Illinois-Oregon Post-game Quotes
12/10/05 | Men's Basketball
Oregon Head Coach Ernie Kent
On The Illini Defense:
“They are an excellent defensive team and they played extremely well. Their defense took us out of our game plan and (Dee) Brown really controlled the tempo and the game.”
On Dee Brown:
“He played at another level and his ability to score and control the flow of the game was a big factor in us getting out of our shooting rhythm.”
“He is a fabulous player, I had him overseas with USA Basketball a few years ago and he hit nine three-pointers in one game.”
On his team playing tight:
“We really came out tentative and never had a great feeling offensively. Their defensive intensity was just incredible and really got us out of the game early.”
On the play of Ivan Johnson:
“Ivan was probably the lone bright spot, physically they just took us out of the game and they played very well and we just didn't.”
On the team's need to regroup:
“We just need to put this stretch behind us and get out there and find our game again, and get our confidence back with a win.”
Illinois Coach Bruce Weber
“I did not anticipate this. I was happy we were able to get out with a win. It was just one of those games. Defense obviously, and Dee.”
“This was a big step for us. It will be a great confidence booster. The best thing is we can get better especially on the offensive end.”
“They (Oregon) have a ton of talent. If they can get into defense, they already are a great offensive team. Hairston and Taylor are two of the best wings we will see all year. I think they can still be a great team. Sometimes you need major failure to pull forward.”
On Dee Brown
“If his not there, were missing all that (leadership). He's a key to us, there is no doubt.” Dee is a kid that takes a while to trust somebody.”
On Being Undefeated
“You always are looking for something to motivate them, and I brought it up to them last week.”
Oregon Player Quotes
Malik Hairston, #1, G
“That was just a poor effort all around. We let our defense get loose. They jumped on us quickly. We had a short little run, but it didn't last.”
“They're relentless. They crashed the glass every single time. They're a great basketball team.”
“We need a lot more emotion and to play more like a basketball team.”
On playing Illinois:
“We knew they lost two to the NBA, but they work hard. They understand basketball.”
On what the teams needs to do to gel:
“We see it, but as a basketball team we aren't necessarily doing it. It will be the entire team in the gym. Not just three or four of us. We have a lot of growing to do. We have the talent, but we are just not a good team yet.”
“They are a physical basketball team. They capitalized on our mistakes and turned them into fast break and buckets.”
On needing a win:
“Last year, we got into a funk when we lost a few in a row. It would be big to get that feeling again. We'll watch a lot of film and get the job done.”
Ivan Johnson, #44, F
“I was really anxious to get in. They are a really good team.”
“It takes time. We have to go to the gym everyday and work hard. We're down and we have to pick ourselves up.”
Illinois Player Quotes:
G Dee Brown
“Everywhere we go we have fun. You've got to have fun playing basketball. We travel so much. We play in so many games. We knew Oregon would come out with tons of energy after two depressing losses so we had to match that.”
“The ball was going in for me today. Everyday I've go out there and play hard and today I was able to make shots.”
“We just try to get better everyday. We're a young team. We're just trying to figure out our roles. If we defend every game, we've always got a chance to win.”
“It just happened to fall for me. I think my teammates and my coaches give me a lot of confidence.”
“They have a lot of young guys. They're talented. We just played good basketball today. Oregon's a good team. They're going to rebound.”
G Rich McBride
“We just came out mentally prepared. We knew we had to start out well,”
“Both of our big guys are very athletic and it makes our defense stronger.”
F Brian Randle
“I think we've progressed pretty steadily thus far. As long as we keep progressing the way we're going we'll be great.”
“Illinois is still a powerhouse with a good team. This is a tribute to our program and our coaching staff.”
C James Augustine
“We're young. Not a lot of people thought we would be 10-0. We're just going to keep playing hard out there. I hoped we could do it, but realistically, nobody thinks you can do it with a young team.”
