Student-Athlete Quotes
Senior forward James Southerland
What did you think of the ball movement in tonights’ game?
“We did a good job moving the ball but I think we still need to improve on that and we also need to improve on cutting down our turnovers. We had 19 today.”
What did you think about this season’s roster of players?
“It was looking good -- especially for the newcomers. We have the fresh guys like DaJuan (Coleman), who played great today. He did a good job down there in the low post. We have Jerami (Grant), who knows how to play. He’s doing a good job on the defensive end. “
Junior center Baye Moussa Kieta
How much more comfortable are you as a junior?
“In the three years , I’ve learned a lot. Now I feel like I score more -- my position on the court is helping me score. So, I’m trying to learn from that.”
Do you prefer playing in the middle or one the sides in the back line?
“I tried to play forward the other day, but I was kind of confused. I played forward when I was here freshman year for a little bit like at the beginning, but after that I was playing center.”
Is it harder to play center?
“Yes, because you have to talk a lot. In our zone, the way it is designed, we are like a quarterback on the football team. We have to talk a lot.”
Sophomore guard Michael Carter-Williams
What’s the most important thing to take away from a game like this?
“I just think we need to play Syracuse basketball and not play down to our opponent, especially in these exhibition games. Pace came out and played hard and played well. I just think it was a good learning experience for us.”
How exciting was it to get out there and start playing again?
“It’s great. We’re all excited. We’re all pumped up for the moment. I think we’re all excited for game two.”
How did it feel, this being your first time starting at point guard and running the show?
“It was good. It was fun. I had a fun time playing with my teammates. There are definitely things we need to fix. We definitely had too many turnovers, especially between me and Brandon. We just need to have better communication.”
What did you think of the ball movement in tonights’ game?
“We did a good job moving the ball but I think we still need to improve on that and we also need to improve on cutting down our turnovers. We had 19 today.”
What did you think about this season’s roster of players?
“It was looking good -- especially for the newcomers. We have the fresh guys like DaJuan (Coleman), who played great today. He did a good job down there in the low post. We have Jerami (Grant), who knows how to play. He’s doing a good job on the defensive end. “
Junior center Baye Moussa Kieta
How much more comfortable are you as a junior?
“In the three years , I’ve learned a lot. Now I feel like I score more -- my position on the court is helping me score. So, I’m trying to learn from that.”
Do you prefer playing in the middle or one the sides in the back line?
“I tried to play forward the other day, but I was kind of confused. I played forward when I was here freshman year for a little bit like at the beginning, but after that I was playing center.”
Is it harder to play center?
“Yes, because you have to talk a lot. In our zone, the way it is designed, we are like a quarterback on the football team. We have to talk a lot.”
Sophomore guard Michael Carter-Williams
What’s the most important thing to take away from a game like this?
“I just think we need to play Syracuse basketball and not play down to our opponent, especially in these exhibition games. Pace came out and played hard and played well. I just think it was a good learning experience for us.”
How exciting was it to get out there and start playing again?
“It’s great. We’re all excited. We’re all pumped up for the moment. I think we’re all excited for game two.”
How did it feel, this being your first time starting at point guard and running the show?
“It was good. It was fun. I had a fun time playing with my teammates. There are definitely things we need to fix. We definitely had too many turnovers, especially between me and Brandon. We just need to have better communication.”
