Student-Athlete Quotes Oakland
Syracuse vs. Oakland
December 22, 2009
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Brandon Triche, Freshman, Guard
On his career-high 27 points and feeling comfortable on the court
"I am just getting more comfortable. I was texting with my friend that goes to Canisius and he was telling me that we were both kind of struggling and to try and get back to the high school days when we were having fun, playing comfortable and making shots. That's what I tried to do tonight."
On being more aggressive
"I am just trying to play my game, take a few more shots, and be more aggressive. I tested the waters during the game. Once my first two shots went in, my confidence was very high. I knew I could get to the basket because they were over-playing me. That opened up my game a lot tonight.
On almost breaking the freshman scoring record
"I actually didn't know I was close. What did Melo score, 33? I guess I have 20 more games to try for that mark. I am just trying to play my game and get better everyday. If I am not scoring then I try to run the team from the point guard position and get the guys to the right places on the court."
Wes Johnson, Junior, Forward
On the team's confidence
"We go into each game with a lot of confidence. We have a lot of stuff to work on coming back from break, but I think everyone still has the confidence and we are ready for conference play."
On the team as a family
"This is how we play. This is how we have played since the preseason. We feel comfortable with each other. We are a big family. Everyone will keep in touch when we go home for the holidays. That's why it rolls over to playing so well on the court."
On starting conference play, and not playing just one game a week
"It felt good to have a quick turn around tonight after playing St. Bonaventure just three days ago. It sets us up good after playing the Bonnies and then playing well tonight against Oakland. We have to put a lot of work in over the break and get ready for conference play when we get back."
Andy Rautins, Senior, Guard
On the team making the extra pass
"You have to get excited when you make the extra pass. It is huge in basketball now. I see it in the NBA everyday. I watch games with my teammates and when we see the extra pass we go nuts because it shows the unselfishness. It enables your teammates to get an open look, and it is a big play in basketball these days."
On the combination of making tough shots and hitting open shots
"It is a combination of both. Everybody is being in the right spot and we are being unselfish. When you have both those things going for you, we are a tough team to beat. We are going to keep these things in mind, we are going to continue to play unselfishly, and we will be ready for conference."
On Brandon Triche
"Brandon has greatly improved his outside shooting from the beginning of the season. He has a great work ethic, and he is only going to get better. He has proven himself as three-point threat which only makes him tougher to guard. He still has room to improve which is a scary shot. But we are enjoying watching him blossom and he is going to turn into one heck of a player."
On Seton Hall
"We can't wait. It is going to be a true test. It is our first true road game. We had a lot of fans down in Florida, but it is going to be a great crowd. They have only lost one game so far. They are a great team. Every team in the big east is a good team. We are looking forward to proving ourselves once again."
