University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Post-Game Quotesheet
3/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 9, 2008
POST-GAME QUOTESHEET
Pitt vs. DePaul,
Quoting Pitt's Head Coach Jamie Dixon:
Opening Statement:
"Senior days are supposed to go like this. They really don't get any better than what happened today. We got a win with Ronald Ramon and Keith Benjamin both playing so well, and Maurice Polen got a chance to play and score a bucket at the end. Our offense was explosive which I think is a product of us having a full week of practice between games. It's the first real break we've had since Levance Fields has come back and I think our efficiency with the ball really showed that. We haven't had a chance to be this physical in practice since December, and that's only going to help us moving forward."
On the play of Levance Fields:
"This week was the first real stretch where he had an extended opportunity to practice, and I think you saw that in his play. He's right on schedule with where we hoped he would be with both his play and his health right now. He's finally getting back into a rhythm as is the whole team, which is why I think beginning with today we're going to play our best basketball now."
On Pitt's improved rebounding:
"I think that was definitely a by-product of the drills we did in practice this week. We were able to do some of our contact drills and boxing out drills that we can't do with a short bench. We put in some good work and I think the numbers speak for themselves."
On other Big East teams peaking going into post-season play:
"I haven't been looking at other teams much right now. This past week was spent focusing on ourselves and getting us back to the level where we needed to be. Anyone can win this conference tournament though; it's wide open. There's a reason the Big East as thought of as the best in the country year after year."
On Pitt's shooting:
"We shot really well in the shoot-around this week, so I had a feeling that a performance like this might be coming. I think you can also attribute some of this improvement to Levance Fields. The more he gets back in the flow, the better shots he's going to create for his teammates."
On senior day for Mike Cook:
"It's very hard for Mike right now. He's in a state of flux over his future and I don't have any definitive answers for him. It's remarkable how focused he's stayed though on both his rehab and his class work. Physically he's coming along better than anyone expected and it's a testament to what a great person he is."
Quoting Pitt's Levance Fields:
On almost getting a triple-double:
"I heard I was close, but I didn't end up getting it. I'm really just glad we won though. I feel like a performance like this gets us back on track, and it's especially nice to send the seniors out with a win."
On Pitt's defense:
"We were very efficient today. They hit some tough shots to get their points up, especially, Dar Tucker. Overall though, we communicated better and helped each other out better than we had been. We know what we have to do, it's just a matter of executing."
Quoting Pitt's Ronald Ramon:
On winning on senior night:
"It's great to win like this, to go out like this on senior day. We've been focusing on our defense the last couple of days in practice and it was nice to see us turn a corner with that. We just can't be satisfied with this. We have to keep working and pushing forward."
Quoting Pitt's Keith Benjamin:
On Pitt's mentality going into the Big East tournament:
"This isn't different from any other year. We just want to get to
On senior day:
"These things are only fun when you win. We really needed this for a positive feeling going into the tournament. Now we just need to keep it rolling."
Quoting Pitt's DeJuan Blair:
On Pitt's rebounding:
"We did box out drills all week. Everyone knew what was going wrong and responded with how to correct it. It's really good for the team. When we rebound like this it's a big, big advantage for us going forward."
On scoring 22 points:
"I think most of my points came off of rebounds, which is my bread and butter. I pride myself on my rebounding and if I get my points after that, then I'm happy. My teammates did a great job setting me up, but I'm not concerned with how many points I score as long as we win."
Quoting DePaul Head Coach Jerry Wainwright:
Opening Quotes:
"I want to congratulate the seniors Keith, Ronald and Michael. They are three terrific kids who are a great representation of
On how much of an impact Pitt will be in the Big East and NCAA Tournaments:
"I think Pitt will be a big factor in both the Big East and NCAA tournaments; they are playing solid basketball right now."
On Pitt's offense:
"Life is all about adversity. The adjustments this team has had to make after the injuries early in the season have been extraordinary. They have adapted the way they played and show a great fire-power and balance. Gilbert and Keith have become double figure-scorers and it's important to see guys step up like that and get confident in their scoring. They had great balance tonight with 26 assists and 6 players in double-figures, that's how you want to play basketball."
On Field's play:
"I think people sometimes forget about him, but he's guy with a lot of sense. Fields (and Benjamin) both show great poise, composure and leadership. It's a great time for him to be back. It's good for the team because he's a great driver of their offensive car."
