Jeff Ruland Quotations

We knew we were going to get somebody like this. They have the big guy in the middle. But I don't know if they're a great shooting team. We'll have to mix it up. We've got to worry about guarding (Davis). But he also has to worry about guarding us.

We won't get into dollar amounts. But I'll tell you we got the same amount for most of those games as we got from Seton Hall. So, what's the issue?

Seton Hall outplayed us in every aspect of the game. They out-toughed us, out-hustled us and outplayed us.

Some days he's going on pure will right now.

If we play like this the rest of the way, we'll be in good shape. We had good intensity and were physical. It wasn't easy. The guys worked their butts off.

If they don't get into the NIT, they should do away with the NIT. They're a terrific team.

If they really want to win this tournament, they'll win it. It's no disrespect to anybody else. If they're all on the same page, it could be scary.

If they want to win this thing, they will. No disrespect to anyone else but this team can be scary.

I did not expect this kind of play from us. This is an interesting bunch of guys, and they will continue to be. We've just got to keep plugging along.

Four games really caught up to them. You could definitely see that in the second half.

He'll play. He's played very well at times and we're playing a big physical team (today) so he's gotta be ready to roll.

He's got the heart of a lion. We have a difficult task in front of us.

We lost to a very, very good basketball team.

I think this team wore us down with their size, especially in the second half. We had a period when we got some open looked and missed it. That is when they took the lead and never relinquished it. It says a lot about our guys when a team that size has to play zone against us.

I'm so happy for these guys. I love all my players but this is special with all the stuff we've been involved with over the last couple of years. ... They're leaving a banner behind.

We don't play basketball to give up 65 percent shooting in a half. That's why we put ourselves in the hole. We didn't following our scouting.

We've been close before. If the stars are aligned and it's high tide, maybe we've got a shot.

You can make a case for 5-6 teams in the conference right now. My main concern right now is to get my team back on track. We've got as good a shot as anybody up there. ... The games are going to be wars. They always are.

And they all need a little time on the (psychiatrist's) couch. Along with Coach.

I've actually yelled at kids from a basketball purist standpoint. I don't want to see a kid shoot the ball every time down the court. It's disgusting.

Anybody in our league would have died to have him out of high school. He does all the little things. I don't think anybody really tried to see what his offensive talents are. He can shoot from 15 feet, he rebounds and finishes around the basket. I'd be surprised if he wasn't a double-double player for us.

They are special. I've told people this many times: I'll miss them more next year than (just) because of their points. Basketball aside, I'll miss being around them.

You don't shoot in the 40s by just throwing it up there. I'm giving you guys a good feeling of New York.

This journey is one I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Even though we had our ups and downs. This year will always be special in my mind. More than any other.

It's made my life easier this year. The first three years I had to suffer because they were up and down. They will still come back in spurts and remind me of old times. But we're all on the same page. These guys are focused and they bring it every day.

I've got to take the blame. I thought we were past that. It's good to feel good about yourself, but when the ball goes up, you've got to compete. You don't get W's from reading the press clippings.

I've just been telling them it's one of the greatest things that will happen in their lives, this tournament. Everybody comes in with their slates wiped clean. I haven't had to talk too much. They have been very focused. I'm really, really impressed with their maturity, and how they're focused on the task at hand.

I've been with these guys for four years and I love them to death. But every day is a new surprise with these guys. I thought it was all behind us, but they still saved one for the end.

Not a lot of 300-pound guys come to mind.

That's a heck of a team we beat, man. If they do not get into the NIT, then there's something wrong ... there's really something wrong. With the year that this conference has had, that (if) they don't get into the NIT, they should do away with the league, they should do away with the NIT.

Their height and size eventually just wore us down.

I jammed one in the rim and another on the backboard. It wasn't a good week. It's why I can't wear rings anymore.

I heard about Louis and I feel bad for him. But I'd be very, very, very interested in the job.

I haven't had to talk too much. They have been very focused. I'm really, really impressed with their maturity and how they're focused on the task at hand.

Hey man, you gotta believe. That's the bottom line. You set your sights on the moon; if you miss it you grab a few stars.

He's a multifaceted player, and he moves well for a player his size. He has a great shooting touch, and he'll rebound the heck out of the ball. ... He'll pose a big challenge.

The guy that wrote it is a nitwit. He should get his facts straight.

All the marbles Sunday, baby. All the marbles.