Oct. 26, 2010
2010-11 UIC MEN'S BASKETBALL MEDIA DAY QUOTES
HEAD COACH Howard Moore
On instilling a winning culture, and setting last season's 8-22 record aside...
"The big thing is we have seven newcomers who have no idea about what happened last year. I think that's a plus for us because we're returning guys that have a passion and a hunger to get this thing back on the right track."
On being motivated from the ninth-place preseason ranking in the Horizon League...
"You've got to look at it and say it is what it is. We have to be motivated regardless. If you were picked first then should be motivated, if we're picked ninth or tenth then it's there as well. Can you take it personally? Absolutely. I told (the players) that they picked us ninth and so what? You don't win championships in October, so we want to make our guys understand that we have a lot of work to do. The way we are playing and practicing now will be totally different come February and March. That's the goal, to make sure this team progresses and grows. But there's a little bit of an edge, and I hope our guys have a chip on their shoulders to a certain extent."
On focusing the team's effort on defense...
"This team's identity has to be defense. No matter if it's year one or year four, that's who we are. We're a strong-minded defensive team that doesn't foul a lot, doesn't make a lot of mistakes and won't give up easy baskets. We want to make sure our guys are disciplined and that they pay attention and really grasp our principles about what we teach. We want to make sure we are giving our opponents the toughest look at the basket as possible and to do that, we have to be disciplined and we have to be on the same page."
On the most important thing to develop in practice leading up to the season...
"I think the most important thing is that chemistry is positive. I like the fact that our leaders are trying to lead and the guys who are still trying to figure things out are allowing the process to take place and that's what you want. I want our guys to understand, I want good listeners and quick learners. Once we have those two elements in our program, I think we're going to thrive. When it comes to chemistry it's about being around good people and I know for a fact that we have good people in this program."
SENIOR GUARD Robo Kreps (PRESEASON SECOND-TEAM ALL-HORIZON LEAGUE)
On what his expectations were playing for a new head coach...
I was definitely tentative because I didn't know what Coach Moore wanted or expected but I've liked what I've seen so far. He knows what he's talking about and brings a lot of good things to the table."
On his biggest adjustments he has made to his game...
"I've worked a lot on my game during the off season. I've put on about 20 pounds so I hope to play in the post a little more and play a little bit more point guard."
On how the defense mentality has changed this season...
"The defense is completely different. If you're not playing defense then you're not playing at all."
SENIOR FORWARD Paul Carter (MINNESOTA TRANSFER)
On the team chemistry...
"We gel really well; it's actually kind of scary. It's like we've been playing together for years. We have a lot of clowns on this team so we're always laughing and joking around."
On what perceived role will be…
"At Minnesota I came off the bench and sometimes I started. So as senior I just want to be a leader and try and lead this team to a lot of victories."
On some of the big differences from Minnesota to UIC…
"Well, I would say the weather. It might be a little colder in Minnesota. But seriously, Coach Moore has us working hard just like we did at Minnesota. A lot of the guys here gel real well and I can say that about each and every one of them."
JUNIOR GUARD Zavion Neely
On what his role will be this season...
"I look at myself as a guy who can help the team out in whatever way I can and help the underclassmen learn how to adjust to college basketball."
On how well he has gelled with his new teammates...
"I can say that this has been the team that I have gelled with the best since I've been here. We treat each other like friends and brothers. "
On how different things are from previous seasons...
"Things are a lot different. The culture around school, in the classroom and on the court. Everything is just focused on winning."
