St. John's University Athletics
Pregame Quotes: St. John's vs. No. 9 Pittsburgh
1/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 20, 2006
Pregame Quotes: St. John's vs. No. 9 Pittsburgh
Head Coach Norm Roberts
On honoring St. John's legends:
"I think it's a great day for St. John's basketball and St. John's University. When the game is going on, I'll be focused on the game. We'll have a good time tonight but come about 8:30, my focus will totally be on Pittsburgh and preparing our team to play well."
On Hall of Fame Coach Lou Carnesecca:
"The way Coach Carnesecca coached, he didn't let his guys turnover the ball. He did a great job having teams rebound and made sure guys shot the ball where they were most comfortable and most effective. His teams were similar to him in the way that they were fiery. They didn't take a step back from anybody, they were passionate and had a passion for winning and for the game."
On Saturday afternoon's opponent, No. 9 Pittsburgh:
"Pittsburgh is a terrific basketball team and they've done a great job with their program. We've got to focus in on the game and playing our style of basketball. We need to do the things that make us successful. They're (Pittsburgh) not going to give an inch so we're going to have to stand toe to toe with them. We don't need anyone to play out of the ordinary or feel they need to do something super natural. We just need them to be themselves and play to their strengths, and we'll have a chance to be successful."
Sophomore guard Cedric Jackson
On playing in front of St. John's legends: "We always talk about the legacy of St. John's and watch the old Redmen on tape. We're excited and realize the tremendous opportunity we have on Saturday because we will be playing in front of legends. We're going to work hard for them, but we know it's going to be a tough game for us tomorrow afternoon."
Junior guard Daryll Hill
On playing in front of St. John's legends: We're going to play hard for them. They are legends and their history is great. We just have to go out there and play hard and try to keep the tradition going.
On playing against No. 9 Pittsburgh:
"This game is a really big game for us. It's going to be two tough teams playing against each other. I think it will be a dogfight all the way to the end and whoever plays toughest is going to win. We have to be ready."
On his favorite St. John's legend:
"Mark Jackson. I spoke with him during our last home game before Louisville. He talked to me about how great playing for St. John's is and about the tradition. He said let's keep the tradition going and no matter what to play hard and leave everything out on the floor. We're not only playing for ourselves, we're playing for St. John's."
