Student-Athlete Quotes - St. Francis Brooklyn
Syracuse vs. St. Francis Brooklyn
November 18, 2013
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Jerami Grant, Sophomore, Forward
How did you think the game went?
“I felt like we were going to come back and win the game. We had a couple close calls over the summer when we went to Canada. I figured that we could pull it off.”
Can you take us through that one play where you got the steal and got it down the court to Michael (Gbinije)?
“He was getting the ball a lot and he was going up to shoot the ball. I knew I had to help the center so instead of staying out on the shooter, I just came in and grabbed the ball.”
How about the second half in general – C.J. (Fair) was struggling and it seemed like you stepped up and made it a point to go out there and make plays?
“(I) definitely didn’t want to lose the game. So we had to win. C.J. (Fair) was having a rough night. They (St. Francis Brooklyn) were focusing on him for most of the offense. So somebody had to step up.”
How does a game like this help knowing that it wasn’t a blow out and that you guys had to dig?
“It definitely helps, especially for this upcoming tournament in Maui. I think we are going to go out there and play well. Even if we do get in situations like the one we were in today, I think we will prevail.”
DaJuan Coleman, Sophomore, Center
It looks like you came out with energy in the first half today and were really hitting the boards. Is that something you have been working on?
“Definitely. If I don’t get the ball down low, I still have the opportunity to get an offensive rebound. That’s what I tried to do.”
What’s the biggest thing defensively you could have done better?
“Today I think I could have definitely fronted the low post better but I didn’t. I have to keep working and practice for next week.”
What is your primary focus in terms of getting some of your points?
“If I do get the ball down low, definitely score, but if I don’t I still have the opportunity, to get an offensive rebound and score that way. That is my main focus.”
Michael Gbinje, Sophomore, Guard
The play where Jerami (Grant) came up with the steal and started the fast break -- can you take me through that?
“I saw a seven-foot wingspan go across my face and snatch the ball so immediately I thought I was Usain Bolt and I took off. Shout out to him (Jerami) for making a good pass and for giving me a look.”
How do you adjust when you are playing the other team’s style of play?
“You have to be more physical. We had some turnovers in the game, but I felt we limited some turnovers, especially towards the end of the game. That helped us. Credit to them, they really got after us and made us really compete on both sides of the floor. For future references we have to toughen up and be stronger with the ball.”
Talk about what it feels like to have the winning basket?
“It feels good. At the same time it’s still a team. I wouldn’t have gotten that if it wasn’t for Jerami Grant. If (Coach) Boeheim hadn’t have put me in, I wouldn’t even have had the chance to lay it up. So I’m just thankful for everyone that helped contribute to that play.”
C.J. Fair, Senior, Forward
What can you take from this game going forward?
“Know how to close games and adjust to how other teams are playing. They had a good inside game, we should have adjusted earlier to prevent that.”
What was the feeling in the second half when you were behind them for most of the half?
“It makes you want to get that stop that much more. When the game is on the line and you miss a stop the game could be over. It brings a fight out of us. “
November 18, 2013
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Jerami Grant, Sophomore, Forward
How did you think the game went?
“I felt like we were going to come back and win the game. We had a couple close calls over the summer when we went to Canada. I figured that we could pull it off.”
Can you take us through that one play where you got the steal and got it down the court to Michael (Gbinije)?
“He was getting the ball a lot and he was going up to shoot the ball. I knew I had to help the center so instead of staying out on the shooter, I just came in and grabbed the ball.”
How about the second half in general – C.J. (Fair) was struggling and it seemed like you stepped up and made it a point to go out there and make plays?
“(I) definitely didn’t want to lose the game. So we had to win. C.J. (Fair) was having a rough night. They (St. Francis Brooklyn) were focusing on him for most of the offense. So somebody had to step up.”
How does a game like this help knowing that it wasn’t a blow out and that you guys had to dig?
“It definitely helps, especially for this upcoming tournament in Maui. I think we are going to go out there and play well. Even if we do get in situations like the one we were in today, I think we will prevail.”
DaJuan Coleman, Sophomore, Center
It looks like you came out with energy in the first half today and were really hitting the boards. Is that something you have been working on?
“Definitely. If I don’t get the ball down low, I still have the opportunity to get an offensive rebound. That’s what I tried to do.”
What’s the biggest thing defensively you could have done better?
“Today I think I could have definitely fronted the low post better but I didn’t. I have to keep working and practice for next week.”
What is your primary focus in terms of getting some of your points?
“If I do get the ball down low, definitely score, but if I don’t I still have the opportunity, to get an offensive rebound and score that way. That is my main focus.”
Michael Gbinje, Sophomore, Guard
The play where Jerami (Grant) came up with the steal and started the fast break -- can you take me through that?
“I saw a seven-foot wingspan go across my face and snatch the ball so immediately I thought I was Usain Bolt and I took off. Shout out to him (Jerami) for making a good pass and for giving me a look.”
How do you adjust when you are playing the other team’s style of play?
“You have to be more physical. We had some turnovers in the game, but I felt we limited some turnovers, especially towards the end of the game. That helped us. Credit to them, they really got after us and made us really compete on both sides of the floor. For future references we have to toughen up and be stronger with the ball.”
Talk about what it feels like to have the winning basket?
“It feels good. At the same time it’s still a team. I wouldn’t have gotten that if it wasn’t for Jerami Grant. If (Coach) Boeheim hadn’t have put me in, I wouldn’t even have had the chance to lay it up. So I’m just thankful for everyone that helped contribute to that play.”
C.J. Fair, Senior, Forward
What can you take from this game going forward?
“Know how to close games and adjust to how other teams are playing. They had a good inside game, we should have adjusted earlier to prevent that.”
What was the feeling in the second half when you were behind them for most of the half?
“It makes you want to get that stop that much more. When the game is on the line and you miss a stop the game could be over. It brings a fight out of us. “
