Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Quotes: Hoops Team Meets With Media Prior To Opener
November 11, 2015 | Cowboy Basketball
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State basketball head coach Travis Ford, as well as players Phil Forte and Tyree Griffin met with the media prior to Wednesday's practice. Here are the comments of Ford and the Cowboys as they prepare for Friday's season opener against UT Martin.
Oklahoma State Basketball Game Notes
Head Coach Travis Ford
On Friday's season opening game against UT Martin
"We're anxious to play against a good basketball team that has a lot of high expectations for itself this year. We've been a little banged up and sick this week, that's obviously a little concerning for our basketball team right now so hopefully we'll be healthy and ready to go."
On wearing the turquoise Nike N7 uniforms
"I think it's exciting. It's a great way to honor Native Americans and Native American Heritage Month. I think the whole idea of it is tremendous. It's something that we've know we were going to do for a while and we've been pretty excited about it."
On Jawun Evans' status
"He's back and practicing. He's not 100 percent yet. I don't know if he'll be 100 percent by Friday. It will be close. He had his first practice back yesterday so hopefully every day he gets a little better."
Senior guard Phil Forte
On his mindset heading into the home opener:
"My mindset is to come in every day and take it one day at a time. Right now, I'm only worried about this game Friday night and then after Friday, we'll move on to Monday and so on. I want to cherish every game. This is my last first official regular season game – I'm never going to get that day back. I'm going to enjoy it and make the most out of every opportunity."
On the new rule changes
"It's different and has taken some time, but we're going to get used to it as time goes on. We're learning it just like everyone else, including the referees, so it's a process and learning curve. The team who can pick it up is going to have an advantage."
On the Nike N7 jerseys
"I like it, definitely. It's something new and different. Everybody is used to the bright orange, so it'll be fun. Not only are we as players going to enjoy it, but I think the fans will too."
Sophomore point guard Tyree Griffin
On adjusting to new foul calls
"We need to use what we do in practice to improve our defense so we don't get caught fouling. Our goal is to shoot more free throws than our opponents. It will be taught the first game. I like to touch a lot when I'm playing defense. In practice, coach will stop me and let me know what is and isn't a foul. We're working on setting our screens better, too, on the offensive end."
On personal growth
"Since last year, I've gained a lot of confidence. Another thing is I've grown into being a better teammate."
Oklahoma State Basketball Game Notes
Head Coach Travis Ford
On Friday's season opening game against UT Martin
"We're anxious to play against a good basketball team that has a lot of high expectations for itself this year. We've been a little banged up and sick this week, that's obviously a little concerning for our basketball team right now so hopefully we'll be healthy and ready to go."
On wearing the turquoise Nike N7 uniforms
"I think it's exciting. It's a great way to honor Native Americans and Native American Heritage Month. I think the whole idea of it is tremendous. It's something that we've know we were going to do for a while and we've been pretty excited about it."
On Jawun Evans' status
"He's back and practicing. He's not 100 percent yet. I don't know if he'll be 100 percent by Friday. It will be close. He had his first practice back yesterday so hopefully every day he gets a little better."
Senior guard Phil Forte
On his mindset heading into the home opener:
"My mindset is to come in every day and take it one day at a time. Right now, I'm only worried about this game Friday night and then after Friday, we'll move on to Monday and so on. I want to cherish every game. This is my last first official regular season game – I'm never going to get that day back. I'm going to enjoy it and make the most out of every opportunity."
On the new rule changes
"It's different and has taken some time, but we're going to get used to it as time goes on. We're learning it just like everyone else, including the referees, so it's a process and learning curve. The team who can pick it up is going to have an advantage."
On the Nike N7 jerseys
"I like it, definitely. It's something new and different. Everybody is used to the bright orange, so it'll be fun. Not only are we as players going to enjoy it, but I think the fans will too."
Sophomore point guard Tyree Griffin
On adjusting to new foul calls
"We need to use what we do in practice to improve our defense so we don't get caught fouling. Our goal is to shoot more free throws than our opponents. It will be taught the first game. I like to touch a lot when I'm playing defense. In practice, coach will stop me and let me know what is and isn't a foul. We're working on setting our screens better, too, on the offensive end."
On personal growth
"Since last year, I've gained a lot of confidence. Another thing is I've grown into being a better teammate."
Players Mentioned
PG
/ Cowboy Basketball
PG
/ Cowboy BasketballFriday, June 05
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
