Dec. 10, 2010
SAN DIEGO -
Head Coach Steve Fisher
Opening Statement:"We are excited to be back home and for the city rivalry game. I've been here for enough of them to know that you can expect the unexpected. You can count on an extremely hard-fought, high-level game that in all probability, a game that goes down to the last four minutes. Don't look at records or anything other than this series over the 12 years that I've been here. It's been very competitive and good for both programs. It helps pique interest in our community and we're excited to play. We're coming off a really good win at Cal, and we're also leery-eyed as we've been pulling all-nighters for finals. LaBradford Franklin has three exams tomorrow, so we're trying to juggle a lot of balls. Hopefully in the time that they're here, nothing is on their mind other than basketball. It has to be that way. This is life in college basketball. I believe we'll have a really good crowd, and that it'll be a fun game for the players and fans."
On the hype that has come with the 9-0 start:
"We've created a nice buzz around town that's permeated through Southern California. We're getting some national publicity, which is good. The important thing is to understand that none of it matters but getting ready for the Toreros. It's easier said than done when everyone comes up and tells you that they're buying tickets for the NCAA Tournament. It's nice that we have a group of seniors that have experienced success, and they also know how fragile that can be. You can be one call, one bad play, one bad game from people saying they told you so. I like how we've prepared to date. We're nine games into a long season. It's my job to help; it's their job to manage themselves. I think they'll do a good job."
On people predicting a 15-0 record when MWC play begins:
"I'd say that it's easy for them to say. I guess it's fair if you're a fan and yet, it's foolish if we buy into it. We have to make sure we're hunkering down and getting ready for the next practice. That's what we've tried to do. A lot better teams than San Diego State have been beaten when they had better talent. We have to make sure we keep those reasons away. So hopefully, we can just smile, say thanks and get ready for a good game against San Diego."
On keeping the players focused against a 1-7 team:
"They know one another, they've competed against each other and I think there's mutual respect. We know they're good. Very easily, that record could be a whole lot better. Last year, we were very fortunate to win an overtime game against them. And we went on to have a real good season. Our kids are aware of all that. The more mentally prepared teams are, the more success and stability they have. We've had some rough edges this year. Most people didn't see us down 28-6 (against Green Bay) after we beat Gonzaga. It looked like we wouldn't have a chance to win that game. You can't have those kinds of lulls and droughts. That was probably created by me and us not getting ready for the game after Gonzaga. That's everyone's responsibility, starting with me."
Senior Guard D.J. Gay
On feeling more pressure because of a 9-0 start:
"We're not feeling pressure as a team. Every game matters and we have to go into every game knowing that we're going to get their best shot. We're not an underrated team, people expect us to win so we have to go out and perform."
On the USD game being at Viejas Arena:
"I wouldn't ask for anything else. It's my last year here, and I would love to end it with a "W" at our house. We've had some great battles the last couple years that I've been here. I'm expecting a big game. It's sold out, so it's going to be crazy.
On people predicting a 15-0 start:
"You just laugh about it. We know that we have big games ahead of us. We can't be too quick to jump on that ship. It means nothing if we lose. We have to take each game one at a time. We plan on being 15-0, we don't expect to lose or plan on losing. We just have to enjoy this ride."
Sophomore Guard James Rahon
On finals week:
"The biggest part is time management. When you step on the floor, you want to be all basketball. That's the most important thing."
On the USD rivalry:
"I haven't had a chance to play in the rivalry, but I've been to a few of them. They're always high-energy games. It's going to be a great game just like the ones in the past."
On what he's added to the team:
"Every day, I come out and try to do my best to help the team. They say I can shoot the ball a little bit, so I've been able to help with some shooting. Even last year, I tried to make the team better by playing my best and giving it my best effort."