Michigan State University Athletics
NCAA Tournament Press Conference
3/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NCAA Tournament Press Conference
Coach Izzo Press Conference | Student-Athlete Press Conference
Head Coach Tom Izzo
Opening Statement
I'm excited to be here. I think a month ago for the first time in a long time it was a little questionable if we'd be here at 13-7. We were struggling a little bit, but credit goes to our players and coaching staff for not only pulling everything together but I think getting to the point of playing our best basketball at the end year. We had a few bumps in the road, some early because of some injuries, some late because of free throws. We went through that stage, and now we've put some things together. I thought the last five games against very good teams, all NCAA teams; we've learned to play the best on a consistent basis all year.
On schedule preparing Michigan State for March
We do play a tough schedule 99 percent of the time. This year when you look at Duke, Kansas and Notre Dame just to name a few, I think that those teams prepare you. We had an enormous amount of injuries this year early and this team wasn't ready for any of that. We started wearing our guys down, especially Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine. We were playing ok early but in the middle of January we looked ragged. I think it was a combination of things.
On knowing when your team had a chance to make it here
I didn't picture this team playing as well as we did the last weekend we played to be honest. We're not as talented as a team. We're not as deep of a team, and we don't have the experience. We're not the toughest team which has been a trademark of our teams over the years. As we played against a couple of teams on the road, got some wins, and were playing with our backs against the walls we showed great character. Our margin for error is still very small. It's probably the smallest of any team in my career and one that I've felt good about going into the NCAA tournament. I think the three guys that have been leading us have been doing a good job. They each have their moments, high and low. They rally together, and we have a very close knit team.
On coaching against Georgia's Matt Bucklin (Izzo's nephew)
He's not part of the family right now, but he'll be part of the family after the game. It is a little strange, and I've played against some good friends before, but never a nephew or cousin. This is going to be something different. I'm proud of him and for what he's done there.
On playing Georgia
Looking at Georgia's schedule, they lost two games late, two upsets at home because of some injuries. If not for that, they'd probably be the seven-seed.
Senior Branden Dawson
On the matchup against Marcus Thornton
They have me starting out against Marcus Thornton. I really just have to watch film because you never know in a late game situation if I might switch up on who I guard. As far as for myself, I'm going to watch film on bigs and guards.
On tournament time
With the up and down season that we've had we have grown. Our chemistry is a lot better around this time. We definitely don't have the same team that we've had this year so for myself, Travis and Denzel, we really just have to lead these guys.
Senior Travis Trice
On playing Georgia
They are a really talented team, and they are post strong and that is a dangerous combination. They took Kentucky down to the wire. They're going to come out with a lot of energy, and we're going have to match that.
On being tournament tested and Georgia not
It could be a negative or a positive. A lot of times if a team hasn't been in that situation, they are craving it. They'll come out with a lot of energy and excitement.
On being in NCAA Tournament
It feels good to have another chance to play, honestly. It has been a long week, and we've had a bad taste in our mouth, but we're excited to get back out there and play.
On being the No. 7 seed
It doesn't really bother us because no matter where they have us picked you have to go out there and win the game. We're coming in this tournament with a chip on our shoulder and looking for some wins.
Junior Denzel Valentine
On Georgia
They don't make many mistakes. They are pretty solid and well-coached.
On Coach Izzo's post-season mentality
He just does a great job of preparing us. Coach always talks about having that type of mindset in March. We take on that mindset too, and we just have to perform on our end.
