St. John's University Athletics
QUOTES: St. John’s Dribble for the Cure
St. John’s men’s and women’s basketball programs supported the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation on Saturday
St. John's Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Anderson…
On Dribble for the Cure:
"This is my first Dribble for the Cure, but it won’t be my last. The more I’m here, the more I have an affection for St. John’s because of what it stands for. This event is about giving. …On behalf of the university and our basketball program, I’m excited to partner up with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. ... The gift of giving does something to the heart. My heart is overflowed because of what I’m seeing today. Let’s keep making a difference.”
"I’ve just seen the love that everyone has for another today and also the cause of this event. Cancer, you can talk to anybody, it affects a lot of people. For us to come the together, the teams, the St. John’s community, and raise funds and awareness for this cause, it’s special. Hopefully, with the money that is going into research, we can continue to find answers and cures for this dreadful disease. That should be all of our goals, to stamp [cancer] out.”
On his favorite part of Dribble for the Cure:
"I think it’s mingling with the kids and seeing our guys [with them]. It’s amazing. When I look at our players and the women’s team out there interacting with the kids, they have bigger smiles than the kids who they are trying to put the smile on their face. I think that’s the gift of giving. When you give there’s a feeling that permeates in your heart. That’s what this is all about.”
On how this event builds the team’s culture:
"Our team has been very involved in the community. It’s where we live. Whenever there’s a chance to be there [for our community], we’re going to be there.”
On his point guards:
"We finally have everyone [on campus] and have a chance to see what these guys bring to the table. A guy like Nick Rutherford, a graduate student, is going to be valuable in what we’re doing. Obviously, Rasheem Dunn just got here. And then of course you have Jonathan McGriff. We have a number of guys that can man the point. I don’t have a problem with that. Even a guy like Mustapha [Heron] can handle the basketball and we have Greg Williams Jr. When your team is good, you have multiple guys who can bring up the basketball.”
On Greg Williams Jr.’s progress:
"Actually right now, Greg’s back is hurting him. He’s been out for a little bit. This summer he was progressing really well, so hopefully we can get the back issue over with and get him back on the floor. Once we get into practice, you’ll start seeing the guys figure out what their role is and what I’m asking them to do. That’s the most important thing for them, to identify what their role is on this team. Their roles are going to change from last year, especially guys like Greg [Williams Jr.], Josh [Roberts], and Marcellus [Earlington] who didn’t play a lot last year. Then you bring in the new guys, Julian [Champagnie], Jonathan [McGriff]. There’s a lot of opportunities for those guys. I tell them every time we practice they are auditioning in front of us.”
On players adjusting to the style of play:
"I think initially it could be a state of shock, but eventually the guys start making that adjustment and understanding what we’re trying to attain. The 6 a.m. workouts aren’t a punishment, it’s about getting up and getting a lot of work done, therefore, you have the whole day to go to class and be a student-athlete. It also makes you go to bed early. There are a lot of things that are coming at them and I think these guys are embracing it. Hopefully, these things will help them become better players and become better students.
On Josh Roberts:
"I think Josh [Roberts] is going to be very important. I think size right now, when you look at our basketball team, is going to be an issue. With that being said, we have to find combinations that are going to offset that. He’s an energy guy. He’s a rebounder, an athletic forward who can run and get you some extra rebounds on offense. He’s got to be a finisher, so his development is going to be important for us.”
St. John's Senior Guard Mustapha Heron…
On the significance of Dribble for the Cure:
"I think it’s all about giving back. It’s about giving back to the community and giving back to the people who support us and we’re honored to be here today.”
On being involved in the community:
"With our names and faces being everywhere, I think it’s important for the kids to be able to see and interact with us and their families. They support us from afar and I think this event is good for them and is good for us as well.”
On the new era with Mike Anderson as Head Coach:
"It’s going to be fast. It’s going to be fast-paced. We’re going to be pushing the ball. It’s going to be fun to watch. We can’t wait for everyone to watch it.”
On his leadership role:
"I have to take [the leadership role] on the chin. I think this team is going to go as far as myself and LJ [Figueroa] takes it. With us two being the older guys on the team, it’s going to be in our hands to lead.”
