Coach Stevie Thompson Quotes
Stevie Thompson
“I’d like to thank the community, Coach Boeheim and the athletic staff here at Syracuse University for welcoming me back with open arms. I haven’t been here in quite some time, and it’s just great to be back and get a warm welcome from everybody. It was very inspirational and I appreciate the kindness and the gratitude that everybody has shown me on this trip back.”
On the differences in Syracuse:
“It’s a lot different. Coming back here, practicing yesterday in Manley Field House, and coming to the Dome earlier for shoot around practice -- it was 16 years ago when I left here and everything feels like it was yesterday. I just remembered being a player out there playing and it just seems as if it wasn’t that long ago. Getting an ovation from the crowd, I didn’t want to get too emotional and cry, but I thought that it was great because throughout my travels after leaving Syracuse, I’ve had the chance to play professional ball for 11 years, nine overseas, and I just been away for so long. To be able to come back and the community, the people, the fans remember, it meant a lot to me.”
Thoughts on Coach Boeheim…
“Being a second-year head coach, and coming in to the Carrier Dome and coaching against a Hall of Fame head coach, it’s great. When I think of Coach Boeheim, I think of him as my coach, as a father figure, and I don’t think of it as two coaches going head to head, but it was a great opportunity. I told him that I was so proud that we finally got the national championship with Coach Boeheim and all of his accomplishments with the Hall of Fame. I didn’t want to think too much about coaching against him but I was so proud to be here and see him and spend some time with him. It’s an honor to have played for him because he is such a great coach and he should always get his fair due as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball.”
“He’s a great leader. He leads by example. He’s the type of coach, that in his system you continue to get better and flourish. He allows you to play your game. He doesn’t try to change what you do. He develops a philosophy so the kids can play their game. I just try to carry those things with me. His leadership qualities are what I look back on and carry with me throughout my year.”
His thoughts on the outcome of the game
“I thought that the first ten minutes were going pretty good for us. I thought that we stayed in and hung in with them and that it was competitive with them. You can tell why they are such a good team and I believe that they will have a very successful season. They are very strong in all the key positions. They are very tall and athletic. I just feel they’ll have a good season. Although I’m not here, I’ll be rooting for the Orange from Los Angeles.”
