Syracuse vs. George Washington Player Quotes
Syracuse vs. George Washington
December 10, 2011
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Sophomore Guard Dion Waiters
What made the difference in tonight’s game?
I just played hard and saw the floor well. On the defensive end, I just tried to make some steals.”
How important was Michael Carter-Williams’ performance tonight?
“Great. He brought his A-game. It is my job to go out there and lead by example. I try to have a lot of energy and tell Michael to go out there and match the intensity that I play with. We would be a way better team if he could contribute eight assists per game off that bench and being that spark plug.”
What was different about the offense tonight?
“We were just trying to get it together. In practice, when we run plays and play against each other, everything is working. We just have to learn to transition that success to the court and a real game. Our offense is going to get better and better each day. As long as we keep working hard, the offense will get better.”
Senior Guard Scoop Jardine
How do you feel about potentially being No. 1 in next week’s poll?
“It’s cool. It’s exciting to finally be No. 1, but the thing about us is that we want to be No. 1 after our last game. We have a tough N.C. State team next. It’s going to be a tough game, and if we play efficiently on offense and defense, we should be able to come out with the win. Our biggest thing is just getting better every day.”
What has improved about your defensive performance as a team?
“We are pressing and we are playing defense. That’s what wins championships. Our team this year is athletic and we are able to cover ground. Our bigs do a great job. Fab (Melo) takes about three charges a game and that’s what we need – putting his body on the line every game. That’s what Rick (Jackson) did for us last year – make huge plays and get Dion (Waiters) dunks. That’s the biggest part of our game and hopefully we will be a dangerous team come March.”
Will it be tough getting back into the swing of things after exams?
“I think we need this time right now to focus on us getting better, especially on the offensive end. We will have practice every day this week coming up. Coach (Boeheim) wants us to focus on offense and getting better so we are ready when we face N.C. State.”
Freshman Guard Michael Carter-Williams
How important is it facing teams like George Washington?
“I think it’s very important – getting myself used to facing different types of pressures and getting ready for N.C. State.”
How were you able to see the court so well with eight assists and no turnovers?
“It’s something I have been doing since I picked up a basketball really. I was always taught to find the open man. I just have to trust my team and stay confident that they will finish the job.”
Did you expect the team’s chemistry to be as good as it is this early in the season?
“Coming in as a freshman, I really did not know what to expect. I know we are definitely clicking as a team and getting better and better each day.”
Did you have a favorite out of all eight of your assists?
“Dion’s dunks were great, but we see that all of the time out of him. I think my favorite was to Baye (Keita) when he made the lay-up because I know that a lot of people have been getting on him about catching the ball, but that time he proved he could finish the ball with contact. When that play happened, I was really excited for him and the rest of my team.”
December 10, 2011
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Sophomore Guard Dion Waiters
What made the difference in tonight’s game?
I just played hard and saw the floor well. On the defensive end, I just tried to make some steals.”
How important was Michael Carter-Williams’ performance tonight?
“Great. He brought his A-game. It is my job to go out there and lead by example. I try to have a lot of energy and tell Michael to go out there and match the intensity that I play with. We would be a way better team if he could contribute eight assists per game off that bench and being that spark plug.”
What was different about the offense tonight?
“We were just trying to get it together. In practice, when we run plays and play against each other, everything is working. We just have to learn to transition that success to the court and a real game. Our offense is going to get better and better each day. As long as we keep working hard, the offense will get better.”
Senior Guard Scoop Jardine
How do you feel about potentially being No. 1 in next week’s poll?
“It’s cool. It’s exciting to finally be No. 1, but the thing about us is that we want to be No. 1 after our last game. We have a tough N.C. State team next. It’s going to be a tough game, and if we play efficiently on offense and defense, we should be able to come out with the win. Our biggest thing is just getting better every day.”
What has improved about your defensive performance as a team?
“We are pressing and we are playing defense. That’s what wins championships. Our team this year is athletic and we are able to cover ground. Our bigs do a great job. Fab (Melo) takes about three charges a game and that’s what we need – putting his body on the line every game. That’s what Rick (Jackson) did for us last year – make huge plays and get Dion (Waiters) dunks. That’s the biggest part of our game and hopefully we will be a dangerous team come March.”
Will it be tough getting back into the swing of things after exams?
“I think we need this time right now to focus on us getting better, especially on the offensive end. We will have practice every day this week coming up. Coach (Boeheim) wants us to focus on offense and getting better so we are ready when we face N.C. State.”
Freshman Guard Michael Carter-Williams
How important is it facing teams like George Washington?
“I think it’s very important – getting myself used to facing different types of pressures and getting ready for N.C. State.”
How were you able to see the court so well with eight assists and no turnovers?
“It’s something I have been doing since I picked up a basketball really. I was always taught to find the open man. I just have to trust my team and stay confident that they will finish the job.”
Did you expect the team’s chemistry to be as good as it is this early in the season?
“Coming in as a freshman, I really did not know what to expect. I know we are definitely clicking as a team and getting better and better each day.”
Did you have a favorite out of all eight of your assists?
“Dion’s dunks were great, but we see that all of the time out of him. I think my favorite was to Baye (Keita) when he made the lay-up because I know that a lot of people have been getting on him about catching the ball, but that time he proved he could finish the ball with contact. When that play happened, I was really excited for him and the rest of my team.”
