Boeheim Maine
Coach Jim Boeheim Quotes
Syracuse vs. Maine
December 5, 2009
Carrier Dome- Syracuse, N.Y.
Opening statement:
“We shot the ball real well in the first half. When we make shots, we’re real difficult to defend. We opened up the middle of the court and we did a good job of getting the ball to the right people and moving the ball. It was very unselfish play and we made shots.”
On the defense’s play
“I think we’re physically bigger this year. We’re longer at the guard spots and we’re just bigger than we’ve been in a long time. When they got the ball inside a couple of times and Wes [Johnson] comes over and blocks them. In years past, that would have been two points. We’re able to do those things that we haven’t been able to do in a while. We’re blocking a lot of shots and we end up scoring instead of the other team scoring.”
On Mookie Jones’ and Andy Rautins' play
“Well he’s worked hard and he’s shooting the ball better. He’s getting an opportunity now to get in and do some things. He’s playing behind someone who is playing tremendous (Andy Rautins). Andy is playing about the best you can play without trying to score. He’s playing tremendous basketball.”
On Kris Joseph’s play
“Well, we think Mookie [Jones], Scoop [Jardine] and Kris [Joseph] are good enough to be out there all the time. We think of them as starters, and we expect them to play like starters.”
On the upcoming game against Florida
“Florida is very good. I think they’re really a much better team than they were last year. They were right on the edge of the NCAA and they’re a much different team. [Kyle] McClanahan is a McDonald’s All-American and a tremendous player. They’re much faster up the court. They have veteran guys. They just have a real good team. They beat Michigan State on a neutral court. Carolina was hard-pressed to beat them at home. I think Florida is a top 10 team, I really do. They’ll be a great test for us. We’re going to take tomorrow off and have a couple good days of practice before the game.”
