Jan. 14, 2009
On today’s reaction to last night’s game against Tennessee…
“Today has been relaxing. I think I had 150 text messages and 50 voicemails after the game, but that’s okay. I’m just trying to enjoy my day off.”
On talking to Dan Issel about breaking his single game scoring record…
“Dan Issel said he was proud of me and that it couldn’t have happened to a better person. He told me he would be following me for the rest of the year and wished me the best of luck. When I got to talk to him it was just an honor to be on the phone with him.”
On watching film of his performance against Tennessee…
“I haven’t had a chance to look at the whole thing yet, I’ll try to do that tonight. I’m sure we will watch it together as a team later on, but for now I’m just trying to enjoy today.”
On realizing the impact of his scoring…
“I didn’t even know I had that many points until I was taken out of the game for the first time. When I saw I had so many points, I was amazed. My main thing was to win. It would have been a shame if I had scored that many points and we had lost. I was just trying to help the team win in any way possible.”
On having his dad and uncle at the game…
“It was very special to have my dad and uncle at the game. It was special just to have family members at the game. I know my mom wanted to be there, but she was at home with my sisters on a school night. Having my dad and my uncle there is something I will cherish for such a historical night.”
On the focus of the game against Tennessee…
“Our main focus was to take shots within the offense and try not to force anything. Try not to take freak shots because the defense sometimes breaks down at the end of the shot clock to get the ball inside. The focus kind of changed because they started focusing on Patrick [Patterson] and Perry [Stevenson]. I took the open shots that I got.”
On having Patrick Patterson’s presence in the game…
“Having Patrick helps a lot. He is probably the main reason why I’m getting such good looks at the basket. The defense has to shift down and focus on him, which allows me to get the open shots that I get because he is such a threat inside. Without him I wouldn’t be scoring as many points as I do.”
On the tradition of Kentucky basketball…
“I think the tradition of Kentucky Basketball, as a whole, played a huge part in my coming to the University of Kentucky. Kentucky has been such a basketball force in the country for so long. We also have great fan support. Having 23,000 fans to support you at every home game certainly helps.”
On thinking about his performance during the game …
“I try not to get caught up in that. When I’m playing the game I just try to play. I’m focusing on what I’m trying to do and that’s to help the team in any way possible. Afterwards I thought about it and then I saw clips on Sports Center several times. It’s great exposure not only for me, but for this program.”
On last night’s performance compared to the rest of the season…
“I don’t think anything compares to last night. That was a unique game for me because I’ve never scored that many points. To break not only the single game scoring record, but also the single game three-point record was incredible. As a matter of fact, I didn’t know I had broken Tony Delk’s three-point record until after the game and that made it so much more unbelievable. It was a great night for me and I credit my teammates for helping me with my achievements.”
On his high school basketball career…
“In high school I was more of a driver. I’ve always been able to shoot my whole career. My freshman year my role on this team was to shoot so I worked on that a lot. I think my three-point shot has really improved since then.”
On being mentioned among the top players in the country…
“It feels great to be mentioned with the top players in the country. I don’t see myself that way. I see myself as a guy who comes in every day and works hard to get better. I don’t see myself as the best player in the country. Of course I have confidence, but I don’t look at myself as being overly confident.”
On gaining attention for his performance against Tennessee…
“It’s a good problem to have. If I don’t get the spotlight or if I do it’s fine with me. As long as the team is getting better and we’re winning that’s my main focus.”
On improving his game…
“I have talked a lot to the coaching staff. Coach Gillispie tells me to take as many shots as I can as long as they’re good shots, that means not taking shots too early in the shot clock or if someone else is open. I think having those conversations with him, watching film and making myself a better player mentally has helped me.”
On preparing to play against Georgia…
“It will be fun. Playing in front of my family and friends is always fun. Last year I didn’t get to play because I was injured so I’ll be ready for this game. It’s going to be a tough game because Georgia is a good team and we are really looking forward to the game.”
On breaking two school records in the game against Tennessee…
“I was told what the record was for three-pointers after the Appalachian State game. I didn’t know what the record was for the single game score. I was just playing the game to win. I didn’t know I broke the records until after the game and everyone was congratulating me. I was just as shocked as everybody else.”
