North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State-Virginia coaches quotes
1/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
VIRGINIA COACH TERRY HOLLAND
NC State gave a great effort. They had us back on our heels in the first half, attacking us on both offense and defense. I hope that Dereck Whittenburg isn't hurt. He played a great game and he is a great player.
"It was a gutty effort on the road. I was proud of the way we worked for good shots in the second half. It was just an outstanding effort from everyone that played.
"The key was the defensive effort on Whittenburg and Bailey in the second half. Obviously, we began by playing them tough defensively. And in the second half, we forced them to take tougher shots. We have a great deal of respect for North Carolina State. We wanted to play together and in the first half, we got out of our offensive rhythm.
"We haven't really prepared for UNC. They are a great team and playing well right now. They played a tough schedule in the beginning of the year, and they are a better team than their record shows."
NC STATE HEAD COACH JIM VALVANO
"They took Whit (Whittenburg) to the hospital for X-Rays. it was a big blow to us. If it's serious, it will be a really big blow.
"Losing a big lead is going to happen with the new rules. I shouldn't say this, but there were some real questionable calls. The team played its heart out. Then losing Dereck really hurt. I don't know what happened on the technical. I asked the ref, and he said look at the films. They should let the kids determine the outcome of a game. Losing Whittenburg the way he was performing is akin to losing Ralph Sampson. What can I say? I'll take his 27 first-half points every time. I wish we'd had them in the second half. The clock and the 3-point play should allow the players to decide the game.
"It was a great basketball game. The new rules take care of that. It just mars the game when you get some calls like that.
"I think it was Whit's right ankle. I asked him if it was serious when he came to the bench, and he said yes. With the schedule we're facing, we can't afford to lose him for an extended period of time.
"Both teams were tired at the end. Ralph is absolutely awesome. What else can you say? He is a great athlete."
