Memphis-Arkansas State Post Game Quotes
Nov 20, 2007 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 20, 2007
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Memphis Postgame Quotes
November 20, 2007
Game Five
Arkansas State - 63
#3/3 Memphis - 84
Memphis Head Coach John Calipari
Like I said prior to the game, I think Coach Nutt did a great job of getting his guys ready. We tried to really go after them and steal balls. They held the ball till shot clock, and they made some tough shots. Another Memphis kid came in here and tried to get 50, which happens to us a lot.
We had a couple guys that thought they'd just kind of walk through the game. The issue when people watch us--the scouts--is guys just aren't very consistent, so they don't really know how good they are. That's why the jury is out so much. They just don't know how good guys are, the inconsistency. Come when I want to; not come, come, not come. Now is he a the "not come guy", or is he the "come guy?" Which one is he? And we had some of that today.
But I'll tell you, Arkansas State, they played. Thank goodness Willie (Kemp) shot the ball like he did; that Donnell (Mack) shot the ball like he did. If those two don't shoot the ball, it's a four point game. Those guys really, really shot it. Now I will say this: Willie (Kemp) came out before practice and did a Larry Bird, before the game, right before the game. He made 200 shots. That's what I've been trying to get guys to do. We've got a couple other guys, "Come on now, I gotta come in an hour early." Yeah, and then you go 1-for-8, 1-for-6, 1-for-9, I understand. Willie came out and made 200 shots prior to the game. And we've got to get guys that are willing to sacrifice a little bit more to spend a little bit more time and accept their roles even more than they have to this point.
Arkansas State Head Coach Dickey Nutt
I'm very proud of our basketball team. We really took a step in the right direction. I congratulate Coach Calipari and the program that he's put together. You can do nothing but envy a team like that. When you look at their team and the five guys that they had on the floor, they kept their mouths shut and just played basketball.
(Once again) I'm very proud of our team. They played outstanding. I thought that Adrian Banks was one of the best players out there on the floor. I thought we did a great job of just sticking to what we had put in place for this basketball game. I really believe that at the end of March (our team) will be there, and I really believe that.
They shot the ball extremely well. (Willie) Kemp was on fire tonight. We had a hard time holding him. We had some guys that have never played on the Division I level, and to come over in this atmosphere, we appreciate the opportunity tonight very much and the way we were treated. Don't get me wrong, we're very disappointed when we lose, and again we took a good step as a team. If we get everyone healthy, we'll have a chance to be a good team.
