Quotes From Basketball Coach Dave Odom
12/5/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 5, 2000
Dave Odom on Darius Songaila:
"He's played very well for us so far. That being said, we've been careful with him so far in not asking him to do too much. The two and a half months of active play in preparation for the Olympics did take its toll. Where possible, we've held him to the 20-22 minute range with the purpose of not abusing his body early in the season. Any coach will tell you the most important time of the season is conference season so in a way, we've tried to keep Darius on the backburner.
As far as his game goes, his game has improved a great deal. His confidence is high, his defense has improved and he has the same spirit and tenacity. As the games become more meaningful, he will be a more integral part of our success.
Odom on Kansas:
"They're one of the top four teams in the country. And I can't remember four teams establish themselves so early in the season. It speaks volumes about the strength of college basketball this season. I hope the fans appreciate Kansas' willingness to play in our home. I feel good about Roy (Williams) coming home and I know he'll have a great following. I think it will feel more like a February game from an atmosphere standpoint. It will be good for both teams to see how they respond. Whoever wins or loses, both teams will gain from a game like this. It's the best of both worlds.
"Specific to their team, they're excellent on the offensive glass and they still get back on defense. Certainly there are other things they do well but if we don't get past those two things, the question won't be ?if' it will be ?by how much.'"
Darius Songaila on the Kansas game:
"Every game is a big game and this is the next one for us. They definitely have a strong front line. They rebound and run the floor well. I think they're excellent players."
Songaila on how the Kansas game compares to the Olympics:
"Right now, it's bigger than the Olympics because they Olympics are in the past. I enjoyed my experience and cherish my bronze medal by I'm concentrating on Wake Forest basketball. It's all I'm thinking about now."