Post Game Quotes From Ohio State vs. Dartmouth – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/28/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2003
Recap| Box Score| Notes
Ohio State coach and player quotes
Ohio State head coach Jim O’Brien
On the defensive effort of Dartmouth
“They really packed it in down in the post, so it was tough to get the ball into Terence and Velimir. They really forced us to make some shots and that was one of the main reasons why I changed the starting lineup from the beginning of the game.”
On Dartmouth’s defense
“Their tough to match-up against and I think they were a good test for us.”
On the overall performance
“I was happy with our performance today, we were aggressive. We had some nice steals and shot much better in the second half.”
On Ohio State freshman guard Nick Dials
“We always preach to our players to always be ready because you never know when your chance will come. Nick has really taken advantage of his opportunity. He doesn’t turn the ball over and he hits his shots.”
Freshman guard Nick Dials
On increased playing time
“I don’t think that is a question for me. All I can do is work hard in the game and in practice. It definitely feels good and having the opportunity to play. That is why I came to Ohio State. I just want to contribute to the team so we can win games.”
On assessing the team
“The last two games we have played much harder than we did earlier in the season. We are playing with much more enthusiasm and energy. Also there is much more hustle on the team. We have improved greatly.”
Sophomore guard J.J. Sullinger
On his game
“I have been inconsistent and not playing as well as I would like to. I just have to go out everyday and get better. I have to give credit to the team as a whole. They put me in the position to do well. It’s all a team effort.”
On the current starting rotation
“As much as anyone likes to start, it’s great to see other guys start and contribute. Our second team is the backbone of our team. Without them we would not have anyone to practice against and none of us would have the opportunity to get better. We probably have one of the best second teams in the country, but ultimately it’s the coach’s decision.”
On the team’s momentum before heading into Big Ten play
“We always want to win games. We had a few games early in the season that we let slip away. All the games are important from here on out and our goal is to make it to the NCAA tournament. We are still improving. Through practice we will get better.”
Junior guard Tony Stockman
On the second half offensive spurt
“We wanted to get lead in the early going of the second half. I thought we played very aggressive to start out the second half, we got some steals, we got the crowd into it and I think that helped us out a lot.”
On the upcoming Big Ten schedule
“We need to stay focused. We still have a couple of things we have to work on, but I think we are on the right track.”
Dartmouth Coach and Player Quotes
Dartmouth Head Coach Dave Faucher
On Ohio State head coach Jim O’Brien
“He is the best. I go way back with him. If you can’t play for (Coach) O’Brien, you can’t play for anybody.”
On the Ohio State team
“This program has lots of potential and I guarantee they will reach it before the season is over. Today, it looked like they were communicating and really moving well.”
On Ohio State guard Tony Stockman
“When they made their run in the second half, Stockman was in the game igniting things. When you look at him, he’s not the most physically intimidating, but he was very difficult for us to guard.”
