Student-Athlete Quotes
Syracuse vs. Monmouth
December 8, 2012
Carrier Dome
Syracuse, N.Y. – Carrier Dome
Michael Carter-Williams, sophomore, guard
What do you think was the key to Syracuse's defense today against Monmouth?
“Just to get under the shooters and keep the ball from penetration. We played well as a team. We were moving on each pass, we were getting deflections, to keep the defense going and keep working hard.”
You said last year you wouldn’t be in the position if you hadn’t sat out. What did you learn last year that you’ve used this year?
“It kept me patient. It taught me that I still have a lot of work to do. I was looking forward to so much this year and I wanted to be prepared. I went into practice and competed against Dion (Waiters) and Scoop (Jardine) every day. I tried to make them better which helped make me better. I think it’s all showing now.”
Can you talk about the unselfishness of the team?
“We aren’t a selfish team. I don’t think there is anyone on the team who is a selfish basketball player. We all like to pass the ball to each other which I think has a lot to do with us as a group. We all hang out with each other and we are friends. There is no drama on the team. We all just really love each other.”
Rakeem Christmas, sophomore, forward
What is your favorite part of the game?
“Dunking. I love dunking and passing the ball.”
Talk about the dynamic of the team – 30 assists, 16 alone for Michael (Carter-Williams).
“We play the ball. When someone is open, you give them the ball. We try and prepare for someone to make a good shot. Michael (Carter-Williams) is always trying to pass the ball. He is always looking out for the people. And first thing’s first -- he wants to pass the ball.”
What's your impression of Michael (Carter-Williams)?
“He makes it very easy. He is always looking out for someone open and just knowing that makes me want to get open more.”
Trevor Cooney, redshirt freshman, guard
You guys have now won 27 straight games at home. What do you think you guys need to do as a team in order to keep the success going?
“We have a great fan base here that comes out to every game. And to get them going we have to come out hard and make plays. That’s what we are trying to do.”
What are you guys doing this week? I know you have finals this week but what do you think you guys need to work on?
“We could work on our press a little bit and stay hot from the outside and get shots up.”
Would you rather be taking a week off or just keep going?
“I mean I wish we could keep going. But we have finals coming up and other stuff to worry about. This is a good time for us, coming off of last week, to get our bodies healed and get ready for our upcoming games.”
You seem to get a little bit of life in the building every time you score a three. What does it feel like to hit a big shot and feel that eruption?
“When you got 21,000 behind you when you make a shot it’s fun. It really gets you going which makes playing basketball fun.”
December 8, 2012
Carrier Dome
Syracuse, N.Y. – Carrier Dome
Michael Carter-Williams, sophomore, guard
What do you think was the key to Syracuse's defense today against Monmouth?
“Just to get under the shooters and keep the ball from penetration. We played well as a team. We were moving on each pass, we were getting deflections, to keep the defense going and keep working hard.”
You said last year you wouldn’t be in the position if you hadn’t sat out. What did you learn last year that you’ve used this year?
“It kept me patient. It taught me that I still have a lot of work to do. I was looking forward to so much this year and I wanted to be prepared. I went into practice and competed against Dion (Waiters) and Scoop (Jardine) every day. I tried to make them better which helped make me better. I think it’s all showing now.”
Can you talk about the unselfishness of the team?
“We aren’t a selfish team. I don’t think there is anyone on the team who is a selfish basketball player. We all like to pass the ball to each other which I think has a lot to do with us as a group. We all hang out with each other and we are friends. There is no drama on the team. We all just really love each other.”
Rakeem Christmas, sophomore, forward
What is your favorite part of the game?
“Dunking. I love dunking and passing the ball.”
Talk about the dynamic of the team – 30 assists, 16 alone for Michael (Carter-Williams).
“We play the ball. When someone is open, you give them the ball. We try and prepare for someone to make a good shot. Michael (Carter-Williams) is always trying to pass the ball. He is always looking out for the people. And first thing’s first -- he wants to pass the ball.”
What's your impression of Michael (Carter-Williams)?
“He makes it very easy. He is always looking out for someone open and just knowing that makes me want to get open more.”
Trevor Cooney, redshirt freshman, guard
You guys have now won 27 straight games at home. What do you think you guys need to do as a team in order to keep the success going?
“We have a great fan base here that comes out to every game. And to get them going we have to come out hard and make plays. That’s what we are trying to do.”
What are you guys doing this week? I know you have finals this week but what do you think you guys need to work on?
“We could work on our press a little bit and stay hot from the outside and get shots up.”
Would you rather be taking a week off or just keep going?
“I mean I wish we could keep going. But we have finals coming up and other stuff to worry about. This is a good time for us, coming off of last week, to get our bodies healed and get ready for our upcoming games.”
You seem to get a little bit of life in the building every time you score a three. What does it feel like to hit a big shot and feel that eruption?
“When you got 21,000 behind you when you make a shot it’s fun. It really gets you going which makes playing basketball fun.”
