Oct. 13, 2005
Head Coach Mike Brey
On the mindset of the team heading into the season …
“Right now we are a little bit off the radar screen and probably with this specific group that’s not a bad thing. We’re certainly not getting the preseason publicity we did the past two seasons and not on anybody’s radar.
“On thing I’ve talked to them about is not getting ahead of themselves. We’re not going to worry about Bracketology or Selection Sunday. With this team this year, I just want just to get a little bit better every day in practice — that should be our goal.”
On the disappointment of not making the NCAA Tournament last year …
“I don’t think that anybody was more disappointed than our immediate `Notre Dame basketball family.’ Being on the edge of playing our way in down the stretch and not getting was certainly disappointing for all of us. That’s has been on the minds of our returning players, but I’ve told them that I don’t want them on talking about getting back to the NCAA Tournament. The only tournament we need to be worried about getting back to is the BIG EAST Tournament because not everybody makes that. We can’t afford to get ahead of ourselves. We need to pace ourselves.”
On the younger players in the program and the patience that he his going to need to show by nurturing them along …
“Because we have a number of guys with limited playing experience, we need to get them ready to play and to get some reps. I think we are going to need our younger guys this year because they are talented and can do a lot of different things for us. I’m excited about our younger, but with that said, we are going to have to be patient with them and live with some of the mistakes that they are going to make.”
On Chris Quinn handling the ball this season …
“I don’t think anybody lost any sleep in the spring thinking about Chris Quinn handling the ball this season. He’s been a natural leader for us and is one of the most underrated players in the BIG EAST and in the country. It’s not like we are handing the ball this season to a freshman. I have a great deal of confidence in Chris Quinn.”
On freshman Luke Zeller …
“He’s further along than I thought he would be at this point. He’s willing to bang inside with the bigger and more physical bodies. In the preseason practices that we have had we (our coaching staff) have been surprised how he has been able to handle himself inside.
“One thing that stands about Luke is how well he passes the ball. He is a real unselfish player who has a great instinct to get the ball to his teammates.”
On style of play …
“I think our style of play is going to evolve over the next six weeks. Right now I don’t what our rotation is going to be, but I do know that we have plenty of room for growth. Over the next few weeks, I’m hoping that we establish our identity.”
Junior guard Colin Falls
On the senior leadership …
“In my first two seasons, Chris Thomas and Jordan Cornette were the faces of the program, but now we have new leadership with Chris Quinn, Torin Francis and Rick Cornett. They have done a good job of getting us ready for the season and stepping up and being the leaders of this team.”
Playing with Chris Quinn in the backcourt …
“I’m looking forward to it this year. We’ve played a lot together and practiced a lot together this summer. The only difference this year is that he is going to handle the ball more this season and I just need to find my open spots on the floor.”
Freshman forward Luke Zeller
On the transition to the college game …
“What’s going to be most different is the speed of the game and the physicality of the game has been the real difference. But going up against my teammates during the summer and in our preseason practices has helped me adjust and made me better.
“I just have tried to get better every day since I arrived on campus. I’m excited and eager to get started and play against somebody other than ourselves.”
On the seniors …
“They have helped me a lot and they have been leaders for us already. They are great examples for all of us on the team because they lead through their words and their hard work.”
Senior guard Chris Quinn
On the preseason conditioning and workouts …
“We’ve worked extremely hard to get ourselves into the best shape possible. My job and that of Rick, Torin and Colin has been to lead our younger players and to push them to work each and every day either on the court or in the weight room.”
On expectations of the season …
“We’re excited to get started because we know that we have guys on this team with experience who know how to play the game. My teammates and I are looking forward to getting started and playing against competition other than each other.”
On the new NCAA rule that allowed teams to practice for two hours per week …
“I think we’ve benefited from the new NCAA rule that allows us to practice for a couple hours each week once we start up school. I think that it has really helped the younger guys. Heading into Saturday’s practice they all know what to expect and I think that it is going to be an easier adjustment for them. Starting Saturday, we can really get into the flow of the season.”
On being the point guard …
“It is exciting for me this season that I will be the point guard — it’s my natural position. I’m looking forward to having the ball in my hands. It’s going to be a great challenge. The past three years I have been able to learn a lot watching Chris (Thomas) and playing with him. I think I’m prepared and take what I’ve learned to do that best that I can.”