SU Player Quotes-Syracuse vs. Cal State-Los Angeles
Syracuse Player Quotes
Syracuse vs. Cal State-Los Angeles
November 5, 2006
Carrier Dome-Syracuse, N.Y.
Freshman forward Mike Jones
On being comfortable in second exhibition game
“In the first game, I just wanted to go out and take a look at the shots I might have in a game and work on those in practice.”
On developing chemistry off the bench
“It helps a lot. This year, coming out supporting the guys off the bench is important. Coming off the bench, you have to take a look at what is going on in the game and make the changes within the game.”
On providing a spark
“I’s always good to make your first shot. It makes you feel more confident when you take your second and third shots.”
On difference in score compared to first exhibition
“It makes no difference. We go into these games seeing what we need to work on. We won but we still need to work on our defense a little bit more before the first home game.”
Senior center Daryl Watkins
On difference between the halves
“We just wanted to seal it off. We didn’t want this game to fall into the same category as the last one.”
Sophomore Guard Andy Rautins
On being comfortable going into the regular season
“I’m pretty much confident and feel I can make all my shots when I get into the game. My teammates did a great job of finding me when I got open.”
On the change from freshman year
“I feel more comfortable within the system. We’re playing really well as a team and getting used to the other guys. We’ve got a really good chemistry going.”
On getting a large-margin win
“We know what we were supposed to do and we came out and did it. This allows us to go out to a good start to the season.”
On excitement for the regular season
“Absolutely I’m excited. We’re going to come out and play our game; get out to the open floor and play good defense.”
On what still needs to be done
I think we have to keep pressing the boards, cut down on turnovers and play good team defense. Its all on us though.”
Senior forward Terrence Roberts
On positives coming out of exhibition games
“It definitely helps us learn a lot about where we stand as a team and what we have to work on and what we have to get back to practice on. Our offense needs to more consistent and we learn it a lot better than what we’re doing right now.”
On his personal play thus far
“I think I’ve played pretty well. I didn’t play much because the guys were hitting shots. We had a good time out and that’s important. Whenever you are out there having a good time it’s a lot easier for us to get out there and get wins.”
On three-point presence of young players
“Those guys are all good shooters. (Sophomore forward) Mike (Jones) is an exceptional shooter for someone his size and at his position. With Andy (Rautins) hitting shots coming off the bench, that’s what we’re need later on in the season.”
On expectations in his senior season
“I’m extremely excited. I think the expectations for our team are really high. My expectations alone for the team are really high. I’m excited to get the season started. The sky’s the limit for this us and I just want to go out there every night and be a double-double guy and play consistent.”
