Syracuse Student-Athlete Quotes
Syracuse Men’s Basketball
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh
February 21, 2015
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Trevor Cooney, Redshirt Junior, Guard
How resilient is this team coming back in the second half after being down nine?
“We were definitely down. We came back better defensively in the second half. Getting rebounds and making them work for tough shots. I’m proud of the guys.”
How did you feel Pittsburgh played?
“They did a lot of things well. They moved the ball well, they really know how to play in the dead zone against the two-three. They know how to work us and make us work on defense. They were able to make some shots which was tough for us.”
What are your thoughts on going to Notre Dame?
“We’re all really looking forward to it. Rak (Christmas) played there and I got a chance to see them when I redshirted. It’s a fun place to be and a fun place to play so we are really looking forward to it.”
Michael Gbinije, Junior, Guard/Forward
What did you think of the fouls after the team made a great comeback?
“It is frustrating, but at the same time we should not put ourselves in that situation to begin with. It’s frustrating knowing that things could have been different if a call or two were different. We had opportunities and did not take advantage of them tonight. It’s disappointing. It is really hard to beat a team twice a year in your league and Pitt did it.”
How did you feel Pittsburgh played?
“Pitt did a good job being patient in the paint and getting it there. We did not do a good job locating a few shooters that we knew we wanted to get on before the game. We didn’t follow the game plan and it cost us tonight.”
How do you feel about going to Notre Dame?
“I’m excited for it. As soon as you lose a game you want to play again and I am looking to go in there and get a win. It is going to be fun. I hope we are ready for the challenge.”
Rakeem Christmas, Senior, Center
What are your thoughts on today’s game?
“It’s really frustrating. You just have to put it behind you and get ready for Notre Dame. They are a really good team.”
Can you comment on the last foul that was called against you?
“It’s frustrating. I have to put it behind me and get ready for the next game. This game is over so it is time to get ready for Notre Dame.”
B.J. Johnson, Sophomore, Forward
What did he learn today?
“They overplayed Rak (Christmas) at times and he did a good job of kicking it out. I was just stepping in and making the open shots. “
How do you feel about going to Notre Dame?
“They are a great team. We have to change our defensive focus a little bit but if we execute as well as we can, and play as hard as we can, we should be good.”
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh
February 21, 2015
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Trevor Cooney, Redshirt Junior, Guard
How resilient is this team coming back in the second half after being down nine?
“We were definitely down. We came back better defensively in the second half. Getting rebounds and making them work for tough shots. I’m proud of the guys.”
How did you feel Pittsburgh played?
“They did a lot of things well. They moved the ball well, they really know how to play in the dead zone against the two-three. They know how to work us and make us work on defense. They were able to make some shots which was tough for us.”
What are your thoughts on going to Notre Dame?
“We’re all really looking forward to it. Rak (Christmas) played there and I got a chance to see them when I redshirted. It’s a fun place to be and a fun place to play so we are really looking forward to it.”
Michael Gbinije, Junior, Guard/Forward
What did you think of the fouls after the team made a great comeback?
“It is frustrating, but at the same time we should not put ourselves in that situation to begin with. It’s frustrating knowing that things could have been different if a call or two were different. We had opportunities and did not take advantage of them tonight. It’s disappointing. It is really hard to beat a team twice a year in your league and Pitt did it.”
How did you feel Pittsburgh played?
“Pitt did a good job being patient in the paint and getting it there. We did not do a good job locating a few shooters that we knew we wanted to get on before the game. We didn’t follow the game plan and it cost us tonight.”
How do you feel about going to Notre Dame?
“I’m excited for it. As soon as you lose a game you want to play again and I am looking to go in there and get a win. It is going to be fun. I hope we are ready for the challenge.”
Rakeem Christmas, Senior, Center
What are your thoughts on today’s game?
“It’s really frustrating. You just have to put it behind you and get ready for Notre Dame. They are a really good team.”
Can you comment on the last foul that was called against you?
“It’s frustrating. I have to put it behind me and get ready for the next game. This game is over so it is time to get ready for Notre Dame.”
B.J. Johnson, Sophomore, Forward
What did he learn today?
“They overplayed Rak (Christmas) at times and he did a good job of kicking it out. I was just stepping in and making the open shots. “
How do you feel about going to Notre Dame?
“They are a great team. We have to change our defensive focus a little bit but if we execute as well as we can, and play as hard as we can, we should be good.”
