INTERESTING NEWS: Comments made by the head coach following to night game
Following the victory, the following were the comments made by head coach Kenny Payne, guard Ty-Laur Johnson, forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, and guard/forward Mike James:
“To begin with, I believed that Florida State was one of the two or three teams in our conference that forbids you from running plays. They play beyond the lines, reject reality, and make you play outside of your comfort zone. I believed that Ty-Laur (Johnson) entered the game and completely altered its dynamic. He made them backpedal. He put us in the right lane and made us offensive.
What someone informed me earlier—that he is the first player in history to record 27 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds—evidences this. That speaks volumes about his ability, character, and potential. If he’s that kind of player, then he makes our lives all easier. On and off the court, we need more of that from him. He’s a lively small player who is capable. In addition, even though the stats don’t show it, Tre White’s performance today—his seven rebounds and his clutch defence throughout the game—is what really matters. Without those huge rebounds, we wouldn’t have won. ld’s BHuntley-Hatfierandon’
He did, however, play well. Mike James was fouled 19 times and attempted 19 free throws. We will make teams work for it when we play that way. That’s what we need to keep doing. I’m not satisfied by any means since we made mistakes towards the conclusion of the game when we weren’t composed, rather than rushed or scared. To be composed, we spent two or three days working on the press. We’ll attempt to improve and take what we can from it.
Concerning Ty-Laur Johnson’s non-start
“It was just a decision I made,” We played a great last game down the stretch, in my opinion. We gave it another go since we were more formidable and powerful with Tre (White), Mike (James), and Curtis (Williams) playing brilliantly.
(Regarding Ty-Laur Johnson’s decision not to start and how that inspired him to play the way he did)
“We would all be geniuses if we could understand that youthful mind. Therefore, I would think that it would motivate him, but even without that, his performance of 27 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds is impressive. But more than simply his stats, in terms of his influence on the game.
(Regarding the variation in the Virginia game from a week ago and to night game.
“You can never tell when a young person will do something. That’s something I would tell you.” All you have to do is keep pushing and working. You have to keep battling no matter how difficult things become. Because they can sense when you give up. I think we are going to win, no matter what anybody else thinks—and I repeat this before every game. I have faith in my group. However, in order for us to improve, we must gain experience and never stop learning. That’s the reason you keep trying guys. Tonight, we defeated a really strong team.
