Men’s Basketball Quotes – March 1, 2007 – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 1, 2007
Thad Matta, head coach
On the tone of the week
“It has been good. The team is very focused. The stakes are just as high for us as they are for Michigan and the guys know that.”
On recent extra attention
“The focus is on these guys and them getting better. It is a matter of them being mature enough to handle it and not lose focus.”
On the Michigan game
“It is just about winning; it is about trying to get to 15-1 (In Big Ten standings). We are taking it as the next game on our schedule. We are not worried about rankings or our seed. Michigan is the next team on our schedule.”
On Greg Oden’s USAWA Oscar Robertson Trophy nomination
“I don’t think I am surprised at all. Look at what he has done for our team. He makes a difference for Ohio State unlike any other player in the nation could. You can look and see a steady improvement from when he started and that is what is great about Greg Oden. That is why he is up for the award.”
Greg Oden, freshman center
On Michigan
“We just want to get better and improve as a team. We have one game left before the tournament and we just want to go out and play good basketball.”
On comparing the NCAA tournament with high school experience
“This means so much more. When you were in high school and won state that was it. Now it is the NCAA tournament and you play teams from around the nation. Playing in the tournament just means a lot more.”
On his Oscar Robertson nomination
“I was very surprised. The other guys up for the award are great guys. I just have to keep improving my game. It is cool to be nominated but my mind is still set on my teammates.” Mike Conley Jr., freshman guard
On practice this week
“We had three really good practices this week. Everyone has been very competitive and today was our best day.”
On Michigan rivalry
“I think the rivalry goes for all sports. Everyone is always up for Michigan and puts forth 100 percent effort for that game.”
On the NCAA tournament
“It is a lifetime’s worth of work to get to the NCAA tournament. To play against those types of teams is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are working hard to make it happen.”
