St. John's University Athletics
Pregame Quotes: St. John's vs. Rutgers
2/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 5, 2008
St. John's Head Coach Norm Roberts
On the win at South Florida:
"We went out ready to play. South Florida got off to a good start and we missed some easy shots that we had. But I was really proud of the team because they stuck with it and got tough. Then we started making some plays and we really got back into the game defensively."
On successfully bouncing back after the loss against Georgetown:
"When you're young you have to be resilient. You have to understand that these are the mistakes we made and let's not make them again. Let's get out and defend. We told our guys there's only a couple things that you can control. You can control your effort and your focus. I think they did a much better job of that."
On getting the team ready for Rutgers:
"I tell the team to `do what you do' and don't try to do things you're not capable of doing. Play within yourself and play hard, stay focused to what we're doing, understand that ball and body movement is key. The open man takes the open shot. Get the ball to the right person at the right time. And know, that most of all, defense is key. If you defend and rebound you will be there in every single game. If we do those things then we have a chance to be successful."
On possibly pairing up senior guard Euguene Lawrence with freshman guard Malik Boothe.:
"It will probably improve our ball-handling. It will improve our ball and body movement in the offense. Geno will have to step up and make some shots, but it also helps this defense because we can get out and pressure a little bit more. We're definitely going to have to pressure and contain Rutgers' guards, Mike Cobern, Corey Chandler and Anthony Farmer because they are extremely quick."
Senior Guard Eugene Lawrence
On playing in the RAC against Rutgers:
"Rutgers is a real exciting place to play. They get a lot of support from their fans and students. But there is so much red and white that I feel like I'm at home when I play at the "RAC." I try to block everyone out and just see the red and white. That way I can pretend I'm at Carnesecca. I think it's really important to get a win on the road, especially in the BIG EAST. Winning at South Florida was big and I hope we can do it again."
On facing the upcoming BIG EAST schedule:
"The win against USF was a big confidence booster. It is important for us to keep focused. With two or three wins in the conference you can change your rank in the standings. We have to keep the focus and let the younger guys know we're not out of it by a long shot. If we just stay focused and win some games we will be right there."
On possibly being without junior forward Anthony Mason Jr. for the Rutgers game:
"I will have to become more vocal in the leadership role. Last game neither of us played much and the younger guys really held their own and did a great job without us being on the court. They are capable and they understand what they have to do. All of us know that if Mason doesn't play we have to pick up his slack."
On playing alongside freshman guard Malik Boothe:
"It's fun being out on the court with him. He's a tough point guard and knows the game probably better than a lot of freshmen who play. His anticipation skills on defense are really good. He anticipates a lot of the defense. It will only help us, especially with him on the ball pressuring the defense."
Freshman Forward Sean Evans
On playing in the RAC against Rutgers:
"As far as the RAC goes, the older guys on the team told me it is a harsh environment, and it's a tough place to play in. On the road, you have to come in there with a mindset from minute one to go out there and be focused."
On earning their first conference road win against South Florida:
"The feeling we had when we won was a good one. We want to keep that up and keep having that feeling. We just learned that we have to keep that up. We just had a really good practice. We just have to keep working hard and continue to win."
On being halfway through the conference season:
"We just have to keep focused and not give up. We have to fight to the end. We know we have a lot of games left, and there is a lot we can do with those games. We have to take advantage of our opportunities and get as many wins as we can."
