* Team didn’t practice on Monday, just had a team dinner.

* On Reeves Nelson’s comments about his criticism on message boards:
“I don’t know that he needed it to play well. I’ll be sure to tell him not to respond to anything that’s being written about him. I read those quotes. I don’t know if its something he read or people talking. He’s improved in that area. A lot of that responsibility goes on me; we went zone really early on last season. If that’s motivating him, you need to write more stuff.”

* On Joshua Smith playing at Washington:
“I’ve talked to him a little bit already. He’s had some inappropriate things hurled at him on teh road already at a number of places we’ve been to. This is the last two regular season games of the year, and he’s going home. He’s got a lot of friends and family in the Seattle area. He’s a big deal both figuratively and literally.”

* On taunting affecting Smith:
“Early on it was bothersome for him. We saw that at USC. Even at Arizona a little bit. But my whole talk is – and this is really true – I don’t hear what any people say. They’re trying to get you to focus on something they’re saying as opposed to what you’re trying to accomplish.”

* On reflecting about this season:
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy because we’re so young. Our team has continued to improve, and that’s what you want to do as a team. I think we’re doing that. I read one of the articles that nine of our last 14 have shot less than 40 percent. That’s great.”

* On reflection:
“We are what we are. 21-8, tied for first with two games to go. I’m not looking at this as a reflective point. I’m trying to get ready for a very good Washington team.”