Postgame Quotes vs. Western Michigan

OLE MISS HEAD COACH KERMIT DAVIS

Opening Statement…
"I was really pleased with how we started the game. The energy level defensively, I think they had maybe seven turnovers on their first eight possessions. I thought we played hard, but we played within a concept of really trying to guard with our scouting plan. Our energy level had been good at times, but we hadn't done a great job of really trying to be detailed. I thought the way the game started, the crowd really got into the game. Points off turnovers, some really unselfish plays in transition. I have a lot of respect for (Western Michigan head coach) Steve (Hawkins). He's been there for a long time, and they are a good fundamental team, but I think our athleticism took them out of rhythm today."

On the slow start to the second half…
"Our energy level wasn't good. We didn't guard the right way, we started settling for perimeter shots, T.D. (Terence Davis) missed a few shots and he kind of quit guarding, so we took him out. T.D. got us off to such a good start (in the first half) with our energy level, we just have to get to a point where if he's not shot making, he's still going to play. I thought that was the sign of a good team. When they got it to 14, our team kind of flipped it again and really guarded and then the ball started moving."

On D.C. Davis…
"He's a great scorer. He is one of those great stories in college basketball where he came here as a walk on, he was Bruce's (Stevens) teammate. And we were very up front with D.C. about how there were no promises. He led the team with the most hours in the gym on his own. He went to Canada, he played good there. Looking at him in the weight room, he's one of our strongest guys, one of our best athletes. He can shoot the ball. He has a chance to really help us, and he has kind of beat those other guys out to this point."

On Terence Davis' defense…
"T.D. has been so coachable, what a good leader in the locker room. He just has to stay engaged in the process of defending. When he defends, he'll make shots."

On Devontae Shuler playing point guard…
"He didn't get an assist, but he has played two games without a turnover. Devontae shoots good step-in shots. He can shoot when his balance is good. I thought he defended good, so we are proud of what he is doing."

On his debut…
"It was terrific. I was nervous. I said it the last time, you get in a rhythm over 16 years, and you know exactly where everything goes when you are making your way to the arena. The same people, the same security guard, all of the stuff is the same. And so it was a new experience today, especially when it counts. I had butterflies, and it was a fun feeling for me, especially with the start we had. I was really pleased with how vocal the crowd was; all we want them to do is go back and tell people that this team plays with good energy. They have great passion. We hope that this thing will grow and where this place right here can be a really tough place to play."

On the balanced attack offensively…
"It is kind of how our teams have always played at Middle (Tennessee). The balance is really good, especially starting to get into foul trouble. Obviously, Dom (Olejniczak) and Bruce (Stevens), we'd like to get them a little more involved offensively, but I think the balance will be a big key, especially trying to win in this league."

On facing Butler…
"Keith (Carter) and I talked when we got the job about scheduling more national games like that. Those are the games that are going to be meaningful national games. It is a team that is really good from the Big East and a team from the SEC. I've been in Hinkle, but I've never played a game there, so I am looking forward to that. I know it is going to be a big game for those players having an SEC team come in, so I think it will be a great experience. Those kinds of games are great RPI games throughout the year, especially if you can go there and play well on the road. Our guys are really looking forward to Friday night."

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Players Mentioned

D.C. Davis

Terence Davis

Devontae Shuler

The University of Mississippi Athletics