St. John's University Athletics
2012 Red Storm Tip-Off Quotes
10/12/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 12, 2012
Head Coach Steve Lavin
On being back at tip-off for 2012-13:
"Feeding off the players energy was an uplifting experience. It reminds you of the joy that team sports can bring. You're in that hallway, in the bowels of Carnesecca Arena, seeing those kids and how hyped they were and how happy they were, it was a palpable energy. I think our staff and myself feed off of that, it's like shaking a present on Christmas Eve, trying to figure out what the gifts are, all those things that bring joy to young people. There can be plenty of hardship throughout a season, but tonight was about joy and celebration to tip-off our season."
On the team's youth and talent:
"With every comment I make collectively about an individual or our group, I temper that with the harsh reality that it's the youngest team in school history, it's the youngest team in the country and we have 10 underclassmen. As a result, we'll have to go through all the trials and tribulations that young teams do. The determining factor in whether or not we have a successful season is how quickly we mature and come of age."
On the buzz surrounding the team:
"As we get closer to the season there's that palpable energy and anticipation to see a young group of players take the floor and represent St. John's. Especially when you have eight players who are newcomers, that also has our fans curious about what's ahead. Naturally, our goal every year is to make the NCAA tournament, and for good reason. If we continue to work hard, play a cohesive brand of basketball and come of age soon enough in this season, we can do some special things."
On having a full roster of players:
"I'm pleased with our ability to have balance across our roster with every aspect but the classes. There's a balance of size, strength, skill, quickness, an inside and an outside presence. The one aspect where we don't have balance is with our classes, because it's dominated by underclassmen. I'm pleased with the personnel at this stage, and now we just have to shape them and mold them."
Sophomore guard D'Angelo Harrison
On evolving into a leader heading into his sophomore year:
"The coaches tell me to slow my game down, so that's what I've worked on. With guys coming up to you asking for advice, it's kind of weird, because I'm just a sophomore and people are asking me for advice. Just taking it day-by-day, we're all getting a feel for each other and it's going to be great to be a part of."
On the division of leadership on the team:
"We have leaders at every position. When guards have questions, they come to Phil [Greene] and me. With forwards and slashers, they go to Amir [Garrett] and Dom[Sir'Dominic Pointer], with the big guys going to Gift [God'sgift Achiuwa]. There're different position leaders, which is good to have because they play your spot."
Sophomore Swingman Amir Garrett
On the newcomers adjusting:
"Now that newcomers have a core to look up to in, Dom, D'Angelo, Gift, Phil and me, they've got five people that they can look up to and follow. Last year, we really only had two. As we get better, it just helps the team because we can show them the way."
On who the breakout players will be:
"To be honest, I'm not really sure who the breakout players are going to be, because our whole team is full of guys who are capable of being breakout players. In practice, it's crazy because everybody has their day. Each day somebody different is standing out."
Women's Quotes
