Thad Matta Teleconference Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 4, 2007
Ohio State head coach Thad Matta
On Ohio State
“I hope we continue to get better as a basketball team. I think we are still shaping up and if we continue with the work effort we have now, we will become a better basketball team. I think guys are starting to understand how to play with Greg (Oden) and fill the post. I have been pleased with the young guys’ performances. I thought they were poised in their first Big Ten game against Indiana.”
On Ohio State
“It is important for us to keep our momentum. The thing you have to keep in mind is it is a long season and there will be peaks and valleys. As a coach, you hope your team will be playing their best basketball at the end of the season. We are working things into the offense daily and continue to spend the majority of practice time working on the fundamentals of basketball.”
On the Buckeyes road games
“I’ve seen some good things and some bad things, but I think this Illinois game will be a good challenge. Going to North Carolina and Florida have been two challenges we haven’t been able to finish. We have to be able to withstand a run and answer it.”
On Illinois
“I view Illinois like I view Michigan State. I think that they are experienced and have veterans that can shoot the basketball. They have size and speed and are well coached. We have to play great team defense because they have great balance. I can name eight guys that can come in and have a good night. Illinois has a lot of size and weight. It will be interesting to see how the game goes because they have some bodies they can throw at us.”
On Greg Oden
“Greg (Oden) is such a low key, level-headed guy. Humility is one of the greatest strengths he has. I haven’t detected one ounce of jealousy from the other guys. I think they appreciate what Greg is able to do and Greg knows his performance is dictated by his teammates. On the court, I like his willingness to do whatever he can to help us win. He seems to have more movement in his wrist and he’s getting better, but he’s not comfortable yet because he still doesn’t have full movement with his right hand.” On Mike Conley Jr. and Jamar Butler
“I think they have done a great job together. Jamar (Butler) doesn’t get a lot of credit, but those two together give us two strong ball handlers. We try to coach Mike (Conley Jr.) as much as we can and he is dedicated to watching film and scouting other teams.”
