March 23, 2009
BAYLOR WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Monday, March 23, 2009 | Baylor-Auburn NIT Quarterfinals Preview
HEAD COACH Scott Drew
On how to top Baylor's last game at Virginia Tech...
"Those first 30 minutes were as well as we have played all year or maybe as well as we've played since we've been here. We were up 28 points against an ACC team on the road; we played good offensively and defensively. They made a run, but again, that is why you have a big lead so you can overcome that."
On the team's turnaround in the postseason...
"The biggest thing is when we started losing games, we lost some confidence. Also the pressure that we had put on ourselves to have a great conference season. Once the conference tournament began, we were able to put that behind us. After the win against Nebraska (in the first round of the Big 12 Championship), we were able to get some confidence and, with each win, we have gotten more confident and we're back to playing like we did at the beginning of the year. There is always four seasons: your non-conference, your conference, your conference tournament and your post-season; so we are trying to make three of the four real good ones."
On the team's zone defense...
"One reason we went to the zone was because we played three games in four days and we felt we needed the zone to be effective. The zone defense has been very effective; we have been very active and, because of that, we have stayed with it. It has definitely helped us on the defensive end and kept us fresher on the offensive end because man-to-man takes more out of you. During the course of the season, we played man and focused on trying to get our man-to-man better, which we have done in the last couple of years. We used to play a lot more zone, but it was a situation in the conference tournament where it was good for us and that is why we have carried it over. The zone has also helped keep us out of foul trouble."
On Josh Lomers' contributions...
"Josh has really stepped up in the latter half of the season and I think our guys have really gained trust in him. I think they feel confident that if he gets the ball, [then] good things are going to happen. The zone also allows him to save energy rather than running all over the place as we do in man-to-man. Josh and Mamadou's presence inside has really helped alter some shots and I think that is why our zone has been so effective."
On Auburn...
"Auburn is very athletic. [They are] similar to some of the Big 12 teams that are more perimeter-oriented like we saw up in Oklahoma. They play a lot of guards and like to play fast and apply pressure to cause you into turnovers. The good thing is that the Big 12 prepared us for anyone we will face in the postseason. Their play is similar to Oklahoma State; they play four guards. They have Missouri's type pressure on defense.
SENIOR GUARD Curtis Jerrells
On the turnaround after the conference season...
"We are playing well right now. We are playing more as a team and we are starting to play team ball now."
On the excitement of being one win away from New York...
"It's exciting. I have never been to New York City, so that is great motivation to get there and getting to play at Madison Square Garden."
On impact of Tuesday's game at Auburn on Baylor program...
"It would mean a lot. It is just fun to play right now. That is one of the main things about our success right now; we are just going out and having fun. We are not worried about the results. Obviously, we still want to win, but we don't think about it; we just go out there and play.
JUNIOR CENTER Josh Lomers
On his recent solid play...
"Yeah, they have been using me. I've been open to they have been using me. It feels great to finally be involved in the offense. I've always been there, but people are focusing on me now and it has opened up some new opportunities for the team."
On impact of team's post players...
"We have just been doing what we do. They have been using us and it has been nice, but we will continue to do what we do no matter what. We are all playing well and playing together and that is really helping us out."
