NCAA Selection Player Press Conference
Syracuse Men’s Basketball
NCAA Tournament Press Conference
March 13, 2016
Trevor Cooney, Graduate Student, Guard
After the last shot against Pittsburgh, did you think you’d have a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament?
“I think we had a shot – a good shot because of our wins this year. We proved we were a good team. We had one bad loss but all of our losses were close games. We were in every single game and not many teams in the country can say that. I think that says a lot about us as a team.”
What was the reaction like when you finally saw Syracuse on the board?
“Everyone was excited. We were definitely relieved. (We’re) just excited to be in it. Like Coach said earlier, we’ve had some great practices (since Wednesday) and we need to have more great practices to get ready.”
There was a supposed leaked bracket. Did you see it and did you believe it?
“I saw it when they were done with one of the first regions. And I was following and thinking is this real or is this fake. I guess that’s just today’s world.”
Does the fact that you’re playing Dayton, which eliminated Syracuse in 2014, mean anything at all? What do you remember about that game?
“Yes. It was a tough game. It came down to the wire. It was a good game. It was tough. We will try to get them again.”
If there’s one thing the team can improve on before Friday, what is it?
“Defense. In past years when we’ve made runs it was on our 2-3 (zone). We were able to stop teams, contest shots and rebound. I think when our 2-3 is good, we’re able to get up on teams and pressure and win games.”
Why is it so important to play in the NCAA Tournament?
“For me, it’s almost everything. That’s why we come to places like Syracuse. You want to play in the tournament and that’s what you try to do.”
Michael Gbinije, Graduate Student, Guard
There was a supposed leaked bracket. Did you see it and did you believe it?
“I didn’t see the leaked bracket so I was stressing a little bit just watching the TV and seeing the last selection be us was great.”
What were you thinking this morning when you woke up and how did you spend your day? Were you worried?
“I just tried my best to only control what I can control. I came in before practice and worked out, got some shots up and then we had practice. Afterwards, that’s when I started thinking okay, what’s actually going to happen.
“I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I had people telling me we were going to get in, we weren’t going to get in. I just waited the whole time.”
Why is it so important to play in the NCAA Tournament?
“It’s just an honor. In high school, you’re watching college basketball and imagining playing in these types of games. I think Syracuse, as a whole, deserves it after going through last year. It’s just great all around to be accepted.”
NCAA Tournament Press Conference
March 13, 2016
Trevor Cooney, Graduate Student, Guard
After the last shot against Pittsburgh, did you think you’d have a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament?
“I think we had a shot – a good shot because of our wins this year. We proved we were a good team. We had one bad loss but all of our losses were close games. We were in every single game and not many teams in the country can say that. I think that says a lot about us as a team.”
What was the reaction like when you finally saw Syracuse on the board?
“Everyone was excited. We were definitely relieved. (We’re) just excited to be in it. Like Coach said earlier, we’ve had some great practices (since Wednesday) and we need to have more great practices to get ready.”
There was a supposed leaked bracket. Did you see it and did you believe it?
“I saw it when they were done with one of the first regions. And I was following and thinking is this real or is this fake. I guess that’s just today’s world.”
Does the fact that you’re playing Dayton, which eliminated Syracuse in 2014, mean anything at all? What do you remember about that game?
“Yes. It was a tough game. It came down to the wire. It was a good game. It was tough. We will try to get them again.”
If there’s one thing the team can improve on before Friday, what is it?
“Defense. In past years when we’ve made runs it was on our 2-3 (zone). We were able to stop teams, contest shots and rebound. I think when our 2-3 is good, we’re able to get up on teams and pressure and win games.”
Why is it so important to play in the NCAA Tournament?
“For me, it’s almost everything. That’s why we come to places like Syracuse. You want to play in the tournament and that’s what you try to do.”
Michael Gbinije, Graduate Student, Guard
There was a supposed leaked bracket. Did you see it and did you believe it?
“I didn’t see the leaked bracket so I was stressing a little bit just watching the TV and seeing the last selection be us was great.”
What were you thinking this morning when you woke up and how did you spend your day? Were you worried?
“I just tried my best to only control what I can control. I came in before practice and worked out, got some shots up and then we had practice. Afterwards, that’s when I started thinking okay, what’s actually going to happen.
“I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I had people telling me we were going to get in, we weren’t going to get in. I just waited the whole time.”
Why is it so important to play in the NCAA Tournament?
“It’s just an honor. In high school, you’re watching college basketball and imagining playing in these types of games. I think Syracuse, as a whole, deserves it after going through last year. It’s just great all around to be accepted.”
