Syracuse Player Quotes
Syracuse vs. Richmond
Carrier Dome/Syracuse, N.Y.
Kristof Ongenaet, Senior, Forward
On the team’s play in the second half:
“In the first half, there was just a lack of intensity. In the second half, we did a better job. They couldn’t knock down the shots anymore because we gave them a lot more pressure and that’s what helped us win our game tonight.”
On Eric Devendorf’s scoring in the second half:
“Coach [Boeheim] told us that we needed to be more intense and more involved. Last year we were real aggressive and we wanted to win and be the best that we can be. So far this year, it’s been lacking but tonight, he [Eric Devendorf] did a great job and did what he was supposed to do.”
On having more experience this year:
“We had a game last year against UMass that was just like this one. It was a real tough game. Unfortunately, we didn’t win that one, but this year, due to our experience and our confidence, we were able to win this one.”
Andy Rautins, Junior, Guard
On Jonny Flynn:
“He’s unstoppable. Once he gets into that mode and he’s taking the ball to the basket, he really proves that he’s one of the most athletic point guards in the country. We relied on him heavily tonight and he came through for us and we can’t thank him enough for that.”
On playing after his injury:
“Everything felt OK. It’s just that some of my shots didn’t fall. I could have got my legs underneath me a little more, but you’re going to have those nights. You just have to keep getting your shots up and hope you do better the next game.”
On the difference in play during the second half:
“We were a lot more fired up. We were getting to the boards a bit better. We found our big guy [Arinze Onuaku] down low and he really helped us out in the other areas. We were really aggressive on defense too and that really helped us in getting the victory.”
Eric Devendor, Junior, Guard
On firing up the team with his run of threes:
“I felt I had to ingnite a spark for myself and my team. Obviously, it worked because it really got us going and from then on and we took care of our business.”
On playing their first Division I team
“I think we were pretty fired up for it. It was a good test. Richmond is a well-coached team that is real good. It was a good game for us. We have Oakland coming in here Friday. They’re also real good, so it’ll be another good test for us.”
On his emotion during the game:
“Coach [Boeheim] told me to show him the Eric Devendorf of last year, the one with the swagger. So I told him I’d bring it out and I did after halftime. I’m going to listen to what Coach [Boeheim] says and it’s only a matter of time until I get comfortable out there playing. I think tonight I was real comfortable going to the basket, and I felt like my old self. Even though I don’t think it ever left me, I felt real comfortable and the knee wasn’t a factor.”
On being the team leader in the second half:
“I felt like anybody could’ve been the guy, but I felt like it was my turn. Seven or eight minutes later, it was Jonny [Flynn]’s turn, so it’s going to be real tough to stop this backcourt that we have. We can get to the hole, we can shoot the ball, it’s going to be a long season for the guys that have to guard us.”
