Basketball Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 7, 2002
Opening comment:
“We have to be happy with how the New Year has started with our start in the conference. In the first 10 minutes against Iowa we played as well as we have played all year.”
On why it is so tough to win on the road:
“The fan support more than anything else is a key factor. It is a rare occasion when we play on the road and not play in a hostel environment. In the Big East a lot of games are played in off campus arenas. That hurts attendance. Also when you play in big cities where there is a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar, which becomes a factor. Big Ten games are played in on-campus buildings so you have a built-in fan base. It really benefits the team playing at home.”
On OSU Start:
“Our guys have continued to play very hard. We have made some adjustments defensively. We have been spoiled the last couple years with having Ken Johnson. He was the defensive player of the year the last two years and our guys on the perimeter became a little complacent knowing he was back there. We have had to break a lot of bad habits.
“I can’t say we are a better defensive team this year but collectively, we are doing a better job overall on that end. On offense, we have been selective with our shots. We are shooting over 50 percent. I know that will not continue. Our shot selection has been good and I hope that continues.”
On being a sleeper team in the conference:
“We have won two games in the league and it’s nice. We are one of the teams who will be clumped in the middle. I still believe Illinois and Iowa are the two best teams with Michigan State breathing down their neck. Indiana is a very good team. We don’t have any stars. There is not one guy on our team that you would says is a star. I am not sure where we are going to fit in. We still have a lot of flaws but I think we can fit into the conference race this year. We will see where that takes us.” On junior guard Sean Connolly:
“He was hurt basically all last year. He had ankle surgery after the season and was able to rehabilitate all summer. He came back and practiced before we left for Europe and played very well there. His body is in better condition and he is stronger. We have the luxury this year having Brent Darby, Brian Brown and Boban Savovic at the guard spots. He deserves to get more minutes, it is just a problem with where they come from.”
