University of North Carolina Athletics
Blue/White Scrimmage Post-game Quotes
November 2, 2002 | Men's Basketball
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UNC Head Coach Matt Doherty
"It is fun to see the guys in uniform running up and down the floor, playing unselfishly and playing hard. I think we have some things to work on, which is exciting.
"As a coach, you see a good play by the White team and you wonder if the Blue team played any defense. As I look at the tape, I will definitely be judging the offense and the defense."
"I am very pleased with their effort, unselfishness, talent - it was fun being out there."
On the attitude of the players in practice:
"[Practice] has been great. We have had 19 practices including today's walk-through and I could not be more pleased with their attitude. I could not be more pleased with their effort, their unselfishness, and their ability to listen. It sounds simple, but anyone who has children, anybody who has taught understands that some kids don't listen and some kids don't retain. Some of the plays David Noel made out there...he has good instincts, but he listens. And that is exciting to see as a coach.
On how the team looks to him:
"I like our athleticism. I think we can make athletic plays, but yet I think we are still basketball players. I always talk about wanting guys that can pass, handle and shoot the ball with speed, quickness and hopefully toughness and intelligence. I think we have some guys that can do those things. It is fun seeing some of them make plays."
On Raymond Felton:
"I think Raymond tried to set his teammates up and run the offense. When he had an opening, he took advantage of it, he showed the ability to hit that jump shot and that is going to put some pressure on people. They are going to have to come out and guard him, and if they do, he has the ability to go around them, and he makes great decisions.
"He brings an energy to the floor. Guys sprint the floor and he finds them and defensively he sets the tone. He has a lot of poise. A lot has been said about him, but he handles it very well."
Player Quotes
Jawad Williams:
"I think we got a lot of things accomplished. We showed what we can do and we have to get ready to put it together now."
"We have a lot of mismatches in all areas. We have shooters, people who can drive the ball and we have big bodies - I think we're ready to go."
On the freshmen:
"I think they add some athleticism. They all can play defense. Running up and down the court is going to be key this year, we need to play a lot of pressure defense."
On being a leader:
"I think everyone has to take on some type of leadership role this year. We have to step up and if we feel something is wrong, speak up. If everyone does what they are supposed to do we are going to be fine this year."
On playing a fast-pace offense:
"We have the athletes on this team to get up and down the court real fast so the faster we get it out the better."
Jonathan Holmes:
"I thought it was a great scrimmage. I thought it provided a lot of excitement for the fans. We have been working very hard these last three weeks and it was good to get out and play in front of some fans with practice under out belts."
"I think it was competitive out there - we went at each other and definitely had some fun at the same time."
"We are an extremely competitive bunch. We work hard because we know that if we go hard at each other it is going to make everybody that much better. We compete everyday in practice and I think the way it was out there today is how it is in practice. Everybody works together and plays hard so it's cool."
Will Johnson:
"It was a good start. I thought everybody played hard. We obviously made some exciting plays and we have some talented young guys, but at the same time we know we have a lot of things to work on, especially defensively. It was a good first step."
"I'm happy, I think all of the guys are happy, but we also realize that we have a lot of things to work on. We put up a lot of points, which is good on one hand, but on the other hand we know we have to stop some people."
On the team's three-point shooting:
"We have guys that can shoot. One of our strengths is three-point shooting. Plus, we have guys who can penetrate and that makes three-point shooting more wide open."
On his personal improvement:
"My role on this team is to do the little things like make open shots, play good defense, rebound and take care of the ball. Those are the things that I focus on when I'm out there. This summer I worked hard in the weight room to get a little more athleticism, a little more strength under the boards and I think I've done that. At this point in the season I'm just working on what I can do for this team."
