North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State-Wake Forest Coaches Quotes
3/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NC State head coach Jim Valvano
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“We knew they would make some adjustments after that. And the adjustment was a very tough man-to-man. We thought that they would try to take away the 3-point shot.
“If any good came out of the injury to Dereck Whittenburg, it was the emergence of Lorenzo Charles. I felt, at the end, he’d get one of two free throws. He’s a pretty good free-throw shooter. I think the first shot showed the pressure of the game. Even if he had gotten both free throws, I knew they could get a 3-point shot.
About the NCAA: “I don’t know. I think we’re worthy to be a top 52 team. We’ve faced good opposition. I think we have a very good opportunity to go.
“I felt today, before the game, that we would either win by two points or lose.”
“When we went into our delay, we thought NC State would be more aggressive in their defense than they were, anticipating a quicker shot opportunity for us. Then, at the 30-second or so mark, we knew the action would pick up, but felt our offensive movement would pick up accordingly. We got a little careless with our passing, and let that one get away from us.
“We really believed we’d see a drive by Whittenburg or Lowe, and we protected against that. Alvis [Rogers] was looking for that and was off his man, which allowed the pass to Charles.
“Our guys put out a great effort. We’ve had to play with some injuries for a long time now. I am very proud of their effort.
“Realistically, it looks like an NIT bid [instead of an NCAA bid] for us. With our play today, I think we deserve one. We are ready for it and hope we get the bid.”
