St. John's University Athletics
PREGAME QUOTES: St. John's vs. Syracuse
12/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
St. John's Head Coach Chris Mullin...
On facing Syracuse as a player:
"[There were] a lot of good heated rivalries with a lot of respect for each other. Both teams had several [New York City] guys, so there were built in rivalries because a lot of us knew each other from high school. Unfortunately, one game that sticks out is when we lost at the buzzer when Greg Monroe hit a corner shot."
On Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim:
"I have a lot of respect for Jim Boeheim not only as a tremendous basketball coach, but the way he approaches each game. He does everything with class and his longevity speaks for itself. His participation with USA basketball shows he could do it at any level. His staff has been with him for awhile so they'll carry on until he gets back."
On keeping the St. John's-Syracuse series intact:
"There is a lot of tradition and respect between both schools so hopefully [the series] will continue."
On breaking the Syracuse zone:
"It will be about passing and catching. Ball fakes will be important. There are a lot of different ways to attack a zone, but basically it comes down to making shots, moving the ball, finding gaps and shooting with confidence."
On signs that indicate the team is moving in the right direction:
"The team's work ethic and their ability to approach each day as a new day. [They are] trying to learn from mistakes by being accountable and coming back with a good effort. What makes people successful is their daily approach and I think we've done a good job doing this."
On Kassoum Yakwe:
"He's been great. [Kassoum brings] positive energy. I think he`s getting more comfortable and confident. He has an impact as soon as he steps on the floor and I'm excited for him."
Senior Guard Felix Balamou...
On Syracuse:
"Both schools have great tradition. We have to go out there and just play like every other game. It's not going to be an easy game, but we're going to be prepared and ready to compete."
Freshman Guard Federico Mussini...
On the level of excitement amongst the team:
"We cannot wait to play. We know we have to focus on the next two practices before Sunday's game to be ready."
On the team's improvement since the season-opener:
"We're improving on defense. On offense we're starting to understand each other better. It's still a new team so sometimes there are issues, but we're getting better every day."
On the volume of turnovers:
"Sometimes they happen because we're still a new team and don't know each other well. Other times we need to slow down, stay strong and keep calm when the opponent presses us."