On the development of his game:
"I think working on my play-making and on my defense have been two of the biggest things I’ve been working on throughout the summer.”
On the BIG EAST:
"I think it’s going to be very competitive and it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to it. There’s no better way to end my college career than going out and competing in this highly competitive conference.”
St. John's Junior Guard/Forward LJ Figueroa…
On the significance of this event:
"It means everything to be out here and have a great start to the new season. Last year was a great event. This year, I actually had somebody in my family pass away two days ago from cancer, so it’s a good feeling to be here and supporting the kids.”
On how this event promotes the culture of the program:
"Coach [Mike] Anderson has showed me a lot the past couple of months. Just being more passionate in what you do on and off the court. Giving back to them is such a good feeling.”
On his decision to stay at St. John’s:
"Meeting [Mike Anderson], talking to [Mike Cragg] and my teammates and staying here in New York played a huge role in my decision to come back.”
On the new style of play:
"We have a lot of guards this year so that is definitely going to help us speed the defense up, force turnovers, push the ball up and play fast on offense. This system is definitely going to fit me well because I know I’m the type of player who likes to play up-and-down.”
On taking on a leadership role:
"I plan on being the best player I can be for my team at all times, on and off the court and try to do what I can possibly do to help us win games. We’re doing everything off the court together, so I think that is going to translate and you’re going to see a great team this year.”
On his relationship with Mustapha Heron:
"Mustapha [Heron] has been a great teammate since I came here last year. Coming from the SEC, he’s showed me a lot of different things that have helped me improve my game in the BIG EAST. He’s a big reason why I was successful last year. This year, we’re blessed to play together again, having a bigger role and contributing more to the team on and off the court.”
St. John's Sophomore Forward Josh Roberts…
On playing a bigger role this season:
"It feels a lot different to have a bigger role. I need to step up more for my team and do a lot more. I’m ready for the challenge.”
On how his play late last season has helped in his preparation for this year:
"It did a lot for me. After the first game, it boosted my confidence and I’ve been running with it ever since and I’m looking to build on that confidence.”
On his role this year:
"My role is to protect the paint, block shots, run the floor, finish at the rim and contest shots on defense.”
St. John's Sophomore Guard Greg Williams Jr.…
On his overall experience last year:
"Last year, I took everything as a learning experience. I focused on watching the leaders in front of me and learn from them. Take the good things and bad things and learn from them. Last year was essential for us to grow and watch the older guys do what they did on the court and add that to our games. It definitely helped us grow into the players that we are today.”
On his role this season:
"Me and [Josh Roberts] are both looking forward to each minute that we play this year and make the most of it and showcase what we can do for our team.”
On what led to his decision to stay at St. John’s:
"First and foremost, I love being at St. John’s. I didn’t feel a need to leave and I feel like God brought me here for a reason. When I heard [Coach Anderson] got the job, I was excited about that because he recruited me in high school as well and had a minor relationship with him. I knew that he was a great coach and that I would thrive in his system.”
On what he likes about Coach Anderson’s system:
"I feel like the system that he has placed fits our team because we all work hard and get after it every day.”
St. John's Women’s Basketball Coach Joe Tartamella…
On Dribble for the Cure:
"Thanks to all of you who are here today. This is our ninth year partnering with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and we’ve raised over $500,000 in that time which is unbelievable. The inspiration of those that are survivors who are here, those that are still fighting [cancer], we’ve all been touched by it in some way. When you talk about children and putting a smile on their faces, with the things that we are doing today and have done over the past nine years, you can’t put a price tag on that.”
Dr. Jessica Hochberg from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital…
About Pediatric Cancer Research Center:
"The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has made a lot of strides over the years. About 50 years ago, less than 50% of kids were cured when they developed cancer. Through research and clinical trials, we’ve been able to drive that number up to about 85% or more now, and that’s amazing. We’re still not done. Our goal is to reach 100% cured. When we have our survivors come back to the clinic, it really motivates us to not just cure more patients but to find ways to do it better. … We have a number of people from our research lab here today who are working really hard to find new drugs and find new ways of using old drugs and new ways of manipulating the body’s immune system to use some new treatments. There’s a lot of work left to be done. We couldn’t do it without the support of everybody here so thank you so much for showing up and supporting us and our survivors at this great event and thank you St. John’s.”
