Post Game Quotes From No. 4/5 Ohio State vs. Cleveland State – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 9, 2006
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Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On the game
“We had a great start and I think inside – offensively – we were better this week. There is still a little bit of adjusting to do and this continues to be a process for us. If you think how much these guys played in open gyms and during practice, it has helped us. What sticks in my mind about this game are the 19 turnovers. We didn’t want to do that, because we have got to get those shots to the basket.”
On freshman center Greg Oden
“Greg showed us what a terrific passer he is today. Our intentions were to leave him in a little longer, because we are trying to get him playing as long as we can. I think he is more at ease, and not quite as nervous now that he has got into playing. The “Greg Oden Returns” is off him now, because he’s back. He is still not 100 percent and is still getting his feet wet, but putting him into these situations will help.”
On the game strategy
“We are still trying to fill out that lineup and find a rotation. A lot of it has to do with our opponents, because they dictate what we are doing according to who they have on the floor. We have Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Florida in seven days, so we will have to be in full form.”
Greg Oden, freshman center
On his game
“I played alright. Today was a team effort. My rebounding was the highlight of my game. I just feel more comfortable on the court. I was just playing.”
On his strategy
“I do what I can to help the team. I got a couple of assists today and dunking felt good. When I get the ball, the shot clock is running, so I just have to be smart with it. I’ve been practicing a lot. I just take my time and take it easy.”
Othello Hunter, junior forward
On playing with Greg Oden
“I like it. He makes it easy to play because most guys will go for him. When that happens, I am wide open. It also gives me a chance to get easy rebounds.”
Ivan Harris, senior forward
On the game
“I was just trying to get into the mindset and always trying to get an opportunity to hustle for the ball. I had 10 rebounds today, so I have to try and do that every game. Greg (Oden) is a big guy and plays a big game. He definitely opens up a lot of space. It gives me a better opportunity to get the ball. It’s all about mindset.”
Gary Waters, Cleveland State head coach
On the game
“The game was really decided today on the glass with rebounds. One guy that really had a good game was (Othello) Hunter. (Greg) Oden is going to get his but Hunter really stepped up for them.”
On the game
“We did pretty much everything I wanted us to do. We just didn’t execute all the time and you can’t do that against Ohio State. They are going to be really good.”
On shooting 26 three-pointers
“That is part of our offense. We work a lot on shooting. They really attacked the glass today and took advantage of the shots we missed.”
J’Nathan Bullock, Cleveland State sophomore forward
On the game
“They jumped out early on us. Coach (Waters) really settled us down during the timeout. After the Kansas State game it was important for us to find ourselves and we did that.”
