Student-Athlete Quotes - Oakland
Syracuse Men’s Basketball
Syracuse vs. Oakland
November 20, 2017
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Tyus Battle, So., G
How different is your game offensively from last year to this year?
“I don’t think I am that much different, I just think that I’m more confident and confidence is key in anything in life. I’m more confident now and I am trying to be aggressive.”
When you see a game like that out of Paschal Chukwu, how much does that excite you guys?
“I was really excited out there. I know that he can do that every night. He blocks shots and he gets put-back dunks. He’s been doing that since the summertime. He’s improved a lot this year so I’m happy.”
Can you describe the defensive intensity that surrounds this team?
“It is different from last year. I think we have good guys who can really play the zone well. We’re athletic, versatile and we can move. It’s going to give a lot of teams problems this year. Our defense has been better every game.”
Paschal Chukwu, Jr., C
How would you say you are fitting into the team, offensively and defensively?
“Comparing this to the first game there was a huge jump. I’m getting more comfortable. Playing in as many games as possible allows my teammates to trust me more in a game-time situation.”
Do you ever sense any hesitation on the opposing team after you’ve blocked a couple shots?
“Going in every game I try to block everything. Sometimes they have to change their shot, which is what we want.”
What is your mindset when you see that the other team’s tallest guys are so much shorter than you?
“I try to use my height to dominate the game and I think I did that today.”
Do you feel more comfortable on the offensive end?
“Yes, definitely. I’m starting to figure out where my strong suit is. My teammates did a good job today getting me the ball.”
Marek Dolezaj, Fr., F
What does it do for the defense, especially the zone, that you can alter all these 3’s that tonight they wanted to take?
“I’m trying to really help the team and it is my job to play defense, block shots and get rebounds.”
It’s unusual for a guy who doesn’t score a single point in the game to come out of the game and the fans cheer for him. What were you thinking as you went to the bench?
“I think the fans see how I fight and hustle, even though I (didn’t score).”
Frank Howard, Jr., G
How is your game this year compared to last year?
“I feel like I just had to get my body right and get more into being a student of the game. Not that I wasn’t before, but start looking at different things, different spots, different angles on where to attack. I want to be more patient with the ball. Last year, I wanted to play. Coach would emphasize playing fast and getting shots. I want to control the game and play at my own pace, and play fast as well.”
This is a stretch of several games in a short amount of days. How difficult is that?
“We are used to it. We have to go in tomorrow, get treatment, and get a good practice in. We need to get sweating, and be ready to go at it on Wednesday.”
Syracuse vs. Oakland
November 20, 2017
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Tyus Battle, So., G
How different is your game offensively from last year to this year?
“I don’t think I am that much different, I just think that I’m more confident and confidence is key in anything in life. I’m more confident now and I am trying to be aggressive.”
When you see a game like that out of Paschal Chukwu, how much does that excite you guys?
“I was really excited out there. I know that he can do that every night. He blocks shots and he gets put-back dunks. He’s been doing that since the summertime. He’s improved a lot this year so I’m happy.”
Can you describe the defensive intensity that surrounds this team?
“It is different from last year. I think we have good guys who can really play the zone well. We’re athletic, versatile and we can move. It’s going to give a lot of teams problems this year. Our defense has been better every game.”
Paschal Chukwu, Jr., C
How would you say you are fitting into the team, offensively and defensively?
“Comparing this to the first game there was a huge jump. I’m getting more comfortable. Playing in as many games as possible allows my teammates to trust me more in a game-time situation.”
Do you ever sense any hesitation on the opposing team after you’ve blocked a couple shots?
“Going in every game I try to block everything. Sometimes they have to change their shot, which is what we want.”
What is your mindset when you see that the other team’s tallest guys are so much shorter than you?
“I try to use my height to dominate the game and I think I did that today.”
Do you feel more comfortable on the offensive end?
“Yes, definitely. I’m starting to figure out where my strong suit is. My teammates did a good job today getting me the ball.”
Marek Dolezaj, Fr., F
What does it do for the defense, especially the zone, that you can alter all these 3’s that tonight they wanted to take?
“I’m trying to really help the team and it is my job to play defense, block shots and get rebounds.”
It’s unusual for a guy who doesn’t score a single point in the game to come out of the game and the fans cheer for him. What were you thinking as you went to the bench?
“I think the fans see how I fight and hustle, even though I (didn’t score).”
Frank Howard, Jr., G
How is your game this year compared to last year?
“I feel like I just had to get my body right and get more into being a student of the game. Not that I wasn’t before, but start looking at different things, different spots, different angles on where to attack. I want to be more patient with the ball. Last year, I wanted to play. Coach would emphasize playing fast and getting shots. I want to control the game and play at my own pace, and play fast as well.”
This is a stretch of several games in a short amount of days. How difficult is that?
“We are used to it. We have to go in tomorrow, get treatment, and get a good practice in. We need to get sweating, and be ready to go at it on Wednesday.”
