Mizzou 99, Wagner 55
Post-Game Quotes
Mizzou Head Coach Cuonzo Martin
On Kassius Robertson’s performance….
“I think in the first game, he took the shot. I think it was more, us as a staff, getting him shots so we can score. Again, we designed plays for him to be a two guard, and all of a sudden he now plays the point guard. He handles the ball and guys get beside his legs. I’m not making any excuses; we just have to find different ways to get him the ball so he can get shots and a rhythm. He is always shot-ready. He spends so much time working on his game, that by the time he shoots the ball he is expecting it to go in.”
On Jontay’s play in the first half…
“That was a good play. I think the biggest key with Jontay is he is a guy that does a lot of things. He rebounds, he passes the ball, and he does a good job defending. He does a lot of things passing the ball. I think the thing with him is being shot-ready. Because he is such a willing passer, I think sometimes he is not ready to shoot. Even when he gets the ball, you can see he is kind of pulling the defense. We need him to be aggressive.”
On the depth of the team…
“I think our big thing is our strength. When you see the stats, our guards can make shots and they do a good job from the three-point line. We have to get those guys involved for them to make plays. They are big, they’re physical, and they’re strong. We need to get that ball to the sides and after that they can make good decisions with the ball. They do a good job reading the defense. They do a good job, as of right now, playing the double team. I want to go inside as much as possible. I thought Reed [Nikko] did a good job.”
On Brett Rau and Adam Wolf ‘s three pointers…
“We treat them all the same. It is not ‘oh this guy is a walk on or this guy is on scholarship.’ It’s when you step on the floor and you get an open shot, take it, but you have got to defend and rebound.”
On looking forward to Utah…
“They are a talented team. Big, physical guys. Their guards can make shots. They’ll push it, especially at home. They’ll get out and run. They will space you out. It will be a good game.”
On overall impression of the class…
“I think with all those guys have the ability to score the ball, make shots and are 6’5” to 6’8” with length. Now you go up to multiple guys, get in the passing lane, but more than anything I think you can help a guy become a great defender. They all have the mentality to score the ball.”
Mizzou freshman forward Jontay Porter
On how he felt this game…
“It was good. It was fun to be out there with my guys. Obviously, it was a good first half for us, low on turnovers and high on assists. So it was a great first half. It was just fun to be out there“
On adjusting to college basketball…
“It wasn’t too much of an adjustment, honestly, just because I have been going everyday at practice with these guys. They’re in my opinion, the best people to go against. The adjustment wasn’t too much, but obviously the crowd and the environment is way different. We are all getting better day-by-day.”
On practicing with Tilmon…
“It’s tough, because there are no refs calling fouls. So he’s being a dog down there, but its making both of us better. It’s been great having a player of his caliber to go against everyday.”
How Porter had to step up with Jeremiah Tilmon on the bench…
“It was kind of important to have a good game. I think every night both of us try to do our best. One of us may not be doing our best, or may be in foul trouble, and that’s where the other comes in and does our thing. That’s one of the crazy things about our team. We are so deep and versatile, that when one person is out, the next one steps up”
Mizzou senior guard Kassius Robertson
On improving from last game…
“Percentage wise, I definitely struggled last game, even though we got a really good win. So it’s nice to come out and do what I do.”
On how he’s adjusting to the point guard spot…
“I’m getting better every game and every practice. I like it though. It mixes up the defense, and gives the defense a different look. It gives our offense a different look.”
Mizzou senior forward Jordan Barnett
On playing with new players…
“That definitely makes it much easier. To be honest, you have a lot more weapons on this team than last year. Just being able to spread the floor pretty much all of the time. There are almost times where I could just stay in the corner. I know I’ll get a shot at some point. I really think we do a good job of spreading the floor, and that helps not just myself, but everyone get good looks.”
On Jontay Porter and Reed…
“They definitely picked it up. Not having Jeremiah there is always a challenge, but Jontay and Reed definitely stepped up to the plate. Jontay played exceptionally well. Reed really came in, and I thought he changed the game in a way. He was extremely energetic. He was consistently getting blocks, and making really good plays. I’m really proud of both of them.”
