St. John's University Athletics
Pregame Quotes vs. Memphis
3/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 15, 2010
Head Coach Norm Roberts
On earning a postseason berth:
"The object is to be in postseason play and obviously you want to be in the NCAA Tournament, but we didn't get that shot this year. This is another big step for our program- going into the NIT."
On making strides for the program:
"It's great. Last year we went to the CBI and I thought that that was a stepping stone and now this is the NIT, a national tournament, and we are playing against some good teams. It's another step forward in our process to improve the program."
On playing at Memphis:
"We know its going to be a great atmosphere. Memphis has a beautiful arena. There will probably be about 15,000-16,000 people there so it'll be a great environment. It is two really good teams and we are going to have to really play well. We're focusing on the job at hand, playing more basketball, playing against a good team and us getting better."
Junior Forward Sean Evans
On the Red Storm's NIT berth:
"We have a lot to prove. We didn't make the NCAA Tournament, but the NIT has a lot of good teams and we're looking forward to playing and trying to get a win."
On what a postseason bid means for St. John's:
"It helps a lot. The more we play together, the more chemistry we build and the better we can be for next year as seniors."
Senior Guard Anthony Mason Jr.
On drawing Memphis in the first round of the NIT:
"It's great that we get to play Memphis. It will be two big name schools so it should be exciting."
On playing in his hometown:
"It's a blessing to me. I've never got to play at home ever. A lot of my family doesn't get the chance to travel this far to see me play so this is an important game for me."
On what the postseason means for the team:
"We just want to keep our season going. We want to keep this going and get this win."
On the significance of an NIT bid for St. John's:
"I think it means a lot for the program. We have improved every year and it shows we improved this year under coach. It's a big step especially to get to the NIT, even though we didn't get to the NCAA Tournament. St. John's hasn't made the NIT in so many years so it's a big step for us."
On the chance to come back home to Madison Square Garden:
"I love playing in the garden. We want to end our season with a victory and not a loss."
