After playing in Cincinnati we came back, evaluated the film, and looked for things we thought we did poorly. We tried to stress those things we thought we did well. Certainly in that game we learned some things, like we needed to get our running game going, but our pressure defense was better than it had been. This team wants to be a running team, to push it up and down the court, so one of the things we keep emphasizing to them is that we have to run in practice in order to run in the games. They have the concept that if you are going to be a running and pressing team, you have to practice that way. The guys know that now and recognize that in order for us to put more points on the board, we are going to have to stop people and really challenge every shot. We are going to have to do those little things better.”

“Marquis’ [Estill] suspension has been lifted and he will play tomorrow.”

“In Penn State, you have a team that is a veteran team. They have three starters back who really understand how to play and actually, they are setting a bunch of records in a lot of areas for their school.”

“Joe Crispin leads the way [for Penn State]. He is second in the Big Ten for scoring and assists and leads them in free throw shooting. He really knows how to play-he can put the ball on the floor, shoot with range. That will be a real challenge for whoever is guarding him at the time. Jon, his brother, is a solid player. Usually, he gives way to his brother but he is still capable as a sophomore, doing a lot of different things as well. They both can shoot free throws really well, so we have to keep them off the line.”

“The entire team, especially Titus Ivory, Jon Crispin, and Joe Crispin, are all excellent free-throw shooters. So one of the things we have to do is to be conscious of staying out of foul trouble. The key for us is getting the ball inside to Marvin [Stone], to Jason [Parker] and to Tayshaun [Prince], and now that Marquis [Estill] is back, to him as well.”

“I was very impressed with Erik Daniels’ play, so he will be able to pick up a lot of playing time because he has earned that opportunity to play. With Erik playing the way he has been playing, I don’t think Marquis Estill will be the first one off the bench.”

“The key coming in here is to really set the tempo because Penn State is the type of team that has a veteran backcourt. They can really get into what they are doing. They are very patient and will not break down very easily. Guarding their three-point shooting is going to be critical, limiting them to one shot because they really go to the boards. They come off the bench with some good size, so we will have to be alert and aware of the matchups when people come into the game.”

“When they get a transition or a fast break, they will try to capitalize on it, but if they don’t have it, they will set up and execute the half-court. They run a motion offense and with that motion they do have a lot of different sets. They are very good at it because they have been doing it for a long time. It is critical that we play our best defense that we have played all year.”

On Tayshaun Prince: “It is important that he recognizes, when the opportunity presents itself, that he is in a mismatch. He is a good player down there. He is 6-9 and he can score down inside. He can make plays from there, pass from the low post. It is fortunate that we have inside interior people like Jason [Parker], Marvin [Stone], Marquis [Estill], and now Erik [Daniels]. So it frees him up to not have to play as much inside, but he is going to have to really play a lot.”

On Jason Parker: “He needs more touches but tomorrow he will be asked to score more inside. The opportunity to get more touches have to come from all aspects of the game-running the floor, going to the offensive boards, getting fouled, making free throws.”

UK Player Quotes
November 24, 2000
Pre-Penn State

Keith Bogans, G

“It’ll be good to be home and play in Rupp Arena. Penn State definitely isn’t a pushover team. They have a very good backcourt. We have to come out and play the way we are capable of in order to win the game. (Joe) Crispin is mainly a shooter. He’s their go-to guy. We are going to have to play tough, in-your-face defense.”

“Defense is always our focus in practice. The offense will come if your defense is in place.”

On his weight loss
“I’m able to get up and down the court more, which gives me more minutes because I’m less tired. It’s helped me all around, offensively and defensively.”

On playing and practicing during the holiday
“From a basketball standpoint, this is a great time for us to improve. While most people are relaxing, we’re here working. That’s what Kentucky basketball is all about. From a personal standpoint, sure it’s hard. We’d all like to spend time with our families, but we do what we have to do.”

Marvin Stone, F/C

“Penn State is a tough team. They are hard-nosed and good shooters. We either have to go in to the game ready to play or be ready to deal with a tough day.

On the return of Marquis Estill from suspension”He’s excited to be back in practice, and he’s ready to play. It was tough for him to miss this time, because he was out all last year on redshirt. Now he’s ready to get in there. He’s hungry, and he’s ready to show the world what he’s all about.”

On whether being regarded as a role model is fair”It’s tough, but it goes with the territory of being a UK basketball player. We just want to stick together as a team and a family. Any struggle brings you closer together, both on and off the court.”

Saul Smith, G

On getting Marquis Estill back
“It definitely helps our low-post area. We have been doing well down there, but with another body like that we don’t have to go small like we have the last couple games.”

On playing Penn State
“We definitely have to bring our best game because Penn State is a great team. It’s going to be a tough challenge. We are going to step up to the challenge in front of our home crowd and defend our home turf.”

On whether Marquis Estill is ready to come back
“He’s really excited about having a chance to play again. I think he’s learned his lesson. He has worked hard the last couple days of practice. You learn from your mistakes and you become a better person.”

Tayshaun Prince, G/F

On Marquis Estill’s suspension
“It’s a good thing it happened at this point in time, instead of later. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s early in the season. Marquis has practiced well the last couple of days. Hopefully he can come in and give us a boost on Saturday against Penn State.”

On how Prince feels about his own play
“I felt sluggish the first two games. I feel good right now. I think I played well the other night.