Student-Athlete Quotes - Duke
Syracuse Men’s Basketball
Syracuse vs. Duke
February 1, 2014
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
Syracuse Student-Athlete Quotes
Tyler Ennis, Freshman, Guard
Can you describe the atmosphere?
“First of all its crazy, two of the best teams going at it. We just started a new rivalry and it was a storybook ending for us. When it went into overtime it was fitting.”
A lot of teams feel sorry for themselves when the other team chucks it from half court so how were you able to come out into overtime and play?
“It was a big shot, especially on this stage. But we had to bounce back. Trevor (Cooney) got a hand in his (Rasheed Sulaimon) face and he made a good shot. We have to live with the results and luckily we were up by enough.”
Two of the best defensive teams in the country, were you surprised the winner had to score 91?
“I think it shows the talent that was on the floor today. Both teams played really good defense, but it was just being able to score and I really think it showed the talent of both teams.”
Duke comes out with a three (in OT) and all of a sudden it goes from the game is over and now you are down by three. What does it say about this team’s ability to not get rattled and hang in there?
“It shows our heart. We have been in a lot of tough games and we know how to fight our way out. It was one of our only overtime games. It was tough fighting back in overtime, but I think we did a great job of exploiting mismatches.”
Rakeem Christmas, Junior, Center
Coach (Boeheim) said it was the best game in the Carrier Dome he has ever been a part of. What was it like to play in this game?
“It was a great atmosphere. A lot of fans were here to support us. It was one of the greatest games I played in myself. It was a great game and I am glad we won.”
What does it do for you guys winning this game, does it show you anything or is it just another win?
“It is just another win. We play every game the same — just go out there have fun and play hard.”
Playing against Amile Jefferson down low, what was that challenge like?
“We had to stay back on him. We had to zone the post and stay on our feet.”
What is going through your mind going into overtime?
“We have to keep our composure, get ready to play defense, play the plays coach told us to run. We didn’t rush anything, we just kept our composure.”
C.J. Fair, Senior, Forward
Can you describe playing in a game like this, given the atmosphere and the drama?
“It was a great atmosphere, and it was a big part in us coming away with such a big win. It feels like the rivalry has been going on for 30 years already, so I’m looking forward to all the games to come.”
How did the crowd affect your play, and their [Duke’s] play for that matter?
“The crowd was really unbelievable. I’m surprised every week at how much energy they have cheering us on, and it makes us want to play that much harder for them. They really help control the momentum of the game too, especially when they started hitting shots, it kept us composed and helped us get back into the game.”
How were you guys able to keep your heads up after they hit that last shot at the end of regulation?
“I was supposed to foul on that play but I wasn’t able to get close enough to make a play on the ball. They had been hitting big, difficult shots for the majority of the night, and we really needed to bounce back quickly.”
Jerami Grant, Sophomore, Forward
Can you describe the playing environment?
“It was incredible, a great game between two of the best teams and programs in the country. And to have all the fans come out and support us, it really provided for an amazing environment.”
How were you guys able to collect yourselves after they hit that shot at the end of regulation?
“We knew we would be fine. They hit a couple of tough shots throughout regulation and in overtime, so it wasn’t all that shocking that he was able to hit just one more. We just needed to regroup and compose ourselves for overtime, and I think we did a good job of that.”
Did you guys see any mismatches going into overtime given Duke’s foul trouble?
“Definitely. They were playing small, so we knew we would have a lot of mismatches on the floor, especially inside.”
Syracuse vs. Duke
February 1, 2014
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
Syracuse Student-Athlete Quotes
Tyler Ennis, Freshman, Guard
Can you describe the atmosphere?
“First of all its crazy, two of the best teams going at it. We just started a new rivalry and it was a storybook ending for us. When it went into overtime it was fitting.”
A lot of teams feel sorry for themselves when the other team chucks it from half court so how were you able to come out into overtime and play?
“It was a big shot, especially on this stage. But we had to bounce back. Trevor (Cooney) got a hand in his (Rasheed Sulaimon) face and he made a good shot. We have to live with the results and luckily we were up by enough.”
Two of the best defensive teams in the country, were you surprised the winner had to score 91?
“I think it shows the talent that was on the floor today. Both teams played really good defense, but it was just being able to score and I really think it showed the talent of both teams.”
Duke comes out with a three (in OT) and all of a sudden it goes from the game is over and now you are down by three. What does it say about this team’s ability to not get rattled and hang in there?
“It shows our heart. We have been in a lot of tough games and we know how to fight our way out. It was one of our only overtime games. It was tough fighting back in overtime, but I think we did a great job of exploiting mismatches.”
Rakeem Christmas, Junior, Center
Coach (Boeheim) said it was the best game in the Carrier Dome he has ever been a part of. What was it like to play in this game?
“It was a great atmosphere. A lot of fans were here to support us. It was one of the greatest games I played in myself. It was a great game and I am glad we won.”
What does it do for you guys winning this game, does it show you anything or is it just another win?
“It is just another win. We play every game the same — just go out there have fun and play hard.”
Playing against Amile Jefferson down low, what was that challenge like?
“We had to stay back on him. We had to zone the post and stay on our feet.”
What is going through your mind going into overtime?
“We have to keep our composure, get ready to play defense, play the plays coach told us to run. We didn’t rush anything, we just kept our composure.”
C.J. Fair, Senior, Forward
Can you describe playing in a game like this, given the atmosphere and the drama?
“It was a great atmosphere, and it was a big part in us coming away with such a big win. It feels like the rivalry has been going on for 30 years already, so I’m looking forward to all the games to come.”
How did the crowd affect your play, and their [Duke’s] play for that matter?
“The crowd was really unbelievable. I’m surprised every week at how much energy they have cheering us on, and it makes us want to play that much harder for them. They really help control the momentum of the game too, especially when they started hitting shots, it kept us composed and helped us get back into the game.”
How were you guys able to keep your heads up after they hit that last shot at the end of regulation?
“I was supposed to foul on that play but I wasn’t able to get close enough to make a play on the ball. They had been hitting big, difficult shots for the majority of the night, and we really needed to bounce back quickly.”
Jerami Grant, Sophomore, Forward
Can you describe the playing environment?
“It was incredible, a great game between two of the best teams and programs in the country. And to have all the fans come out and support us, it really provided for an amazing environment.”
How were you guys able to collect yourselves after they hit that shot at the end of regulation?
“We knew we would be fine. They hit a couple of tough shots throughout regulation and in overtime, so it wasn’t all that shocking that he was able to hit just one more. We just needed to regroup and compose ourselves for overtime, and I think we did a good job of that.”
Did you guys see any mismatches going into overtime given Duke’s foul trouble?
“Definitely. They were playing small, so we knew we would have a lot of mismatches on the floor, especially inside.”
