St. John's University Athletics
QUOTES: 2019 BIG EAST Women's Basketball Media Day
Head Coach Joe Tartamella, Tiana England, Qadashah Hoppie, Alisha Kebbe, Shamachya Duncan, and Alissa Alston spoke to the media at Madison Square Garden.
St. John’s Head Coach Joe Tartamella
On the No.2 BIG EAST preseason rank…
“I think the last time was the 2014-15, 2015-16. Our expectations don’t change year in and year out. It’s business as usual, we trying to get better every day. We know it’s a preseason poll and obviously we want to be there when it finishes and be there to win it. We certainly hold high standards for ourselves. Their definitely motivated with how we finished last year and trying to get our program back to where we know we can be. We’re ready for those expectations and they have been working really hard.”
On his team’s depth and balance…
“I think we had seven [players] dressed for most of last year. I was hoping to get five for the season. We have more depth this year. It’s been fun especially having 12 players at practice and not five or six. I was really proud of us last year. They grinded out that year, probably as good as they could have. We played some great games and won a historic game at home and did a lot of great things with what we had. Moving into this year, we’re trying to share [the ball] as much as we can and rely on the players that we have with the experience. We added a good group to the mix and we’re making sure that we’re trying to share [the ball] and take the right shots. A lot of that falls on decision-making and being able to play together for a number of years.”
St. John’s Guard Tiana England
On how difficult it was to sit out her true freshman year…
“It was very hard actually. From going to play basketball every day and working out all summer with the team to sitting out the entire year and not be able to play with them, it was very difficult but it was a learning experience.”
On if she’s better at being prepared for the start of the season…
“Yeah, definitely. [Sitting out her first year] was a blessing in disguise. I definitely needed that year to figure out the system, build chemistry with my teammates, even off the court. Being here now in my redshirt junior year, it definitely helped.”
On being nervous once she started playing…
“No, not at all. Aaliyah Lewis, before me, definitely helped me not to be nervous. She instilled a lot of confidence in me and so did my other teammates.”
On 2019-20 season expectations…
“A lot of excitement. We definitely need more fans. We are ready to put on a show this year. We’ve been working really hard and it’s going to be an awesome season.”
On defeating Marquette in 2019…
“It does influence us. That Marquette game was electrifying. The fans were great and coming out with a win against the No. 8 team, it was awesome.”
On advice to freshmen…
“Every game matters. Every practice matters. Look that I’m now a senior, I remember my freshman year going ‘I have time, I have time’ but no, you really don’t. It flies by.”
On personal and team goals…
“Personal goals, stay up [atop the BIG EAST Leaderboard] in assists. Team goals, 20-plus wins, regular season champs, definitely want to get to the BIG EAST Championship and NCAA [Tournament].”
St. John’s Forward Qadashah Hoppie
On who’s been the most improved on the roster…
“I’d definitely have to say last year’s freshman Kadaja Bailey. I’ve seen a huge jump from her this year. She’s been more confident and she’s been going hard every day. Look out for her this year.”
On this season’s expectations…
“Last year, we didn’t finish the way we wanted to. This year is mainly about putting those standards back up and achieving those goals that we know we can meet. The high standards, the NCAA Tournament, the BIG EAST Tournament, we’re coming harder this year. We have a deeper team, which is great, especially last year only having seven. I’m excited to show everyone what we’ve got this year, set the standards high and follow them.”
On 2019-20 season…
“There isn’t a game I am too hyped about. Just approach every game the same way and bring our all. This is going to be an exciting year. Everybody, come out and support, you will not be disappointed.”
St. John’s Forward Alisha Kebbe
On the 2019-20 season…
“I’m looking forward to our team bonding. We have a lot of newcomers and we, as returners, sharing our knowledge, everyone buying into it and we’ll have a great season.”
St. John’s Guard Shamachya Duncan
On 2019-20 season…
“I would say the No. 1 thing is getting better as a whole team. We had a rough season last year, so I think focusing on this year and how we want to approach every game.”
On staying healthy…
“Treatment, treatment, treatment. It’s our best friend and we go hard every day so we need it.”
On playing for St. John’s…
“It’s family-oriented. I’m very close to my teammates. We can always talk to each other, I can always
look for them to help and they can always look for me to help.”
