Quotes

Dec. 22, 2005

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Kansas 85, Northern Colorado 62
December 22, 2005

Head Coach Bill Self
On the game:

“We played pretty good. I wanted everyone to go into Christmas feeling good. We wanted to get some guys some minutes. I was pleased, but not overly ecstatic about how some different individuals played. Some obvious things we need to do is get Sasha and C.J. playing where they are capable of playing and eliminate unforced errors. There were some good things that happened. Julian did some good things and Darnell played pretty good. I thought Jeff Hawkins got us off to a good start. Rodrick Stewart was solid. Even though he was fouling some he will grade out pretty high because he was in the right position, trying to do the right things. We did some good things, but we still have a ways to go.”

On Darnell Jackson’s return:
“I don’t know if you call 12 points and six rebounds specatular, but he played pretty well. He was pretty active. He tried real hard.”

On the second half:
“We were up 17 at the half. We should have extended the lead more in the second half. We fouled too much. We put them on the line a lot and they made some hard shots. All-in-all not too bad.”

Sophomore, Forward, Darnell Jackson
On his return to the line-up:

“It felt good to get back out there with my brothers. It had been a long time coming. I just tried to keep a positive attitude. My teammates helped me stay focused. They really pulled me through.”

On his play:
“I just tried to maintain my focus. I wanted to play good defense and rebound. I stayed focused and tried to run the plays and I was able to score some points. My shot was not really on tonight, I guess I need to get in the gym and work on that.”

On the crowd applauding him entering the game:
“I wanted to cry when they cheered for me. It felt good to know the fans here still love me. I really appreciate their support during this time.”

Sophomore, Guard, Jeremy Case
On his play:

“It was a big confidence boost to hit my first shot in the game. I was able to relax and knock some shots down. I feel like every shot I take is going to go in now.”

On getting more playing time:
“I always try to stay ready. When my time comes I have to be ready to play to the best of my ability. I think I did that tonight.”

Freshman, Forward Julian Wright
On his play:

“Coach Self is trying to teach me a few lessons. I like to pass the ball, but I need focus and not make careless mistakes. I just have to settle down. I have to take better care of the ball and value each posession.”

On his adrenaline flowing at Allen Fieldhouse:
“For some reason I let the crowd get to me at home. I need to let the game come to me and grind it out. I get excited playing in Allen Fieldhouse. On the road it is not a problem. I have to learn to be more productive at home since we play half of our games there.”

Head Coach Craig Rasmuson
On the game:

“I am proud of the way our guys played. We have played an extremely tough schedule and we are young just as Kansas is. We are on the other end of the pecking order as KU, but our kids are getting better and our schedule is about to turn in our favor. I am not a believer in moral victories, but by not getting blasted it will make our three-day holiday a little more enjoyable. You fear getting blasted but I think our kids played really well. We played close to even on the glass. That was a big concern for us coming into the game. We took care of the ball a lot better than we have been against a team that is a lot more athletic than the teams we have been seeing. I am thankful for the opportunity to play at Kansas. Of all the venues we have played in over the last two years this and Gonzaga are the best we have seen. The fans, community, and everyone here are truly first-class.”

Sophomore Center Kirk Archibeque
On Kansas:

“They were a very good team. I liked the way they played they were really physical inside. It was hard to defend the inside game because they worked the high-low really well. I loved the atmopshere. You dream about playing at places like this. It was one of the best venues I have ever played in. Everything including the people and the fans are nice here.”