March 16, 2009
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
PRACTICE DAY QUOTES
Alabama State Head Coach Lewis Jackson
“ We are excited to be here. This time of the year most teams around the country have put up their suits and uniforms, but Alabama State …we’re still playing and we’re excited about the opportunity. We are facing a tough challenge in Morehead State but we’re excited about the challenge and to be in the field of 65. It’s been a goal of ours since the beginning of the season and these guys have stayed the course and maintained their responsibilities for us to get here.”
On the team’s winning streak (ASU has won 13 of the last 14 games)
“What we’re trying to focus …all the while we were on that streak we’ve never talked about that streak. We’ve always talked about the next game, being focused on the next game and trying to be ready for our opponent. Doing the necessary things it’s going to take to be in the ball game. The streak really hasn’t come into play with us, however, we know it’s there but our focus is always on our next opponent, trying to do those little things that will give us the opportunity to win. “
On the team’s style of play and how to attack Morehead State
“Our style of play is getting out and running and push the basketball. We have good athletes with Andrew, Rashad, and Brandon as well as some of our other players: Wesley Jones, Jermaine Butler, and those guys. We want to get out and push it down the floor and try to create some easy shots. However, if we don’t get anything out on the break, we have guys that we can go to around the basket. Certainly Chief, Roland Fitch, Wesley Jones, and those guys. We have to play in the half-court and we’re going to go inside-out and we want to always attack the bigs on opposing team. So that’s going to be our game plan. That’s our game plan every game, to play inside-out, kind of loosen up things for our guards and get good shots. And we know that Morehead State is a tremendous ball club. They have good guards, they have great guys on the inside that rebound the ball well and are very physical. That’s their strength. They attack the basket. They run the floor well. They play great defense so it’s going to be a tough challenge, but one that I think the guys will get up for and try to have an opportunity to win the ball game. “
Chief Kickingstallionsims
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be here. I’ve been waiting for this moment for my whole life. To be here my senior year is even better.”
Rashad Provitt
“I think this is a privilege and an opportunity to be able to play in the national tournament. I don’t think it’s going to hit us until we hit the floor Tuesday night.”
Andrew Hayles
“When we were sitting at the lobby area back at Alabama State and when we saw our name pop up, that’s something as seniors we’ve been waiting for. All of us are expected to be leaders on the team. We just felt like it was another opportunity to make something happen.”
On what Chief bring to the team
Rashad Provitt
“With Chief it starts on the defensive end mainly when the guards get in the lane he is there to help and block shots. That starts our transition.”
Andrew Hayles
“We know Chief has tremendous responsibility on the court. He’s a big help on the defensive end when guys miss assignment, which usually happens during the course of the game. Chief is a big body at 7 foot and can block and alter shots. On the offensive end posting up big is a real good help because Coach always talks about going inside-out. When guys double down on him throw it back out it makes the game a lot easier for us.”
Chief Kickingstallionsims on his name
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to get recognized for my name. It makes me stand out even more besides my size. I just think it’s unique and I get noticed by it.”
