Player Postgame Quotes
Monday, November 12, 2001
Preseason NIT – Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
Preston Shumpert
On the SU defense:
“We knew we could really open up this game and take control on defense. We honestly believed that if we stepped up, remained consistent and challenged every shot and everybody out there, then we could lock them up. I think that’s what we did here tonight.”
“It was a conscious effort. Some threes slipped out, but I think that’s going to happen. I think we’re moving the right direction.”
On the SU forwards:
“I think the big guys are moving their feet as much as possible. I don’t know too many guys their size that can move their feet like they do.”
On Manhattan’s defense “You have to give them credit, they were small, but they were very feisty. They played solid ‘D’ and didn’t let down at all.”
On Thues “He did a great job. James is a guy with good ability, great speed and he’s intelligent.”
James Thues
On his overall performance:
“I just tried to go out there and do the best for myself and the best for the team.”
On his seven assists and zero turnovers: “It’s pretty easy going out there and playing with guys like DeShaun (Williams), Preston (Shumpert) and Kueth (Duany). They make my job kind of easy.”
DeShaun Williams
On the freshmen:
One thing about our freshmen is they are very mature. All of them help us a lot. They need to just keep maturing out there and be patient in practice.”
On his first game at point guard: “I played point guard for two years in high school. Coach Boeheim told me when I first came here that I would play point. That’s what I came here for. Then he found out I could shoot and score, so he moved me to the two position (shooting guard).”
“I think when I was at the one position (point guard), I didn’t get my teammates involved that much. That’s what I have to work on.”