On personal improvements…
“My knowledge on how to play defense. Yeah, you know how to play defense but there are different aspects and I feel I’ve gotten more familiar with those aspects.”
On the No.2 BIG EAST preseason rank…
“I think the last time was the 2014-15, 2015-16. Our expectations don’t change year in and year out. It’s business as usual, we trying to get better every day. We know it’s a preseason poll and obviously we want to be there when it finishes and be there to win it. We certainly hold high standards for ourselves. Their definitely motivated with how we finished last year and trying to get our program back to where we know we can be. We’re ready for those expectations and they have been working really hard.”
On his team’s depth and balance…
“I think we had seven [players] dressed for most of last year. I was hoping to get five for the season. We have more depth this year. It’s been fun especially having 12 players at practice and not five or six. I was really proud of us last year. They grinded out that year, probably as good as they could have. We played some great games and won a historic game at home and did a lot of great things with what we had. Moving into this year, we’re trying to share [the ball] as much as we can and rely on the players that we have with the experience. We added a good group to the mix and we’re making sure that we’re trying to share [the ball] and take the right shots. A lot of that falls on decision-making and being able to play together for a number of years.”
St. John’s Guard Tiana England
On how difficult it was to sit out her true freshman year…
“It was very hard actually. From going to play basketball every day and working out all summer with the team to sitting out the entire year and not be able to play with them, it was very difficult but it was a learning experience.”
On if she’s better at being prepared for the start of the season…
“Yeah, definitely. [Sitting out her first year] was a blessing in disguise. I definitely needed that year to figure out the system, build chemistry with my teammates, even off the court. Being here now in my redshirt junior year, it definitely helped.”
On being nervous once she started playing…
“No, not at all. Aaliyah Lewis, before me, definitely helped me not to be nervous. She instilled a lot of confidence in me and so did my other teammates.”
On 2019-20 season expectations…
“A lot of excitement. We definitely need more fans. We are ready to put on a show this year. We’ve been working really hard and it’s going to be an awesome season.”
On defeating Marquette in 2019…
“It does influence us. That Marquette game was electrifying. The fans were great and coming out with a win against the No. 8 team, it was awesome.”
On advice to freshmen…
“Every game matters. Every practice matters. Look that I’m now a senior, I remember my freshman year going ‘I have time, I have time’ but no, you really don’t. It flies by.”
On personal and team goals…
“Personal goals, stay up [atop the BIG EAST Leaderboard] in assists. Team goals, 20-plus wins, regular season champs, definitely want to get to the BIG EAST Championship and NCAA [Tournament].”
St. John’s Forward Qadashah Hoppie
On who’s been the most improved on the roster…
“I’d definitely have to say last year’s freshman Kadaja Bailey. I’ve seen a huge jump from her this year. She’s been more confident and she’s been going hard every day. Look out for her this year.”
On this season’s expectations…
“Last year, we didn’t finish the way we wanted to. This year is mainly about putting those standards back up and achieving those goals that we know we can meet. The high standards, the NCAA Tournament, the BIG EAST Tournament, we’re coming harder this year. We have a deeper team, which is great, especially last year only having seven. I’m excited to show everyone what we’ve got this year, set the standards high and follow them.”
On 2019-20 season…
“There isn’t a game I am too hyped about. Just approach every game the same way and bring our all. This is going to be an exciting year. Everybody, come out and support, you will not be disappointed.”
St. John’s Forward Alisha Kebbe
On the 2019-20 season…
“I’m looking forward to our team bonding. We have a lot of newcomers and we, as returners, sharing our knowledge, everyone buying into it and we’ll have a great season.”
St. John’s Guard Shamachya Duncan
On 2019-20 season…
“I would say the No. 1 thing is getting better as a whole team. We had a rough season last year, so I think focusing on this year and how we want to approach every game.”
On staying healthy…
“Treatment, treatment, treatment. It’s our best friend and we go hard every day so we need it.”
On playing for St. John’s…
“It’s family-oriented. I’m very close to my teammates. We can always talk to each other, I can always
look for them to help and they can always look for me to help.”
On personal improvements…
“My knowledge on how to play defense. Yeah, you know how to play defense but there are different aspects and I feel I’ve gotten more familiar with those aspects.”