The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
St. Mary's game quotes
11.03.2005 | Men's Basketball
St. Mary's Quotes
Jim Zeleznak, Head Coach
On the game tonight: We ran into a pretty good team. There's a reason why they're ranked two and three in some polls.
On his team's effort: I was a little bit disappointed in our effort overall. I thought it'd be a little more competitive situation than it was.
Texas Quotes
Rick Barnes, Head Coach
On his team's play tonight: Daniel [Gibson] and A.J. [Abrams] did a really good job of pushing the ball. We wanted to get to the free-throw line and we did. We always want to do that.
On LaMarcus Aldridge's play: I'm not surprised by his play. He works hard, competes in practice, he's talented and can run all day long. He will continue to get better.
On P.J. Tucker tonight: I'm not surprised by how he played. He was really amped up, but he was not as clean as he probably will be.
On Mike Williams: He has improved a lot. He worked hard. We wanted to see how hard he could play, and he did that. He made some great effort plays, and I think he is more relaxed this year.
On the play of Craig Winder: He played with a lot of energy. He's a smart player. I'd have to say he's the best communicator on the team. He's very conscious of his role on the team.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Sophomore Forward
On coming back from off-season surgery: I felt great out there. There was no pain, no soreness; I actually feel better. I am stronger and quicker now.
On tonight's game: It felt like a regular season game. Coach [Rick] Barnes kept telling us to play hard, we can't get comfortable or let up. We were just excited to start the season again, ready to get back out in that atmosphere. When everybody took naps earlier, I just couldn't sit still.
A.J. Abrams, Freshman Guard
On his first collegiate game: I just tried to stay within my role and did what I had to do to help the team. When you have guys like these two on your team (LaMarcus Aldridge and Mike Williams), you know that if you get the ball inside, they will finish it.
Mike Williams, Sophomore Forward
On preparation for the season: During the off-season, we stayed in the gym every day to try to get better. We worked a lot on free throws. It was good to work out with the other players and we will continue to get better as time goes on. We just have to keep working.