On Dribble for the Cure:
"This is my first Dribble for the Cure, but it won’t be my last. The more I’m here, the more I have an affection for St. John’s because of what it stands for. This event is about giving. …On behalf of the university and our basketball program, I’m excited to partner up with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. ... The gift of giving does something to the heart. My heart is overflowed because of what I’m seeing today. Let’s keep making a difference.”
"I’ve just seen the love that everyone has for another today and also the cause of this event. Cancer, you can talk to anybody, it affects a lot of people. For us to come the together, the teams, the St. John’s community, and raise funds and awareness for this cause, it’s special. Hopefully, with the money that is going into research, we can continue to find answers and cures for this dreadful disease. That should be all of our goals, to stamp [cancer] out.”
On his favorite part of Dribble for the Cure:
"I think it’s mingling with the kids and seeing our guys [with them]. It’s amazing. When I look at our players and the women’s team out there interacting with the kids, they have bigger smiles than the kids who they are trying to put the smile on their face. I think that’s the gift of giving. When you give there’s a feeling that permeates in your heart. That’s what this is all about.”
On how this event builds the team’s culture:
"Our team has been very involved in the community. It’s where we live. Whenever there’s a chance to be there [for our community], we’re going to be there.”
On his point guards:
"We finally have everyone [on campus] and have a chance to see what these guys bring to the table. A guy like Nick Rutherford, a graduate student, is going to be valuable in what we’re doing. Obviously, Rasheem Dunn just got here. And then of course you have Jonathan McGriff. We have a number of guys that can man the point. I don’t have a problem with that. Even a guy like Mustapha [Heron] can handle the basketball and we have Greg Williams Jr. When your team is good, you have multiple guys who can bring up the basketball.”
On Greg Williams Jr.’s progress:
"Actually right now, Greg’s back is hurting him. He’s been out for a little bit. This summer he was progressing really well, so hopefully we can get the back issue over with and get him back on the floor. Once we get into practice, you’ll start seeing the guys figure out what their role is and what I’m asking them to do. That’s the most important thing for them, to identify what their role is on this team. Their roles are going to change from last year, especially guys like Greg [Williams Jr.], Josh [Roberts], and Marcellus [Earlington] who didn’t play a lot last year. Then you bring in the new guys, Julian [Champagnie], Jonathan [McGriff]. There’s a lot of opportunities for those guys. I tell them every time we practice they are auditioning in front of us.”
On players adjusting to the style of play:
"I think initially it could be a state of shock, but eventually the guys start making that adjustment and understanding what we’re trying to attain. The 6 a.m. workouts aren’t a punishment, it’s about getting up and getting a lot of work done, therefore, you have the whole day to go to class and be a student-athlete. It also makes you go to bed early. There are a lot of things that are coming at them and I think these guys are embracing it. Hopefully, these things will help them become better players and become better students.
On Josh Roberts:
"I think Josh [Roberts] is going to be very important. I think size right now, when you look at our basketball team, is going to be an issue. With that being said, we have to find combinations that are going to offset that. He’s an energy guy. He’s a rebounder, an athletic forward who can run and get you some extra rebounds on offense. He’s got to be a finisher, so his development is going to be important for us.”
St. John's Senior Guard Mustapha Heron…
On the significance of Dribble for the Cure:
"I think it’s all about giving back. It’s about giving back to the community and giving back to the people who support us and we’re honored to be here today.”
On being involved in the community:
"With our names and faces being everywhere, I think it’s important for the kids to be able to see and interact with us and their families. They support us from afar and I think this event is good for them and is good for us as well.”
On the new era with Mike Anderson as Head Coach:
"It’s going to be fast. It’s going to be fast-paced. We’re going to be pushing the ball. It’s going to be fun to watch. We can’t wait for everyone to watch it.”
On his leadership role:
"I have to take [the leadership role] on the chin. I think this team is going to go as far as myself and LJ [Figueroa] takes it. With us two being the older guys on the team, it’s going to be in our hands to lead.”
On the development of his game:
"I think working on my play-making and on my defense have been two of the biggest things I’ve been working on throughout the summer.”
