Oklahoma State University Athletics
Postgame Quotes vs. East Central
November 07, 2007 | Cowboy Basketball
Head Coach Sean Sutton
On the game
“We played better than we did on Friday. I still thought there was a five- or six-minute stretch in the second half where we lost a little bit of our focus and our concentration and it showed in some of the easy shots they got at the basket. We've got to become a better rebounding team. Those big guys have to rebound better. Our guards need to consistently get four or five rebounds a game. Out of those front line players, I expect them to have 10 to 15 as a group. I thought that was the one thing that we didn't do very well tonight is rebound at the defensive end. On offense, we did a pretty good job. Defensively, I thought we were really good the first half. We still haven't been able to put together two halves of solid defensive play. We made a big improvement in turnovers from the other night, we only had three in the first half. As good as this team is at shooting, we should be hitting 72-75 percent of our free throws. I like their effort and I thought we were unselfish. We just have to keep getting better everyday.”
On the team chemistry
“I don't think there are any egos on this team. I believe they all really like one another. I told them the sign of a really good team at the offensive end is when they can get as much of a thrill at making a great pass that leads to a basket or setting a great screen that leads to a basket as they do making the basket. I sense that with this group. I think they like playing with one another. They play with a lot of smiles on their faces and they cheer for one another. Their effort and attitude are unbelievable.”
On James Anderson
“That was one of the most impressive games for a young player we've had here in a while. I think Friday night, James played okay, but tonight you saw what I've been talking about. He makes it look so easy. He's got an unbelievable feel for how to play. He's such a great passer and gets the other guys easy shots.”
Junior Guard Byron Eaton
On having nine assists
“That was one of my main things that I wanted to do this year — just get my team more involved. Like James (Anderson), he is a great shooter. We have a lot of great shooters on our team. Terrel (Harris) hasn’t been shooting the ball well like he has been in practice. Obi (Muonelo) has been hitting his shots. Marcus (Dove) is knocking his shots down. (Ibrahima) Thomas can step out and shoot it. We have a lot of good guys that can step out and hit their shots so I am just trying to get them open.”
On connecting on multiple alley-oops to his teammates
“I’m used to throwing it up to guys that can jump, from summer league all the way back to high school. Just practicing with (Anderson), I could see how well he could jump. You can’t ever put it too high for him. I’m just trying to put it up around the rim so he can dunk it. We get a lot of practice in with him, Marcus, Terrel, Ibrahima can jump a little bit, and Anthony (Brown). We have a lot of guys on our team that can jump. I get a lot of practice throwing it up and I just put it up by the rim and let those guys go and get it.”
Freshman Guard James Anderson
On receiving an ovation from the fans
“It felt good. I hope I can get a lot more. I just want to continue to have good games, play hard, and help the team win and get back to the Final Four ... I just play hard and do what I can do.”
