Quin Synder's Press Conference Quotes
3/12/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 12, 2000
Opening Remarks: "Wow, Wow!"
On Playing North Carolina: "I think Carolina has more wins than any other team in the history of the NCAA, so its not only exciting to be in the tournament, it is exciting to play a team that has such a rich tradition. I think more than Carolina though, its us and what these guys have done. To have what I think is a season in which we have controlled the things we have been able to control such as how hard we work and our passion this is a stamp on those things for these guys. The good guys won. We got in. Now you roll the dice and get ready to play ball."
On the runs by other teams: "It is hard when somebody is doing well, however, they might be hurting you, but you don't know to what extent. We were experiencing a myriad of emotions. I am happy for the team. The team was talking about it today and everybody was telling me we were in."
On making the Tournament: "I have not been through this before. It is hard to be close and to watch TV to see if you are playing in the NCAA tournament. Rationally we should be in. Our RPI is higher than it was last season. I went to my first Big 12 meeting last year and Bob Frederick had a talk with the coaches on what you needed to do to get in and I think we did those things. We played the right people. Everybody we lost to this year is in the tournament and the fact that we lost to some teams that were No. 3 seeds was not held against us. We played those teams tough and battled. That has to give our guys some sense that we belong and we can compete. Whether or not that turns into victories that remains to be seen. I think it does translate into a team that believes it can make some noise."
On the tough non-conference schedule: "We will continue to schedule the tough opponents. Any chance you get to play Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas twice and now North Carolina it is a plus for the program. Add in Duke and St. Johns, I think those are the winningest programs in college basketball. That is the kind of season that builds character. Today gives us a little different platform. It stamps what these guys have done together. When they announced the fact that we were in, I was so happy for the guys. They deserve it and I am glad other people think so."
On Carolina being in a similar situation as Missouri: "It speaks to the fact that when you play good teams you are rewarded for that. We have beat teams, we won on the road, but we have also lost 12 games. We lost a lot of games relative to other people in the tournament, but everybody we lost to was good. I don't know how many people beat Oklahoma in Oklahoma this year or Iowa State at Iowa State. I think it speaks on what we have tried to do with our schedule."
On match-ups: "It will not be size versus. size. I am familiar with Carolina's team obviously. I think they have an excellent team. Coach Gutheridge does a great job. They have a system that has been time tested. In addition to that, they have kids individually that are great players. Whether is it Ed Cota or Jason Caple. I coached his brother as an assistant. I recruited Chris Lange so I am familiar with those guys and like them and respect them. We are different than them and we just need to see how all that plays out. I think our guys will be ready to play."
On Coach K: "I have not talked to him. I tried to call him to congratulate him on winning the ACC. What he has done this season is remarkable. To lose what Duke lost and come together like they did is a testament to Shane Battier and Chris Carrawell, but more than that it is Coach K's ability to mold a team. I did not know we were playing Carolina at that point. I am sure we will talk when time presents itself."
On Dooling vs. Cota: "I feel like a basketball junkie right now thinking about that match-up. Ed Cota is a great player, a real cool customer and a great leader. His numbers speak for themselves. I feel Keyon is blossoming right now in very subtle ways that are not very obvious. Our team is doing good things right now. Whether or not that means we beat North Carolina and keep playing, I do not know. I am happy for this opportunity and for these guys and I think it can help us to continue to build."
On the possibility of an NCAA bid when the team was 7-6: "I think I have been consistent in the lens through which I have viewed this year. When we were 7-6 we started to do some good things during that time and we stayed focused on what we were doing. We practiced a little harder, but I don't think anybody would look at this team and say 'Wow" that is a team to be reckoned with. I mean that as an ultimate compliment to my players. They have somehow found things inside them that they can do on the floor that have gotten us there. That is a credit to them."
On the threat Haywood's size presents: "He is not only big, he is long too. He is a seven footer with a wing span and a reach along with an excellent touch. Chris Lang is big as well. We have been playing against size all year. I think our conference has some of the best size in the country. That is nothing new to us. We have had hard time overcoming size. We have battled size, but we have not necessarily overcome it. We're the nine seed, the underdog. We are the little guys. That is what we have been all year. I think this team is comfortable being in that situation. We are excited about a chance to go to Alabama."
On all the close losses: "We are certainly a team that plays unconventional. It can be a good thing or a rough situation. I think we are do in some respects for something. I don't know what that is, but they deserve something for what they have put in. I believe in karma so we will see what happens."
On Hafer getting at least one more game: "That is maybe the best thing about this whole thing, Hafer's career. If anyone's been knocking on the door it is him. I am just happy for our players, Hafer in particular. He is a senior and he gets to go out with at least a little bit of fire."
On preparing for the Tournament like Duke: "Most of what we do is some way rooted is my training there. This situation is no different. I don't know exactly what we will do, but I can't imagine that is will be much different."
On re-evaluating the season: "That cuts to the heart of what we have been doing all season. There is relief and pride about what we have accomplished. We look at things in that context. It is hard to play and coach in this environment and not see things that way. On the flip side if we did not get a bid, does that demean what we have done-absolutely not. It is a tough task for everyone to accept. To the extent that this validates what we have done-absolutely. That is why I am so happy about this. Not that what we have done needs validation, but I am ultimately happy that there is a stamp for these guys on this season. The kids were committed and came everyday to work. They have stayed focused on the important things all season. We have had many valleys and lost some tough games along with some jubilant moments as well."