On the BIG EAST:
"I think it’s going to be very competitive and it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to it. There’s no better way to end my college career than going out and competing in this highly competitive conference.”
St. John's Junior Guard/Forward LJ Figueroa…
On the significance of this event:
"It means everything to be out here and have a great start to the new season. Last year was a great event. This year, I actually had somebody in my family pass away two days ago from cancer, so it’s a good feeling to be here and supporting the kids.”
On how this event promotes the culture of the program:
"Coach [Mike] Anderson has showed me a lot the past couple of months. Just being more passionate in what you do on and off the court. Giving back to them is such a good feeling.”
On his decision to stay at St. John’s:
"Meeting [Mike Anderson], talking to [Mike Cragg] and my teammates and staying here in New York played a huge role in my decision to come back.”
On the new style of play:
"We have a lot of guards this year so that is definitely going to help us speed the defense up, force turnovers, push the ball up and play fast on offense. This system is definitely going to fit me well because I know I’m the type of player who likes to play up-and-down.”
On taking on a leadership role:
"I plan on being the best player I can be for my team at all times, on and off the court and try to do what I can possibly do to help us win games. We’re doing everything off the court together, so I think that is going to translate and you’re going to see a great team this year.”
On his relationship with Mustapha Heron:
"Mustapha [Heron] has been a great teammate since I came here last year. Coming from the SEC, he’s showed me a lot of different things that have helped me improve my game in the BIG EAST. He’s a big reason why I was successful last year. This year, we’re blessed to play together again, having a bigger role and contributing more to the team on and off the court.”
St. John's Sophomore Forward Josh Roberts…
On playing a bigger role this season:
"It feels a lot different to have a bigger role. I need to step up more for my team and do a lot more. I’m ready for the challenge.”
On how his play late last season has helped in his preparation for this year:
"It did a lot for me. After the first game, it boosted my confidence and I’ve been running with it ever since and I’m looking to build on that confidence.”
On his role this year:
"My role is to protect the paint, block shots, run the floor, finish at the rim and contest shots on defense.”
St. John's Sophomore Guard Greg Williams Jr.…
On his overall experience last year:
"Last year, I took everything as a learning experience. I focused on watching the leaders in front of me and learn from them. Take the good things and bad things and learn from them. Last year was essential for us to grow and watch the older guys do what they did on the court and add that to our games. It definitely helped us grow into the players that we are today.”
On his role this season:
"Me and [Josh Roberts] are both looking forward to each minute that we play this year and make the most of it and showcase what we can do for our team.”
On what led to his decision to stay at St. John’s:
"First and foremost, I love being at St. John’s. I didn’t feel a need to leave and I feel like God brought me here for a reason. When I heard [Coach Anderson] got the job, I was excited about that because he recruited me in high school as well and had a minor relationship with him. I knew that he was a great coach and that I would thrive in his system.”
On what he likes about Coach Anderson’s system:
"I feel like the system that he has placed fits our team because we all work hard and get after it every day.”
St. John's Women’s Basketball Coach Joe Tartamella…
On Dribble for the Cure:
"Thanks to all of you who are here today. This is our ninth year partnering with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and we’ve raised over $500,000 in that time which is unbelievable. The inspiration of those that are survivors who are here, those that are still fighting [cancer], we’ve all been touched by it in some way. When you talk about children and putting a smile on their faces, with the things that we are doing today and have done over the past nine years, you can’t put a price tag on that.”
Dr. Jessica Hochberg from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital…
About Pediatric Cancer Research Center:
"The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has made a lot of strides over the years. About 50 years ago, less than 50% of kids were cured when they developed cancer. Through research and clinical trials, we’ve been able to drive that number up to about 85% or more now, and that’s amazing. We’re still not done. Our goal is to reach 100% cured. When we have our survivors come back to the clinic, it really motivates us to not just cure more patients but to find ways to do it better. … We have a number of people from our research lab here today who are working really hard to find new drugs and find new ways of using old drugs and new ways of manipulating the body’s immune system to use some new treatments. There’s a lot of work left to be done. We couldn’t do it without the support of everybody here so thank you so much for showing up and supporting us and our survivors at this great event and thank you St. John’s.”