North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State-North Carolina coaches quotes
1/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NC STATE COACH JIM VALVANO
"I think Dean may have said it best when we were coming off the court when he said 'I think we may have had too many people for you.' They are the best team we've faced this year by far. I know they are a hot team right now. But the scary thing is that they are going to get better.
"I also think that the things that I liked about the game this year, the clock and the 3-point play are going to be our enemies until we develop some of our younger players. It will help us develop them. We just got a good old-fashioned beating by a great basketball club tonight.
"We have to develop someone to take over for Whittenburg. I'm not all that surprised about tonight. With the loss of Whittenburg, we lost more than just a fine player. We have to replace two positions, Whittenburg's and the person who takes Whittenburg's place off the bench. Tonight, we started Myers, the freshman, but he's usually our first reserve off the bench. And Dereck is more than just a player. We miss his experience as well. The experience of coming here three times.
"Right from the first game, I have thought that the 3-point line is too close. I like the clock and hope it stays in the game. But the 3-point shot rewards an average distance shot instead of a difficult one."
NORTH CAROLINA COACH DEAN SMITH
"There were two Top 20 teams out there tonight, but State is not the same team without Whittenburg. Myers is a very good player, but Matt Doherty did an excellent job on him tonight.
"Foul trouble on their big people hurt them early. It certainly helped us when Thurl Bailey picked up two quick fouls. It also helps to have Sam Perkins to guard him. He did a great job.
"I was afraid of a letdown after last Saturday, but we didn't have one. We were very active defensively. Braddock played with great confidence. Martin played well. He'll get attention for his scoring, but he was also active defensively.
"Jordan did a great job, even though he was in foul trouble. I thought a big play was his steal and basket after State rallied with about 13 minutes to play.
"Sidney Lowe did a good defensive job for them. He is an excellent player."
