Mike Listerman Quotations

One of the kids suggested it in the locker room (at halftime) and I knew he was right. We were getting beat on penetration and we also knew they didn't have great outside shooters.

I was so pleased (Tuesday) with the great balance we had. One thing you can say about this team is we're not one dimensional.

We take 21 more shots and make the same amount. I like to think we're a little better shooting team than that, but today we weren't. We just didn't stick it in like we normally do.

Our strength is the way we move the ball on offense.

That was very difficult. As happy as I was I had sadness in my heart because my son was hurting on the other side. ... This one's a lot easier.

We just didn't knock down some shots. We missed some easy ones in the first half and left some points out on the floor. As a coach, you always worry if that's going to come back and haunt you.

We had our chances at the end, but we're not going to put our heads down just because we lost by three points. We're just going to keep working and getting better.

Those are the guys that are veterans out there - Timmy, T.J. and Bo. They all started last year. When you get in a game like this, you expect your experience to pay off.

We'll have to have some guys really work hard this summer. Whether we make it back here (to the state tournament) next year, who knows? Only one team in the region makes it here and that's what makes it so special.

This team is just beginning to show what it can do. I just hope they saved the best for last.

To have this over is a big sigh of relief.

I've never had a full-time assistant since I became head coach here (in 2000). I'm excited to finally have someone with me on a daily basis here at school.

The month of February was a really good month. The most important thing is what we do in the next two weeks.

The bottom line is we need one more great effort for 32 minutes (tonight) to get to Lexington (to the state tournament). We're not finished yet.

This is the game that has all the weight on it, because if you don't win this one your season's over. You pack your bag, put the balls away and wait until next October.

This place was packed; I love it. And I try to get my players to love it. 'Don't be nervous; this is what you play for. They're here to watch you play. Give it your best shot.' And that's what our kids did.

They're all good basketball players who understand the game and work well together. We just need them to put four more good games together and get us to Rupp Arena (for the state tournament).

There's been no pigeons (easy opponents) in our district and regional draws, and that's the way I like it. We're going to have to earn it and Friday night will be another gigantic test. It'll be a great atmosphere.

Danny came in and did a tremendous job for us. He really exerted himself inside.

It's an experience, in and of itself, just warming up. Talk to anyone who's ever been on the floor at Rupp Arena.

If you're a sophomore here, we use it as a motivational factor. ... It's a real motivation. If a kid gets to be on the floor and warm up in Rupp Arena and experience what the state tournament is like, especially if you get to Friday or Saturday, you'll understand why they call it the Sweet Sixteen.

Inside 45 seconds, we didn't get exactly what we wanted.

He played a great game. This is one of those times when a guy comes to the state tournament and really picks his team up. If he doesn't do what he did, we win.

All I can say is we're still a very dangerous ball club. If we find a way to close out (games) better I think we've got a great chance (in the playoffs).

The difference in this year and last year is that this group is really focused on improving every day.