University of Minnesota Athletics
Postgame Quotes: Louisiana
11/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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Minnesota Head Coach Richard Pitino
On the starting five scoring double figures…
"I really liked the balance of this team. I think that having that many options on the court is tough to guard. I thought that first half we played really well… It is nice when you go inside. Dupree (McBrayer) is playing with great confidence. I always thought he was the most improved player on the team. He showed that tonight and I think Nate (Mason) played quietly, but really good. Amir (Coffey) is a talented kid as you see. Turnovers in the beginning of the game that he will fix. I think we got a chance, if we stay healthy, to have a good balanced squad."
On the team's shooting…
"I think when we take good shots, we are a good shooting team. I think we saw that tonight and know we are confident when we move the ball. I think probably one of our better strengths is passing. I think we are a good passing team."
On Amir Coffey's debut...
"I thought he was really good tonight. He is a really good passer. I think he is a better shooter then he gives himself credit for. I keep telling him to shoot the ball. Free throws are just nerves, I just think he adds a difficult dimension for teams on the defensive side of it and how they want to guard him because he is so tall."
ULL Head Coach Bob Marlin
On foul trouble and costly mistakes:
"We've just got some growing pains that we're gonna have to fight through, especially with the foul trouble... Give Minnesota credit. They played well the first half, and probably took their foot off the gas in the second half."
Positive takeaways:
"I'm proud of our team for out-rebounding a big group like that."
On general team struggles:
"First time out for a lot of these guys. We let those guys get a lot of paint points. We've got to defend better. You can't come in, play at a gym like this, and expect to give up 50% and win, you know, against a good Big Ten team."
Junior Nate Mason
On team leadership...
"I was there this game to help the guys and give them a little confidence. All the guys were a little more confident and ready to play."
On difference from last year...
"You can tell it's a big difference from last year to this year, way more focus. We are seeing improvements."
On buzzer beater shot...
"It kind of sent chills through my body. I haven't been back on the floor in awhile so it felt good hitting a shot like that. Just getting back in the feel of things, getting back in the rhythm, I am just ready for the season to take off."
On the new players...
"They play well. Reggie was a force; he's got to work on his fouling but that's going to come. Amir played with a lot of confidence. Akeem played with a lot of confidence. That was good to see. You can see from all the new guys that they bring a different dimension to the team. Once we get comfortable in the season I feel like these guys are going to produce."
Sophomore Dupree McBrayer
On the start of the game...
"We had an edge. Coming from last year we knew we needed to improve."
On difference from last year...
"Once one guy makes a shot, everybody builds up the confidence to make a shot. You want to shoot with confidence and that's the biggest thing."
On the new players...
"Everything is new for them. For the freshmen this is their first game so they are just getting acclimated to things. They are doing very well. For Akin, he's a senior so he's just taking it step by step. He wasn't here early on so he's just getting used to things too."
On his shot improvement...
"Just living in the gym, that's what you have to do. I think taking good shots was a factor too because last year Coach P would say that I would throw the ball at the basket, but this year I am taking good, open shots. The shots start me up and give me the confidence. I just feel comfortable."
