O’Brien Quotes and Notes. – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/22/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 22, 1999
What was practice like today?
“It was just a normal practice, we didn’t do much. It was a classic practice after a day off. We felt we needed to do some running and touch on a few small things and a lot of shooting. We practiced for one hour.”
Are the players acting any differently than they were during the regular season?
“No, like I said it was just a normal day of practice.
What have the last 48 hours been like?
“Not that much sleep, but a lot of phone calls. Phone calls from friends that you don’t hear from in awhile, phone calls from family members and people that have been friends for a long time trying to get tickets. I have watched a lot of tape on UConn and just trying to get organized before we leave for Florida. We had to decide where to stay, who gets what tickets and when we are going to leave has taken a great deal of the coaching staffs’ time.”
Any one in particular you have received phone calls from?
“A lot of coaches. I talked to Mike Jarvis today. I also spoke to a former player Bill Curley. Curley gave me some advice about UConn. We have remained very close throughout the years.”
Are you the same coach than you were at BC a couple of years ago?
“I hope I am the same person, but a better coach. I have become more knowledgeable and more experienced coach. I would like to think that I have become a better coach.”
Discuss the big shots both Scoonie and Michael have hit during the tournament?
“Well we want the ball in their hands. They have both made big shots. However, Michael’s three-pointer going into halftime against St. John’s was probably the biggest. That gave us the momentum going into the lockeroom. Scoonie’s three-pointer against Auburn to pull us within three was the biggest shot of the tourney for him.”
Has anything surprised you this year about Scoonie?
“No, I have known all along that he is a premier player. He is a better player now than he was in his two years at BC. He matured and became stronger during the year that he sat out.”
Discuss the chemistry of this team?
“That is one of the things that I like best about this team. They are for the most part egoless. They all understand their roles on this team, and that is a tribute to the players that we have. Jason Singleton is a perfect example; he understands his role more than anyone I have ever coached. He understands his abilities and his weaknesses. This has been a wonderful group of guys to coach.”
Do you think that chemistry is what has gotten you this far?
“I think so. Some teams have so much talent they can make mistakes and still win. We have to do it as an entire team with everybody. In our situation everyone has accepted their roles so we have done well.”
What makes them so fun to coach?
“I like their personalities. I like their demeanor. This is an easy group to be around especially when we have to go on the road. They don’t abuse stuff; they have just the right amount of mischief. They all have great senses of humor which mean there are a lot of practical jokes and I like that in a team.”
Discuss the relationship that has developed between Scoonie and Michael?
“It started to develop right away, which was nice to see. That is a credit to Michael because he was the star and now he is sharing the limelight. There could have been some friction if Michael had not been as mature. Michael has accepted Scoonie with open arms and that has made him a better player.”
Have you reflected on this accomplishment yet?
“I have not had time to let it sink in but I don’t believe it. This is a great accomplishment that is why I celebrated and danced with my players. How many times will I bring a team back here? It won’t take me years to realize what has happened but it will take me a little while. There is still so much to be done I can’t think about it. When the season is over I will look back and let the idea of us going to the Final Four sink in.”
Discuss your record against Jim Calhoun and UConn?
“My record against them doesn’t matter. This is an entirely different situation. Only Scoonie has played against UConn. None of the other guys have seen them. So that record does not matter.”
Discuss what effect Neshaun and Jason have made by staying at Ohio State?
“They came in here with seven or eight guys and they are the only two left. Guys were leaving for various reasons and they considered leaving. I told them I would understand if they left. They had concerns about the direction of this program. However, when they stayed they committed to this program and this coaching staff which says a lot about their attitudes and their leadership.”
