Syracuse Player Quotes
Syracuse Player Quotes
Syracuse vs. Bryant
November 1, 2006
Carrier Dome-Syracuse, N.Y.
Senior forward Matt Gorman
On team’s overall performance
“In all of our practices, we were playing really well. Our chemistry was coming together. But tonight we didn’t have any chemistry at all, specifically defense. Our defense was probably the worst I’ve seen at all this preseason. That’s something we’re going to work on. We’ll get after it tomorrow and hopefully improve ourselves for Sunday. That’s why it’s important to have these exhibition games.”
On playing without Gerry McNamara
“We’ve been having some great practices and developed chemistry. We were rushing tonight and not getting into a rhythm. We’ll work on that tomorrow and look towards Sunday.”
On his blocked shots
“I wasn’t counting. I was just surprised some of those players were taking those shots. I was out there playing defense and that’s what they’ll give me I’ll take it.”
Junior guard Josh Wright:
On first start nerves
“Every game I play I have nerves whether it is in the starting lineup or on the bench. I put myself in situations to make plays tonight and couldn’t make them. I found some people but overall it was a bad night for the team.”
On his statistics on the night
“I didn’t even know I had eight assists. I should have had 15. I’m not worried about that. I should have made more plays and better decisions.”
Senior forward Terrence Roberts
On being out rebounded
“We shouldn’t be out rebounded at home at all with the lineup we have and the athletes we’ve got. When they send five guys to the boards and we only have one or two down there, the odds are against you. We collectively need to come together and stop watching and start getting rebounds, offensively and defensively.”
On (freshman guard) Paul Harris’ performance
“He’s an aggressive guy. But we played poor tonight and I didn’t see anything great out of anybody.”
On frontcourt pressure
“I think all the pressure is on us to get the rebounds and the guards get caught up. Smaller teams like that will send a lot of guys down low and we need to start grinding and getting rebounds. We started that late in the game but it was too late.”
On Bryant’s zone defense
“It was average but our zone offense was despicable. We played like we’ve never faced one before. We all looked lost tonight.”
Freshman guard Paul Harris
On finally playing in the Dome
“It felt good. My family is here to support me. I thank God for letting me come this far and I just want to keep getting better. I actually wanted to play better but we all have bad games so I’m not going to get down on myself. We got practice tomorrow and we’re going to work hard tomorrow.”
Sophomore guard Eric Devendorf
On new foul rules
“It definitely took some people off guard. It’s something we have to get use to and move our feet more and we’ll be okay. Just some rust.”
On replacing the leadership of Gerry McNamara
“I’ll definitely take that role along with the seniors to lead the team. Everybody has to step into form and its going to be a different year but a good year. I accept helping pick up the scoring burden. The opportunities are going to be there and I’m going to take advantage of it.”
On impact of Paul Harris
“He will fit in great. Defensively he’s outstanding. He doesn’t completely know the offense yet but that will come in time. He’s going to be fine. He is an outstanding player.”
On more man-to-man defense
“We obviously haven’t played much of that style of defense and it showed. But Coach will help us get through that in practice.”
