2011 NCAA Selection Player Quotes
Scoop Jardine, Redshirt Junior, Guard
On how he felt when he saw that Syracuse received the No. 3 seed in the East:
“It’s always a great feeling when you see your name come up. We were all together in the room (watching the selection show). I was certain we were going to be a No. 3 seed. We were just wondering who were going to play and where we were going to be.”
On what he knows about Indiana State:
“Larry Bird went there. I really haven’t seen them this year, but we’ll look at who they played and how much they beat them by. I see they lost to Purdue by 13. They played Notre Dame tough. They’re in the tournament so they are going to be a tough team. We just have to play Syracuse Basketball and do what we have to do to win.”
On the team’s confidence going into the tournament:
“Playing in it (the NCAA Tournament) last year, we won two games. We came close, made it to the Sweet 16. Knowing what it takes. We know the focus you have to have, so I really feel confident in myself and in my teammates that were there with me last year and tasted it, knowing what it takes to win. It’s doable (winning the national championship). That’s why I have so much confidence.”
Rick Jackson, Senior, Forward
On how motivated he is playing in his final NCAA Tournament:
“I’m just ready to go. This is my last go around. I’m trying to go out with a bang. Seeing those guys (the seniors) last year once we lost, that was just a bad feeling to have knowing that’s your last game. I just want to end on a good note.”
On the strength of the East Region, specifically Villanova and Marquette:
“Playing against those teams you know it’s going to be a hard game. When it comes to playing against them you just have to go out there and play hard. You know what they’re going to do because you’ve played them. They beat us, so we’re looking forward to playing those teams to get some revenge back. You know whoever we play, we play. We’re just going to go out there and play hard.”
Brandon Triche, Senior, Guard
On guarding Indiana State’s 3-point shooters:
“We’re definitely going to focus, as guards, on their 3-point shooting. I think lately, the year’s we’ve won, we’ve stopped guys from shooting a lot (of threes) and making a lot (of threes). If we’re able to get out on the shooters, we’ll make it tough for them.”
On playing in Cleveland versus someplace out west:
“Our team probably wants to be in the sun. You know 80 degrees and what not. But our fans are definitely going to travel. There’s going to be mostly Orange (fans) wherever we play in the east.”
