Spartans Prepare For Another Basketball Title Run
3/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 20, 2001
Senior Forward Andre Hutson
On the upcoming game:
"They're some tough teams left and we have to keep the same attitude no matter who we're playing. This team must remain focused, since the ranking doesn't matter anymore. The farther you go in the tournament, the tougher the games are going to get. Our team must remain solid."
Senior Guard Charlie Bell
On his shot:
"I'm always confident in my jump shot. Some days it's just not falling, but I always have to keep shooting. Eventually, I'm going to hit some key baskets. I still have to do the same thing night in and night out."
On the tournament:
"You have to go out and play. It's tournament time and each game could be your last. We definitely have to play better."
Senior Guard/Forward David Thomas
Preparation between games:
"I think our team adjusted well, especially with the coaches' preparation. They knew the plays and plans of the opponent. Our coaches do a great job of preparing, since they stay up until 3 a.m. watching videos. The discipline of the players has helped."
On Gonzaga's role:
"I don't consider Gonzaga a Cinderella team. They have been to the Sweet 16 three years in a row. It's another challenge for us, kind of like the Wisconsin game. We have to say focused and play tough. The tough team usually comes out on top."
Sophomore Forward Aloysius Anagonye
On MSU's success on the offensive glass:
"We send four guys to the glass and eventually the ball falls in someone's hands. You can't get offensive rebounds if you don't send people to the boards.
"If we don't get the offensive rebound, then we get back and play Michigan State defense. Transition defense is just part of the game.
"I like the WAR (rebounding) drill because it gets the team mentally ready to play. If you can rebound in practice, you can rebound in a game. For the most part, rebounding is a mental thing. Toughness is important too. You have to want to go to the glass and get the ball. Rebounding is an effort stat for us. You have to play hard every time the ball goes up towards the rim."
Coach (Tom) Izzo describes you as a "blue-collar" player:
"I take that as a compliment. I'll try to do whatever Coach Izzo asks me to do. If I do my job, it helps things run smoothly."
Talk about your improvement as a defensive player and your ability to cut down on fouls:
"Playing solid defense is all about moving my feet and keeping my hands up where the officials can see them."
On advancing to the Sweet 16:
"We beat a good Fresno State team. That was a tough game but we got the win and now, we move on to Atlanta. We're not taking anything for granted. They're three other teams heading to Atlanta with a mission."
On his improvement as an offensive player:
"I've put a lot of time in on becoming an offensive threat. I've put in extra time working on my jump shot. It's taken awhile for my offensive game to come around but I know I can contribute points to the lineup."
Freshman Guard Marcus Taylor
On getting ready to play:
"The regular-season has been good preparation for the postseason. I really haven't been nervous in these NCAA games but I've been anxious. The coaches have put in a lot of time preparing this team for a run in the tournament. They've helped us focus on taking the strong points away from our opponents. The WAR (rebounding) drill has helped a lot too. Everyone is hungry for the Final Four."
On advancing to the Sweet 16:
"We can't worry about what teams are left in the South Region. The other three teams have top programs. Some people think that we're not hungry but we all want another championship ring to wear on our fingers. This team is hungry to win another national championship."
Freshman Forward Zach Randolph
What do you know about the tournament now that you have played a few games?
"Everybody is good and you have to be playing your best."
Has Andre Hutson helped you?
"Yes, he has. He has been my mentor and teacher. I have learned a lot from him."
