Nov. 16, 1999
#42 Jamaal Magloire
On Pennsylvania
“Pennsylvania is a very small and agile team. We are going to try to contain their offensive abilities by working hard on defense. They’re really quick and that will be our biggest challenge. We’re going to have to execute our defense to bring offensive opportunities and then capitalize on those.”
On how the team has improved in the past month
“I think the biggest changes have been made a little at a time. We continue to improve with each and every practice and game. I know we will continue to work as a team and grow together as the season progresses.”
On his role with the team
“I think I will be able to keep my composure throughout the season. Being a leader is a new role for me. I’m very excited about the role I’ve been asked to play. I’m not going to get out on the court and get anxious and play outside of myself. We have a great supporting cast on this team and it will be important to use them whenever necessary.”
On the play of the freshmen class
“The freshmen are great players and really bring a lot to our game. They continue to play hard and consistently. Everyone is bound to make mistakes when they come into a new system. As a senior, I am still making mistakes. I think the freshmen are further along than what was expected and they will continue to grow with each game.”
#11 Saul Smith
“Going into every game you ask yourself, ‘Are you ready?’. This is just another test for us to learn and grow from. Pennsylvania has one of the better backcourts in the nation. This is going to be a great game.”
“I think the depth of our backcourt will play a factor in the game. We want to come out, play a fast-paced game and wear them down. We want to run as many guys as possible at Michael Jordan and make it hard for him to score.”
“Being a point guard at Kentucky is special. It gives you the opportunity to play against some of the better point guards in the nation. I’m looking forward to facing Michael Jordan. I’ve only met the Michael Jordan that played for the Chicago Bulls, and he was pretty good.”
#32 Desmond Allison
“With only 11 guys, everyone is seeing time. We don’t want to wear our guys down, we want to wear the other team down.”
“We are sick of looking at each other. We are hungry and ready to face the nation. We are going to use the upcoming game to prove that.”
“We have a tough test with Pennsylvania. We’ll get to see if the freshmen are ready, and if J.P. (Blevins) and the other guys have adapted. We are going to step up and take the challenge.”
“I think I have a bigger role this year. Jamaal (Magloire) is one of the leaders and Saul (Smith) and Steve (Masiello) have the most experience, but myself, and Tayshaun (Prince) and Jules (Camara) are going to have to step up.”
“We are not looking ahead to the other games yet. We are going to play Pennsylvania and then, hopefully, the winner of the Utah/Arkansas St. game. If we do that, hopefully, we will be in New York playing.”
#10 Keith Bogans
“We are very excited for this game. We have been waiting all year. Now that we have the exhibition games? out of the way, we are going to get out and do the real thing.”
“I am going to try and contribute as much as possible and help the guys a lot. I am learning a lot. You have to learn fast if you want to play.”
“I think the exhibition got me prepared, being out on the floor and hearing the crowd.”
On the most difficult thing for him to learn “I think defense was a lot harder for me. It is much more intense. You can’t slack at all. You have to play up and down the court.”
“We are young, but we are going to go out and play the game the way we are capable of playing. We will do just fine. It is going to be tough, but if we just play smart and have fun, there won’t be a problem.”
