Post Game Quotes
12/31/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 31, 2004
North Carolina A&T Head Coach Jerry Eaves
Opening Statement...
"I think we played one of the better teams in the country tonight. They've got great depth and the potential to be ACC champions and perhaps go all the way. They are balanced, unselfish and they shot tremendously well in the first half. They work hard and I respect that. I think we will surprise lots of people this season. I think we will be good in the conference. We are athletic and consistent. Our goal at the half was to score 45 points in the second half and we did that, that is encouraging."
On the improved play in the second half...
"I thought we executed much better in the second half. We had the same shots as they did in the first half, they just happened to make theirs. We did a better job of making our shots in the second half."
On the teams confidence...
"This is an excellent group of players, they are easy to be around and great to coach. We know our weaknesses and I think we play hard to fix them. We are very disciplined. To press all game, even after not making the shots, is impressive to me."
Your analysis of the season so far...
"In picking my schedule this year, I wanted to play lots of different styles and I think we've done that so far. I've got two 6-foot-10 freshmen on the bench, who will bring a lot to this team. I told them to sit and watch Eric Williams this game, and see what size, strength and presence can do for a team and to learn the importance of the weight room."
Wake Forest junior Justin Gray
On first half hot-streak...
"I think I had some good looks and my teammates did a good job of finding me when I was open. I was able to get in a rhythm early and carry that confidence through the game."
Was second half team performance discouraging...
"We won by 20-some points, I don't think that is discouraging. Obviously, we'll look back at the tape and see some things we could have done better. I know I made some mistakes in the second half, I know we all did, but I wouldn't call it discouraging."
Wake Forest sophomore Chris Paul
On the Virginia game upcoming...
"No one on our team right now has ever beaten Virginia on the road, so that is motivating for us. They are a great team and led by a very poised freshmen guard. They've got great crowd support and it will be a tough place to play."
Wake Forest junior Eric Williams
On health tonight...
"I think I was nearly 100 percent tonight. I know I didn't play all that well against New Mexico, but I thought tonight was better. When you have the talented guards that we do and when our inside players play the way we do, our team is a winning combination."