The University of Mississippi Athletics
Andy Kennedy Postgame Quotes
11/14/2008 | Men's Basketball
On David Huertas stepping up...
"We struggled offensively, that's an understatement. We had trouble finding any offensive rhythm. You need your veterans to play well when you go into a season with so many guys that have never been in this situation before. When you break it down, you're talking about three, possibly four guys, Zach (Graham) being the fourth. EP (Eniel Polynice) was a little gimpy still, he seemed a step slow to me in the second half. Chris (Warren) really struggled and never go into any rhythm. We needed David to step up and make some plays, and he did."
On the slow start to the first half...
"We were just being very hesitant. In the first half we were trying to spread the floor based on what we anticipated them doing. We never moved the ball. We never swung the ball from side-to-side. We would attack, their defense would adjust, and we would just play on that side. We never got it turned. In the second half I thought we had better ball movement and as a result, I thought we got some better looks."
On having such a young team...
"I'll be honest with you, this was the most nervous I have ever been as a head coach before a game, even my first game ever. I had no idea what these guys were going to do. I don't think anybody did. I knew with EP being a little gimpy, we were going to be dependent upon them. I think the first half, I was trying to be patient and ride through the rough spots. Terrance (Henry) came out with great energy but then he picked up those two quick fouls and we had to take him out. We were really searching for an identity at the basket. They were quicker to the ball than us and tougher to the ball early. I think in the second half, we relaxed a little bit. When you're playing behind, and with Chris really struggling, you're looking for somebody to get you going. David gets fouled on a three and just like that, we're tied. Then we got the lead pretty quickly in the half and played with it. That helped relax our guys and let them just play."
On being out-rebounded...
"They played with some size at the basket. I think they were playing with some juniors and seniors, that's the one thing that (ASU coach) John (Brady) does have experience. Those kids were a little tougher and quicker to the ball. I thought we seemed hesitant at times. We've got a lot of work to do and that's obvious. I've been doing this long enough to know that when you can win, you take it, try to learn from it, and move forward."
