Media Day Player Quotes
Men's Basketball Media Day
Friday, October 14, 2005
Player Quotes
Gerry McNamara
On playing internationally on the U.S.A. team…
“The important thing for me was being healthy enough to play all summer. It was a great experience getting out of the country and meeting different guys.”
On how he plans to step forward as a leader…
“I’m going to try to lead this team not so much vocally but by example. I’m going to work hard and hopefully everyone will follow.”
On team chemistry entering pre-season…
“It’s just as good as its ever been, everyone is getting along real well. Everyone is working real hard together. I think when you can push each other and be friends off the court then that’s when you really come together.”
Terrence Roberts
On playing for coach Boeheim…
“(Jim) Boeheim is a tremendous coach. To play for a coach like that is great, it made my career what it is today. I’m just grateful to be here.
On McNamara…
“Gerry’s been a leader since his freshman year so he knows what he needs to do. I know he looks at me along with some of the other juniors to help him be a leader out there.”
On the new BIG EAST…
“We are looking forward to the challenge of a new conference. I think this is by far the best NCAA conference in basketball. I’m looking forward to seeing some rivals coming at us from Conference USA.”
On how playing internationally helped him…
“It built my confidence. I think my teammates realized that I was so confident going to try out for the team. For me to go there and make the team and then do well, was tremendous for my confidence.”
Louie McCroskey
On how last season ended…
“Its obviously in the back of my mind, I definitely won’t forget it but I have to put it in the back of my mind and move forward and improve this year.”
On expectations of the junior class…
“We came in together and now’s our time to shine. We definitely need to help the team be consistent this year. We are all capable to doing well and it’s a matter of opportunity and now we have the chance so it will be our first year playing a lot.”
Darryl Watkins
On what he did over the summer…
“I was motivated and stayed up here all summer working out, got my body weight up and worked on a lot of things I needed to work on.”
On stepping up after losing three key players from last season…
“I think they recruited a real good class with us. The time has come for us to show big things.”
On McNamara…
“It’s his team, he’s been here for four years and been a leader. His presence is going to be really exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”
Eric Devendorf
On being a top rated freshman…
“I’m just trying to come in and produce right away, that’s what they recruited me for. I don’t really have any pressure on me, I’m just going to go in there and do what I’ve been doing.”
Josh Wright
On what he did over the summer…
“Basically I worked on all skill work, ball handling, shooting, release and defense.”
On how he has improved from last season…
“I’m 19 years old, I’m a little more mature. I read things out a little bit better and envision myself doing things before I do them.”
On stepping up as a leader…
“I’m looking to help the team win. We are in a tough conference this year and there are a lot of good players on each team so we’re going to be in a dog fight every game. I’m looking to help the team in any way that I can.”
Andy Rautins
On feeling any pressure of his dad playing here and being a local product…
“I let that slide. I have to play my role and do what my team needs me to do. It’s a dream come true to play here and it’s been a lot of hard work that’s gotten me here.”
On being so close to home…
“It’s great I can run home and get laundry done. The atmosphere is great, being able to see friends when they come back on break and having the support of people around here.”
On fitting in with the team…
“We get along great, I think we’re jelling real well right now. I’m real close with my roommate, Louie McCroskey, we share a lot in common and we’re both hard workers.
Matt Gorman
On this season…
“I think we need to work together. I think anyone on this team can be a scorer whether it’s me or anybody else. If we beat teams on the boards we’ll be tough to beat. I’m just ready to get started.”
