Syracuse Player Quotes
Jan. 3, 2004
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Syracuse Player Quotes
Sophomore Billy Edelin
On today's game:
"We wanted to prove ourselves to the country, because this was our first real test. We wanted to come out and limit the open looks, and make them work hard for every basket. We still have some things to work on, but I think we played well overall."
On the play of Josh Pace:
"In the tournament he was playing (very well). He'd have games where he'd score a lot, but he'd also come up with steals and play good defense – the dirty work. It's nice to see him get some recognition for that now."
Senior walk-on Ronneil Herron
On shooting free-throws for an injured Josh Pace:
"I had to do a double-take. Then I got out there and the crowd was riled up. But once I got the ball in my hand, I felt at ease."
Junior Josh Pace
On transitioning from sixth-man to starter:
"Coming off the bench last year I would get into the game and just try to stay focused. Now I'm in the line-up and that's still what I'm trying to do."
On capitalizing on fast-break opportunities:
"We're more conditioned than last year. Michigan State is a good team, and we were beating them back on some of those transitions. Billy, G-Mac and I all look for each other on fast breaks because we know we can get easy buckets. You put all of that together and then you add in Hakim … If we keep working hard at it, I think we can be a very good transition team."
Junior Hakim Warrick
On the significance of beating Michigan State:
"Last year at East Lansing was a big win. I think this was an even bigger win, especially for a team that's still trying to find itself and prove they weren't a one-man team last year and is still a pretty good basketball team."
On the impact of the crowd:
"That's a big factor, especially on national television. You're playing on adrenaline. With a crowd like that, you can't do anything but play well."
On the play of the guards:
"I think we have one of the best backcourts in the nation. They come out to play every day and every night, especially Gerry. He gets double-teamed all the time, but he always comes out and plays well. And if Billy gets in the lane, you can just count it. Once he gets into the lane, it's going to be good."
