A 3-pointer will always deflate the other team. |
After the loss to Pittsburgh in New York we were disappointed. But we put our heads together and realized we had an opportunity to win some type of championship. You work that hard in the off-season and come away with nothing, you'd feel like it was a waste of time. We still have a championship we can reach for and we're going to do that. We've still got games to play, so it feels good to keep playing. We figure we might as well try to win it. You don't go into something and go halfway with it. |
All I was thinking about was (Kentucky guard) Patrick Sparks. Pump-fake, foul, free throws. |
At least I can say I was part of it. It's always a start. Like Reece Gaines when he left (in 2002) and it led to the Final Four. I look at it that way. Maybe for years to come, this leads to a national championship. |
Behind closed doors, he's an All-American. When he first got here, he tried so hard to just play the right way. Now he's just going out there and trying to play his game. |
Being Senior Night, it was a weird feeling and the greatest feeling in the world at the same time. I never did feel comfortable out there. But I'm the type of player who if things aren't going well, I'll find some way to contribute by playing defense and rebounding. And if there's a big shot to be taken, I'll take it. |
Coach stressed that we had to get out on the fast break more. We got a couple of easy buckets and put pressure on their guards. We forced them into some early turnovers. That's when the score got away from them. |
Everything fell into place. This was a confidence-builder, but there is still a sense of urgency. I don't know where we'd be if we had lost this game, but this is my last year and I don't want to play in the NIT. We've got to play like this the rest of the way. |
Farley can do a lot of things, and every game he gets a little more comfortable. All these injuries have been tough, but you're going to see them as a blessing pretty soon. A lot of guys have had to mature quick, and we just have to get ready to take advantage of it. |
He didn't live far away from my high school (in New Jersey). He liked the way I worked and took an interest in me for some reason. He recommended me to Bobby Knight. But I haven't talked to him since he's been in Dallas. |
He said I wasn't going to play in this game. I'll never let something like this hold me down. If I'm hurting the team, I won't play. But if I can help, I'll play. |
He's been beat up for the years he's been here. |
Honestly, I was so mentally and emotionally drained. I had mixed emotions about (the NIT) but at the same time it's my last year. I never want to stop playing college basketball. |
I didn't think he would ever play again. And for him to be back here playing, that shows his heart and dedication. |
I had to miss playing in the (Madison Square) Garden (against St. John's), but this is definitely one I didn't want to miss. I'll have a lot of family and friends there. For guys from Jersey, this is almost like playing in the Garden. You go back to your home state to play, it's a special thing. |