SUPlayerQuotes11.29.11
Syracuse vs. Eastern Michigan
November 29, 2011
Syracuse, N.Y. – Carrier Dome
November 29, 2011
Syracuse, N.Y. – Carrier Dome
Senior Forward Kris Joseph
How was it playing against former Syracuse assistant coach Rob Murphy?
“I was happy to see Coach (Murphy). That is my guy since high school. It was exciting to play him. I was just happy to get another win under our belts and get ready for Florida on Friday.”
How has the team’s play been impacted by your improved rebounding as of late?
“The main thing is, especially on the offensive glass, Coach Boehiem has been really direct towards me-- saying that I need to offensive rebound. For one, to help the team. (Secondly), to get me scoring the basketball. Even on the defensive end, I just want to help the team rebound. We need to gang rebound to win games. We are bigger than teams. We are going to have to use that to our advantage. That is all I am trying to do.”
How did Coach Murphy’s zone compare to the Syracuse zone?
“It is pretty much like our zone. I don’t think they actually do it exactly like us, but it was pretty much like our zone. We just had to get the right offense against it.”
Redshirt Senior Guard Scoop Jardine
Was tonight any different than a normal game for the team?
“Just another game. We go out there and approach every game like they are the same. No matter if we are playing Eastern Michigan or Stanford, it is the same. Tonight we came out a little sluggish. We have been our last three games. We have to do a better job. Coming down the stretch—teams are going to be better. Offensively and defensively the second half we were better. Most importantly, it is about us getting better and not worrying about what is going on around the team.”
How has Coach McNamara adjusted to his new role with the team?
“(Coach McNamara) was ready for it. He is always ready. He is a big part of our success, and he has been. I am happy to be able to work with him every day.”
Junior Forward James Southerland
Can you speak about your individual performance tonight?
“I thought it was pretty good. I have to expect to kill it every night. Just making sure, no matter what happens, you are always focused. It is easy to lose focus. Going into Madison Square Garden and not playing many minutes, I could have easily been down. Coach Autry helped me to remain focused and I came out and hit some open shots.”
Can you talk about the intensity Scoop Jarine played with at the beginning of the second half?
“We picked up our energy level by halftime and it got everybody going. Defensively, we were a little more aggressive. We were sticking on our guys. We did what we need to do.”
