Rice-Oregon Post-Game Quotes
11/26/05 | Men's Basketball
Oregon 84, Rice 60
11-26-05
Rice Head Coach Willis Wilson
"I'm really disappointed that we didn't give Oregon a better basketball game. The team that showed up today was not that team that we've seen in practice."
"Their transition beat us early in the game. When we got back we would be fine, but it was just few and far between."
"I was disappointed that we did not try and flatten Oregon's defense...but that just didn't happen."
Head Coach Ernie Kent
On the Ducks' Early Run:
"We were able to get on a great roll early, which helped us to come out and take over the game. Everyone got a lot of minutes and we got everyone involved."
On the Team's First Road Trip:
"Once we get away from our home court and the great Mac Court fans, we know we will have to depend on each other. Being in a hostile environment forces you to come together, and rely on each other."
On The Offensive Philosophy:
"We know it is important, to get everyone into the game early. If they give up a ball they need to know eventually it will comeback to them and they will get their own shots."
On Aaron Brooks' Early Season Play:
"His first responsibility in transition is to get the ball to guys who can finish the play. In our half-court motion offense he almost becomes another shooting guard for us, as he is going to get plenty of his shots."
Aaron Brooks, #0, G
On Three-pointers:
"I came in and put in extra work. My shooting percentage had been down, so I put in extra work."
"We just have to keep playing hard and let the chips fall where they may."
On Vanderbilt:
"It will be a big test. Defensively, it's a big step. We have to play hard and pretend we are at Mac Court. They play hard. They are very fundamental and they have great coaching."
Maarty Leunen, #10, F
"We have good fundamentals. Our goal is to run, and you have to get rebounds."
"We have Vanderbilt, Illinois, and Georgetown all in a row. That will be the true preseason test. Hopefully we play hard and consistent."
On Ivan Johnson:
"He is a physical presence. He demands the ball, and that keys the offense. If he scores, it allows the defense to suck in."
"Our first focus is shutting them down. One of my jobs on the team is getting rebounds, so I have to focus on that, too."
Malik Hairston, #1, G
"We are playing like a team and communicating better. Offensively, we are sharing the ball well. In transition, we need to make the extra pass."
"Vanderbilt is good, they are tough. So are Georgetown and Illinois. We'll take them one at a time."
On Three-pointers:
"You can live and die by them. Basketball is played inside out. You use the 3's to get into the lane."
