St. John's University Athletics
Pregame Quotes: St. John's vs. South Carolina
11/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 28, 2012
Head Coach Steve Lavin
On facing Frank Martin:
"I had the opportunity to cover some of his games [as a broadcaster for ESPN] when he was an assistant at Cincinnati, and also had the opportunity to watch him work as an assistant at Kansas State and as the head coach at Kansas State. During the seven years that I was in television I got the opportunity to get to know him and watch him work and have great success."
On the importance of Thursday's game:
"It's a big game because it presents a challenge for us and it's part of the Southeastern Conference/BIG EAST Challenge. The biggest factor for us is that it presents a real test to see where we are as a basketball team and whether or not we're making progress in the areas that we feel are important for us to be successful."
On the emergence of JaKarr Sampson:
"JaKarr has slowed his game down some and found a comfort level that's allowed him to be very productive. It's the old Coach Wooden adage 'be quick but don't hurry.' Earlier in the season he was in a hurry, but now he's playing the game with a better pace and as a result he's seeing things with more clarity and using better judgment on the court."
On the effect of Louisville leaving the BIG EAST:
"Any time a school with tradition or history leaves, it's going to have an effect. However, history has shown that if you are positioned as we are at St. John's and Villanova is and Georgetown and a number of other programs are that we'll continue to thrive. The league and schools that have the essentials to be great basketball programs will continue to move forward and forge ahead."
On the play of Felix Balamou:
"He's had a run of practices and games that have been very impressive. His production in games and practices has been at a high level and yesterday was no departure from the Felix trend of continuing to elevate his play. Between now and tip time a number of things could transpire, but at this stage there's no reason to think he won't be a starter tomorrow."
Sophomore guard Phil Greene IV
On the opportunity of facing an SEC opponent:
"Last year we lost in the BIG EAST/SEC Challenge, so this year we want to get a win. That way we can help the BIG EAST gain an advantage this year."
On the recent play of freshman forward JaKarr Sampson:
"He's really settled down his game. The first game he was moving too fast. It was his first college game and it took him some time to get used to it. Now he's adjusted and things are slowing down for him. He's picking his spots and knows what to do and what not to do."
On improving upon last game's performance:
"I was being careless with the ball in our last game. I had way too many turnovers. I need to learn from that, watch film and find ways to get better. That way I can come out better against South Carolina."
Freshman forward/center Chris Obekpa:
On the play of freshman guard and high school teammate Felix Balamou:
"When he first started, I knew he was a good player but was having a hard time learning the plays. We were patient with him and he's started to get his game up. I told him that even if you go out and only get one minute that you have to make the most out of it. When he got his chance, he was playing well and the coaches allowed him to keep growing."
On his role in coming off of the bench:
"I told coach before the last game that I like to come off the bench and see what's going on in the game. When Christian [Jones] starts he gets the team going early on. I like to study the game from the bench and see where the openings are. Then when I come in I can fix everything."
Freshman forward JaKarr Sampson
On his progress since the first game of the season:
"I was just so excited and energized for that first game that I wasn't taking my time out there and letting the game come to me. I was just so happy to finally be playing college basketball after a year of not being eligible, so I was just excited and hyper. I've been taking my time and trying to use my energy wisely. I feel much more comfortable out there."
On upcoming BIG EAST play:
"The level of play will change, and we'll play against some stronger, tougher players that have been in the league for awhile. The pace might change. I'm going to have look to some of the older players on the team to let me know what it's like to play in the BIG EAST."
On being named BIG EAST Rookie of the Week:
"It feels good though; it's an honor. I'm not satisfied yet though. I want to get more Rookie of the Week awards and potentially keep moving up and be considered for Rookie of the Year."
