Missouri Basketball Player Quotes
11/10/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 10, 2003
Recap?|? Final Stats?|? Notes
November 10, 2003 Missouri 85 Inter Hoop 76
Missouri Sophomore guard Jimmy McKinney
On his development as a point guard:
"I think I'm much further along than I was last year. I've still got a lot of work to do, it' still not natural to me yet, but it's coming."
On his assist off the backboard to Rickey Paulding:
"If it's there, then I'm gonna do it in a real game. I would definitely do it in Lawrence, if it's there. But if it's not there, than I'm not gonna throw it."
Senior guard Rickey Paulding
On playing the exhibition games with international rules:
"It's not too much different, just getting used to a longer 3 point range, that's about it. I don't want to get used to it, I think it's definitely a different game. There's nothing wrong with it, I think I'm just used to the way we usually play."
On McKinney's assist off the backboard:
" It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, but I think that's the way we want to play this year. We want to be a team that runs and gets plays like that, and be able to finish the transition. I'm glad we got that started today."
On team chemistry:
"We have great chemistry, that's something we've learned is important and we're continuing to learn it. We have a lot of really great talent on this team and everyone is very unselfish, that's why we're able to pass the ball so well."
Senior center Arthur Johnson
On senior leadership:
" We're doing our best to set examples for the younger guys, whether it's through our play or by example. We've been through a lot, we know what we're doing, and we know what Coach wants, so we know how to direct the younger guys so the Coach doesn't have to say it."
On the international rules:
"It doesn't change your game at all, you still have to get in there, play physical, and post up. It doesn't bother me one bit if they would adopt it permanently or keep it the same, it doesn't matter to me."
Missouri Head Coach Quin Snyder
On the Game...
"I thought to see us come out in the second half defensively and on the glass really made me feel good. We have to learn to play that way for the entire game. We were short handed this game with only eight guys, and I think that had a little affect on our substitution patterns. That was a great team because they spread the floor so well. They drive and kick which forces our big guys to cover out on the floor."
On Jimmy McKinney's sacrifices...
" I do not know that he is out of position. I think he is a really good guard. That is a process. Jimmie is willing to do whatever we need him to do. He did a great job of running the team. That was his best floor game at that position."
Expectations on Linas Kleiza...
"My goal for Linas is not just be a great player in his country, but to be a great player in the world and our country. He is assimilating himself into our team. We have high expectations for Linas. He had some really great moment, and he had some really tough moments. I expect him to be a force for us. "
On the teams and Linas...
"I think he can be a great defender. His decision-making will continue to improve after one night I am inclined to look at practice. He has been practicing hard as has Travon. Those guys did not have the kind of night like they have been having in practice. Our whole team has to stay committed to defending and rebounding. It is amazing when you do the dirty work how you get rewarded with scoring too. "
On Spencer Laurie...
" Spencer has practiced well. We have had multiple discussions with his family about red shirting. We will wait until the exhibition season is over and talk about what we see as Spencer's opportunities this year. I am excited about Spencer as a player."
On Inter Hoop...
"These guys ran six or seven set plays the first time down the court. They are skilled players that are very well coached. They have an unconventional style for us. They came out and zoned us almost half the game. It was good for us to play against zone."
On Schedule...
" It has been our intent every year to play quality exhibition games. Playing against the Ashville team is an even greater challenge."
On International rules...
"I think it is hard for college coaches to know how it will effect the game. The lane I feel did not impact the game. It is good for us to see it."
On the Polls...
"I do not think that people are putting bulls-eyes on a lot of teams in our league. It will help us focus in late February."
Senior Leadership...
"I think that it is noticeable. There are things that I can say that they are saying before I can say them. Particularly when your best players are seniors and they are diving working hard and being emotional that is terrific. Thomas (Gardner) came in tonight and gave us energy. AJ when he is that fired up he is a great player. He needs to bring that every time and the effect it has on our team.
On the Point Guard Position...
"I feel like Jimmy is a really goods player. We are a better ball handling team than in years past. We also past the ball better in the post and that takes pressure off. I just want him to be a player and to lead the team. He has a great personality to lead the team.
