Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jim O’Brien Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/2/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jim O’Brien Quotes
Dec. 2, 1999
On Duquesne
“This is not going to be an easy game for us. Duquesne is very athletic. They are a much-improved team from last season and will be ready to go up against us. Darelle Porter has done a great job rebuilding this team.
“Wayne Smith is a great player. From the game tapes we have seen, he does a lot for this team. He has great size and can lead this team offensively and makes the big plays defensively. This is saying a lot for a kid who is only a sophomore, but he is an experienced leader for this team.
On Game Experience
“We need to get more experience in game situations. Playing in an empty practice gym compared to a 17,000 fan filled arena is two extreme settings for these guys to be playing in. The only way they can get game experience is playing in these games.”
On Comparisons of Last Season
“There are a lot of missing ingredients from last season, but we are not the same team from last season. We have a very different personality. However, we were in the same position last year with the development of this team. Every year you have to endure growing pains in the beginning of a season, because it is a new team with different identities. Hopefully, just like last season, we will improve and develop into the team we want to be. It happened last season, we improved in the beginning of the season and had great chemistry by the middle of the season through the end.
“I am not impatient or frustrated with this team. Everything is being compared to last season at the end of that year. It is not there, because, as a team, we are not there yet. We are rebuilding and improving now. The team and the coaches understand this.”
Michael Redd
“Every game is important. We do not overlook anyone, because that is what can get you in trouble. Coach O’Brien does a great job getting us focused for every opponent.” “It is still early to say what is missing from this team, but we will be ok. We are not at the level that we want to be, so everyone is thinking there is something wrong. We just need to keep practicing and working on our game. “
