Quotes

Nov. 29, 2004

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Post-Game Quotes

Kansas Head Coach Bill Self
On the game:
“We did a good job defensively. Our first-shot defense was good, but we have to rebound a little better so we can get out and run more. The thing that concerns me the most with our team, is that our veterans lose interest. We have a chance to put the game away in the second half, but we play like the game is over. In all reality the game is over, but we have to play with a killer instinct. I was really pleased how we finished the first half. We did some good things. For us to score 85 points, with Wayne (Simien) only scoring 14 and Keith (Langford) only getting 12 is probably a good sign for our basketball team. We still play in spurts too much, but I do think we are getting better.”

On Aaron Miles:
“He is going to pass Jacque (Vaughn) in a lot of areas this season. Aaron does so many good things. He keeps the defense honest shooting the basketball. I still think we can run more with him. If we could get Russell (Robinson) to be a little tighter with the ball, like Aaron is, and not have so many careless plays, we are going to be so much better.”

On Nevada Head Coach Mark Fox:
“I have known Mark for quite some time. He has helped us throughout the years and we have tried to help him. We have a good relationship. The only time I haven’t liked him is last year when they beat us. He has been a good friend of our staff. I think he is doing a good job coaching them. They had a big road win at Georgia. Tonight our guys came out and were ready to play. (Nevada) just ran into a buzz saw. I think they will finish in the top three in their league.”

Freshman Guard Russell Robinson
On his performance:
“I was out there just letting the game come to me. I am trying to play under coach’s system. I tailor my game to play within the offense and do everything right. Aaron (Miles) talks to me before every game and tells me to play hard and lessen my mistakes.”

On the season after three games:
“It’s hard to come out and think you can do things right away. You have to play and get experience by playing hands-on with the team.”

Senior Guard Keith Langford
On the season after three games:
“I feel better about our team. I thought we played well against a very good opponent. I feel a lot better than I have in months. I have some days where I am not at my best, but I am just working everyday to get to that point.”

On passing Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list:
“I feel honored to have accomplished that. I wish it would have happened a little sooner, but I look forward to passing up a few more people on that list.”

On Aaron Miles:
“Tonight was vintage Aaron. Usually he might have a turnover or two, but when he plays like he did tonight it is great. In my book, he is one of the elite point guards in the country. If you look at his numbers and his wins, you can’t deny it. He is really leading this team right now.”

Senior Guard Aaron Miles
On getting revenge on Nevada:
“I don’t think of it as revenge because they have a new coach and a different team. We thought about last year’s game but this wasn’t the same team we played last year. I would have rather played them last year in the NCAA Tournament to get revenge.”

Nevada Head Coach Mark Fox
On the game:
“We buckled under pressure. We didn’t finish plays inside that I thought we should have. Our inability to execute on offense in the first half lead to turnovers and points for them (Kansas). Kansas’ pressure defense forced turnovers. We couldn’t execute offensively against their pressure defense. (Points-off-turnovers) were the story of the first half. We folded our tent at the end of the first half. We cut it to 13 and then the experienced team took advantage of the last three minutes of the first half. This is the first time we have seen this environment and this pressure and we were not prepared enough to deal with it. When you miss open shots and turn the ball over, it is tough to stay in the game.”

On Kansas:
“They are more seasoned than we are. Aaron Miles is a proven veteran who has played in two Final Fours and we have guys who have played two college games. Certainly their experience was a factor.

On Kyle Shiloh:
“He has adapted (to the number two position) alright. He is still learning the system, knowing when to shoot and when not to shoot. He is bouncing back and forth between spots, but it should not be that difficult of a transition. Right now, he is still a little bit uncomfortable.”

Sophomore Forward Nick Fazekas
On the game:

“It didn’t go very well. I know I couldn’t get anything going in the first half. We just couldn’t get anything going, especially in the first half. After that, Kansas just rolled. I think frustration set in. It’s really frustrating to come in here, in a game you want to win, and play so bad.”

On his performance:
“I could not get anything to go. I had a few jump hooks that I though should have gone in. It just wasn’t my night.”

On playing in Allen Field House:
“It was neat. To me it’s just another place to play. It is a historic place and it is loud, but it’s no big deal to me.”

Freshman Guard Ramon Sessions
On his performance:
“I felt like I was rushing my shots. Coach told me to run the offense more and I thought I could have done a much better job than I did. I was rushing things, trying to get everyone going, but it turned out that I did not do that. It was a tough loss.”

On the game:
“We tried to get out to an early lead, but (Kansas) did and it is tough to get back into a game with the crowd like that. We got the game down to 13 and then we started rushing again. That comes back on me, the point guard.”