Men’s Basketball Quotes (Jan. 19, 2007) – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 19, 2007
Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On Iowa
“We will mix things up and use a little of everyone against Iowa because defensively they play all types, from man to zone. We always have a couple tactics ready defensively, but it usually flies out the window once the game starts. For Iowa, (Tyler) Smith and (Adam) Haluska are scoring well. Haluska is a deceiving athlete and makes difficult shots. They want him to shoot the ball, so we know they are looking for him.”
On Ohio State’s offense
“We have to pick and choose what we are going to do every game. Greg (Oden) has shown he can pass the basketball and create an inside-out game. We have to see how Iowa is going to guard Greg and go from there. We’re doing a better job finding him in position to score. We’ve been preaching offensive execution and great shot selection, but getting guys to understand how to move and see things before they develop is easy to say but hard to do in the heat of the battle. Our guys are continuously making the next step in understanding what we are doing.”
Jamar Butler, junior guard
On Ohio State
“I’m really happy with the way we’ve been playing defense and as a team we are flowing right now and knocking down shots.”
On Greg Oden
“We couldn’t wait for Greg (Oden) to come back because he leaves us wide open outside for 3s. On defense he makes it tough for guys to finish in the paint.”
Mike Conley Jr., freshman guard
On Iowa
“In practice the older guys and coaches have been hard on us. Ron (Lewis) and Jamar (Butler) are really into this week and I can tell from their voices they really want to win this game. As a team we are going to do what we can to get a win for the two of them.”
On Ohio State’s team chemistry
“Coach Matta is a fun guy. Knowing he is going to be behind us, we aren’t looking over our shoulders ready for him to bite our heads off. His character is one in a million to me. He makes players better and I can see why after playing for him this year.”
Greg Oden, freshman center
On scoring
“My teammates just find me. They put me in a position to score. I’m thankful for that because it looks good on T.V.”
On team improvement
“We just need to keep improving as the year goes on. We are not 100 percent and hopefully we are in Atlanta. Hopefully we make it to Atlanta. We just need to keep playing together as a team.”
On what people say about him
“I just play how I play. I can’t listen to what others say. I just listen to my team and play how I can help us win. It is about our team, coaches and players and where they need me.”
