00,180 --> 01:26:04,020
 And it's something that, you know, I try and think of myself as a fixer on the court.

1501
01:26:04,160 --> 01:26:05,720
 And that's something that's a...

1502
01:26:05,720 --> 01:26:09,220
 The blocks are where that shows most is where you can see something like that and go and fix

1503
01:26:09,220 --> 01:26:11,740
 maybe your own mistake or sometimes somebody else's.

1504
01:26:12,100 --> 01:26:17,420
 But just plays like that, especially from guys like Jamal and Neil, when they are cleaning up around the rim like that,

1505
01:26:17,420 --> 01:26:21,000
 it really gives your defense a sense of confidence.

1506
01:26:21,280 --> 01:26:22,700
 They're like, no matter, okay, now I can pressure.

1507
01:26:22,800 --> 01:26:24,680
 Because even if I get beat, he's there to help me.

1508
01:26:25,880 --> 01:26:27,000
 Basketball in Alabama.

1509
01:26:27,160 --> 01:26:30,360
 People say that we don't worry about basketball until after football season, right?

1510
01:26:30,360 --> 01:26:31,980
 That's not been the case at UNA.

1511
01:26:32,060 --> 01:26:34,540
 How eager are you to be back inside the bank on Thursday?

1512
01:26:35,040 --> 01:26:35,580
 So ready.

1513
01:26:35,660 --> 01:26:40,020
 So ready to see that community again and get to perform for them and hopefully put on a...

1514
01:26:40,020 --> 01:26:40,900
 play a great game for them.

1515
01:26:41,540 --> 01:26:43,780
 Yeah, you know, it's really cold outside right now.

1516
01:26:43,840 --> 01:26:44,960
 That cold front came in.

1517
01:26:45,320 --> 01:26:48,920
 Got to have a hoodie, maybe some fuzzy socks, all the warm gear.

1518
01:26:49,300 --> 01:26:56,660
 It's a warm CB&S make arena, though, so all the reason for fans to come out and watch 70-degree temperature basketball game.

1519
01:26:56,960 --> 01:26:57,320
 Absolutely.

1520
01:26:57,460 --> 01:26:58,880
 That's the best part is the climate control.

1521
01:26:59,060 --> 01:27:00,400
 That's why you play it, you know?

1522
01:27:00,500 --> 01:27:00,760
 That's right.

1523
01:27:01,240 --> 01:27:03,820
 Dallas, what's it going to take for this team to make a run through the A-Sun?

1524
01:27:04,820 --> 01:27:10,740
 It's just going to take playing unbelievably great team basketball and playing for each other.

1525
01:27:11,200 --> 01:27:14,060
 And like you said, we're leaning on our inside presence and go from there.

1526
01:27:14,520 --> 01:27:19,440
 But just taking pride in who we are as a team and making plays for each other.

1527
01:27:19,620 --> 01:27:22,480
 And if we can do that, I don't think there's a team in the A-Sun that can stop us this year.

1528
01:27:22,600 --> 01:27:23,300
 We can't wait.

1529
01:27:23,420 --> 01:27:28,240
 The journey begins Thursday inside of CB&S Bank Arena, North Alabama in Stetson.

1530
01:27:28,360 --> 01:27:30,340
 Saturday against Florida Gulf Coast as well.

1531
01:27:30,800 --> 01:27:33,860
 Big opportunity to come out and support UNA as they open up A-Sun play.

1532
01:27:33,960 --> 01:27:36,800
 Dallas, year six, man, we're so excited you're back.

1533
01:27:36,940 --> 01:27:39,260
 It was almost one of those things that you think Dallas will come back.

1534
01:27:39,260 --> 01:27:43,940
 I know the announcement last year was very special, but everybody's enjoyed watching you back out there on the floor, man.

1535
01:27:44,020 --> 01:27:45,040
 Enjoy this last ride.

1536
01:27:45,280 --> 01:27:45,680
 Yes, sir.

1537
01:27:45,740 --> 01:27:46,140
 Thank you.

1538
01:27:46,300 --> 01:27:47,340
 That's Dallas Howell.

1539
01:27:47,680 --> 01:27:53,260
 We appreciate everybody coming out tonight here for the first episode this year of UNA Basketball Night from Lost Pizza Shoals.

1540
01:27:54,040 --> 01:27:59,060
 But, Mike, we're going to do this every Monday from 7 to 8.30 p.m.

1541
01:27:59,060 --> 01:28:00,440
 We started tonight's special.

1542
01:28:00,560 --> 01:28:03,700
 There's the Alabama game that we've got to get on 93.9 here in just a little bit.

1543
01:28:03,820 --> 01:28:06,060
 But, hey, we're off and running with conference basketball.

1544
01:28:06,260 --> 01:28:07,520
 Yeah, and what an amazing crowd.

1545
01:28:07,680 --> 01:28:09,400
 Lost Pizza has always been a great partner.

1546
01:28:09,860 --> 01:28:14,300
 If you're listening online or 93.9 The Score, make sure you get out here at least once.

1547
01:28:14,520 --> 01:28:16,760
 I think if you come one time, you'll keep coming back.

1548
01:28:17,100 --> 01:28:20,060
 Chuck and his staff do an incredible job, excited to host the show here.

1549
01:28:20,200 --> 01:28:21,180
 It was a capacity crowd.

1550
01:28:21,300 --> 01:28:22,560
 Thanks to everybody for coming out.

1551
01:28:22,640 --> 01:28:26,960
 Thanks to Chuck, for Blair back at the station, for Braden, Grant, and Ty in-house.

1552
01:28:27,100 --> 01:28:29,220
 For Coach Bullho, Coach Whitaker, all of our guests.

1553
01:28:29,300 --> 01:28:29,940
 Mikey Zekio.

1554
01:28:29,980 --> 01:28:31,800
 I'm Benjamin Rape saying roar lines.

1555
01:28:31,860 --> 01:28:34,580
 We'll see you next week, 7 o'clock here, same place.

1556
01:28:34,660 --> 01:28:35,460
 Lost Pizza Shoals.

1557
01:28:35,540 --> 01:28:36,400
 93.9 The Score.

1558
01:28:36,500 --> 01:28:38,040
 This is U&A Basketball Night.

1559
01:28:41,980 --> 01:28:48,620
 You've been listening to U&A Basketball Night at Lost Pizza Company, featuring Coach Candy Whitaker and Coach Tony Poole.

1560
01:28:48,620 --> 01:28:56,440
 U&A Basketball Night has been brought to you by Lost Pizza, Bank Independent, Burnley Spine and Sport,

1561
01:28:57,240 --> 01:29:04,540
 Renaissance Eye Care, The Carriage Wine and Market, Alabama Health Guidance, and Singing River Brewery.

1562
01:29:05,000 --> 01:29:07,520
 Thanks for listening, and Roar Lions!

1563
01:29:17,520 --> 01:29:25,480
 Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shore, Sports Radio 93.9 The Score.