Syracuse Coach and Player Quotes - Syracuse University Athletics

SYRACUSE MEN'S BASKETBALL QUOTES
Prior to NCAA First-Round game against Manhattan
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Fleet Center, Boston, Mass.

Head Coach Jim Boeheim
On the game against Manhattan:
“If we play well, it will be great. If we don't, it will be horrible. We will see what happens."

On Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez:
“I've known Bobby since he was in high school and I hope he remembers all the good things I have done for him. He's a basketball guy. You could tell right away when he was kid watching the games, he's one of those guys he knew he was going to get into coaching eventually. He worked his way in the hard way; it's a good way for every young guy -- that is what you have to do. He has done a tremendous job bringing good players to Manhattan and getting them to play hard. They have had unparalleled success in that league, winning the league tournament."

On players leaving college early:
“It doesn't affect college basketball. The game is more popular now than it ever was. One of the reasons is that there are more teams that can win now than ever before. Even if you can recruit at a high level, you're going to loose guys. Dominant teams can still be dominant, but they can also slip."

Freshman forward Carmelo Anthony
“As a team we're happy to be here in Boston at the Fleet Center in front of the fans."

On playing against Manhattan freshman guard Kenny Minor:
“It's an honor. To play against my best friend Kenny Minor, we never thought this situation would come about. On the court I don't know him, he doesn't know me, but we have business to attend to. Growing up we played every sport together, from about eight years old to 15 years old."

On guaranteeing Syracuse reaching the Final Four after SU's win at Notre Dame:
“My confidence and the team's confidence is really high. We control our own destiny and I think if we play our game, we can do big things in the tournament."

Senior guard Kueth Duany
“We are very honored to be here. We have worked hard to get to this point, because we missed it last year. Our hard work has paid off, and we hope to do well in this tournament."

On the war against Iraq:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the troops, and we have a lot of confidence that they will get the job done. Where I'm from there is also a lot of conflict, which is in the Sudan. Our thoughts are with the troops overseas."