Jan. 29, 2013

Recap

Coach Andy Kennedy

On Nerlens Noel:
“He was the difference in the game. We all would agree with that. He is an incredible defensive presence. Our guys found a way to fight back in the game. The way everybody is guarding Marshall (Henderson), it’s no secret that they’re going to switch and defend on all of the screening action. Nerlens (Noel) would not allow the ball to go in the basket. As a result, we ran out of possessions and they capitalized.”

On Marshall Henderson:
“He was 5-for-19 and 2-for-11. He even missed three free throws. He wasn’t very efficient. Going 10-for-38 is not going to get you much.”

On Murphy Holloway becoming the all-time leading rebounder in Ole Miss history:
“Murph (Holloway) brings it every game. He’s a walking double-double. He plays with great energy. He’s strong and has a nose for the ball. That’s a great accomplishment for him, and he deserves that.”

On LaDarius White:
“He brings a weapon that we desperately need, with his ability and size to attack off the bounce. When he’s making three pointers, it really expands his game. He’s a driver so we try to do some things that allow him to get to the basket. He’s a good option for us, and he’s been responding well, as of late.”

Coach John Calipari

On team’s play:
“We can’t settle for all jumpers, you have to go in and get fouled. We shot quick shots, played slower today than we’ve played all year, but we scored more points. We were trying to grind it out and make people guard. I was pleased with Ryan (Harrow)’s point guard play. He had been gone the last two weeks, but he played today. Archie (Goodwin) made some good shots. Alex (Poythress) was outstanding today as well.  We’re getting better as a team.”

On Nerlens Noel:
“He was good, but he had four fouls. He was trying to steal balls while we were trying to win the game.  That’s the play of the freshman, we lose focus.  When Ryan (Harrow) missed a free throw his head went down, and I had to take him out of the game. Alex (Poythress) did the same thing so you have to get out, you’re zapping our energy.  So that’s what we’re working on.”

On Alex Poythress:
“I wanted to start him in the second half. Ole Miss had 15 offensive rebounds so that’s why we started him, and I liked it.”

On Marshall Henderson:
“I was pleased with our play on him, he turned a couple corners. He didn’t make it the first time, he would miss, they’d get an offensive rebound, give it back to him and he’d make one.  He’s a terrific player and exciting player. To be honest, I’ve watched his tape and smiled watching him play. Andy (Kennedy) is letting him play like Andy played. If you get it and are open, shoot it. Andy has done an unbelievable job with this team. He has the veteran guys with size playing. He’s got the guards playing the way they have to play, and the other guys are accepting that they shoot a lot of balls.  They’re playing great zone and it was one of their better games. This was nothing with Ole Miss, we played well today”