Kent State vs. Miami Post-Game Quotes
2/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Kent State Men's Basketball vs. Miami
Kent State Head Coach Geno Ford
Opening Statement:
"When I saw we made this the day for (former Kent State basketball player) Antonio (Gates) jersey to be retired and Hall of Fame Day...you don't invite (Miami Head Coach) Charlie Coles. I have a lot of other teams come to mind that I would rather see. You always get a little uptight for games, butI've been sick for 48 hours. He's the best coach in the league, and he has been for a long time. They make you play every possession."
On emotions of senior night:
"It was a hard game to coach. We've gone two years without an off-the-court incident, all six of those guys have had at least 3.0s or better multiple semesters and we're winning. You don't want to see them go. We've had a fun ride with them."
On impact of sophomore forward Justin Greene:
"He did an excellent job of being patient. He's just going to get better and better. He's been the consistent guy we can count on. He's got good hands and touch, and he's got some guys around him who can really pass and put him in good positions. He finishes plays very well."
Kent State Senior Forward Frank Henry-Ala
On emotions of senior night:
"Me and basketball have had a love-hate relationship. With my respect for the game, I felt like it was important that I go out on top. My dad and sister were in the stands."
On what senior guard Chris Singletary has meant to the program:
"Chris loves Kent State, and he loves basketball. It meant a lot to him, and that was one of my biggest reasons to make sure we got this win at all costs. He lays it all out there. When everything is going wrong, Chris will bring the team together and take us on his shoulders and just charge."
Kent State Senior Guard Chris Singletary
On emotions of senior night:
"Michael Jordan kissed the United Center when he finished his career because it meant a lot to him. It was the same way with me. Kent State means a lot to me, just all it has done for me in the past four years. It's helped me become a better person, a better father for my daughter and a better mentor for my younger brothers. It means a lot to me to be a part of this family."
Reflecting on career:
"You guys that have been with me these four years have seen the bad and the good. Through it all, Kent State has stuck with me. It means a lot to me and my family. These last four years are something that I will always cherish. These last four years, I've spent more time with these guys, the coaches, (Kent State Athletic Director Laing) Mr. Kennedy than my own daughter. They're my family. I have a lot of bad days and a lot of rough days, but these guys help me get through it. It means so much to me"
Kent State Senior Forward Anthony Simpson
On emotions of senior night:
"I'm always inspired. I like playing basketball, but I'm not going to cry like Chris. We've got a lot more games to play. I don't know what he's crying for."
On what senior guard Chris Singletary has meant to program:
"He's our leader. He's one of a kind."
Miami Head Coach Charlie Coles
Opening Statement:
"We almost played a good game. Kent State is terrific. It seems as though last year at this time, the guys were not as timely as they are this year. This year, it seems like different guys strike. (Kent State senior forward Anthony) Simpson is a very good play, and he hurt us down the stretch. I give my team credit for the second half. I challenged them at halftime. Our team is getting better, but we made some costly mistakes that hurt us."
