St. John's University Athletics
QUOTES: BIG EAST Men's Basketball Teleconference
2/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
St. John's Head Coach Chris Mullin...
On the team's play recently:
"The last two games have been a little bit lackluster for us. We've played pretty good basketball during this losing streak, but the last two games were repetitive and not decisive so we're hoping to bounce back Saturday against Villanova."
On coaching in Madison Square Garden:
"Total opposite ends of the spectrum as far as playing and coaching. Playing is the best part of your life. Coaching is fun, but coaching is a whole different ballgame. There is no comparison in my mind between playing and coaching. Being at The Garden is always special. Any player or coach at any level, that's the place they want to perform. The history in that building goes way behind basketball so it's always nice to play or coach there."
On the team's experience playing at Madison Square Garden:
"We have all new guys so that's something they've had to experience themselves. As soon as you play one game there, within the first five minutes you get the feel it's a little different. Coach Carnesecca always stressed to us that you're going on stage so you are practicing to get ready to perform at "The World's Most Famous Arena." It's really about the preparation to be ready to perform on the world's biggest stage."
On playing the No. 1 team in the country:
"I always talk about it being an opportunity. That only comes if you play hard, unselfish, have good energy and are mentally focused on our game plan and know the personnel. Then you give yourself a chance to seize that opportunity. The preparation is so important leading up to the game. You have to put the work in to let yourself play free."
On the international presence on the roster:
"The pros are their attitudes. They're really good kids. They're team oriented, hard workers and great teammates. The only down side is that they're young. As far as the makeup of their character and work ethic, they've been a treat. I love all our international guys and we're very fortunate to have them."
