Syracuse Coach and Player Quotes
Syracuse vs. Oklahoma, NCAA East Region Final
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Pepsi Arena, Albany, N.Y.
Head coach Jim Boeheim
On the game:
"It's obvious that our defense was the difference. We were very active on the defensive end. We were active on the boards. I'd say it was the best job we've done all year. We did a good job of getting to their shooters and making them take tough shots. Offensively, Carmelo (Anthony) got us off to a good start for a change and that was nice. The crowd was good. Our efforts was tremendous the whole game. We did a great job of sliding and adjusting to what Oklahoma was doing."
On going to the Final Four:
"Any time you go to the Final Four it's a great day."
On returning to New Orleans for the Final Four:
"I had a tremendous experience for five days, 39 minutes and 56 seconds there. I'm gonna try to get that other four seconds in this time."
Senior guard Kueth Duany
On making the Final Four:
"I know what it's like to not even make it to the Tournament. This is what we work for. This is the best feeling I've had since I got to Syracuse and I just want to keep it rolling."
On SU's tough defense against Oklahoma:
"We were real active today and tried to take away their shots. Our activity is what sparked us today. I think they were over-patient and it took them out of their rhythm."
Freshman forward Carmelo Anthony
On making the Final Four:
"This is my first time making it to the Final Four. Hopefully it's not my last. We've been playing and joking about going to the Final Four since our first game, even when we lost. This is something that everyone on our team wanted to do."
On tough defense against Oklahoma:
"We know that their offense goes through Hollis Price. We took him away then everything broke down."
