University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Southern
quotes
12/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Richard Pitino, Minnesota head coach
Andre Hollins
On preparing for non-conference opponents...
It's actually easier now with current events that've been going on. I think I saw Nebraska just got beat by some team. Michigan has lost, too, some against Eastern Michigan. Teams have been dropping it and been letting their guard down this time of year. I came out, I just wanted to set the tone. We're not gonna have that here. We're trying to do something bigger. Looking past - well not looking past the opponent but looking at the bigger picture. We have our Big Ten season coming up and we're trying to be the best team that we can be.
On the short bench and players stepping up...
It's key, now that our depth has gone down a little bit, everybody is going play. We've been talking about lately about everyone having to contribute for us to continue to improve and get better and continue to be a great team. Things like that. We have to take care of business. We don't take anything lightly. It doesn't matter. We're trying to get better. We're trying to play with the same matician, because we know that Ohio State's mission is probably to play the same way the entire game.
On the chemistry between Andre and DeAndre...
Oh, it's just chemistry. There was chemistry last year. You know, the injury hampered me last year, so it was a hard thing to do. I couldn't move as well, so this year we were comfortable. We were gelling like we were last year, or the beginning of last year.
On sharing the ball...
We're sharing the ball. Coach showed us the Spurs. The Spurs don't take good shots, they take great shots. Our chemistry came together and we don't look for a good shot we look for a great shot and we make the pass and we're getting really good looks.
On watching Andre succeed...
He's a scorer. I mean, it's fun, especially when I gotta pass it to him and I can rack an assist off of him. I mean it's really fun, and I hope he just continues to do what he's doing.
On games like this for newer players...
I mean, they are really important because Konate's going have to really step up in Big Ten games. We're short handed, not like a lot of teams. He's really got to play big once Big Ten play comes around. These games help him get in the groove, get the feel of the game. He can learn the plays a little bit at the four and the five, and actually have game moments. It's good for him, guys like Buggs putting up threes for the first time. It was really helpful and hopefully we can continue to improve.
