Bench Quotations | Page 3

I would take the bench role. And that's just the stage that I'm at in my career. I think I'm excited about a big-league opportunity, whichever opportunity it is at this point. ... I want to play at the highest level, and that's the major leagues and that's playing on a team like this.

Kara did a good job of giving us some energy and offensive production off the bench this season ... and her inclusion on the All-Rookie team is a well-deserved honor. If she puts her mind to it, she can become one of the best post players in the game. She has all the physical tools, the size, and the agility to dominate, and watching her develop over the coming years is going to be a lot of fun for our fans.

Josh Barnett had a great game tonight. He is normally a bench player, but he stepped it up. He has been injured in the past, but he has been feeling better and doing great the past two weeks.

Jordan Long and Vince Pappas really did play well off the bench for us.

Judge Michael was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed by his colleagues on the bench and the other members of our court family,

I think it has helped us to get on track. Fresh legs. My bench is long. We can play a lot of people and that helps. We can wear you down if you aren't careful.

It can have the same effect on the bench as a player taking it end to end on a scoring rush,

I think it's great for the game when you get those kind of players going behind the bench who know the game, know the right way it's meant to be played. Especially with the way hockey is going right now, I think it's exciting and hopefully there are more guys who will step behind (the bench) and continue to do that.

I think it's going to help us even more, knowing that we have another guy that's capable of scoring and we don't have to put so much pressure on our starters. Guys coming off the bench have to make plays and make shots.

I think it's always great to win, especially when you're confidence is in the balance. We've played a tough, grueling schedule. Texas A&M Corpus Christi was ranked 53 in the RPI (ratings percentage index). They may not be a household name, but they're a good team. We've played some good folks and hopefully we'll benefit. We just had more enthusiasm tonight, and we really fought hard. And it's nice when the bench comes in and produces.

I think it showed her the human side of the legal issues she'll confront. The question is: Who will she be as a judge? Will she bring those same sensitivities to the bench as a judge? My hope is that she will - just as Justice O'Connor did.

It could have been a real nasty situation. But our coaching staff, the Douglas coaching staff and everyone else got it all under control. None of the players off the bench or any of the fans in the stands ever made contact with any players.

I think the last three minutes of the first half were key. They had their big guys on the bench and three points turned into 11.

I think their bench is probably a little more productive at this point in time than ours has been. We've been very inconsistent there. That's where we have to be better in terms of matching their depth in being able to put up numbers off the bench.

I think the play from the bench tonight is a step in the right direction. Our kids are starting to understand that's an unselfish thing they can do for Galesburg basketball.

I thought Dwight really dominated in the first half. They made some good adjustments after halftime and their bench really contributed. It was tough to match their intensity.

I thought Denesha had a great first half. She played a very strong first half and really gave us some energy off the bench and was able to put the ball in the basket.

I thought containing the two guards spoke words for our defensive effort. But the Mystics got production and big plays from Page and Miller, who came off the bench and played well.

I thought Chris Hunter's play for us coming off the bench was a big difference for our production and our ability to win this basketball game this evening.

I think with Glen Sather behind the bench for a full season and the rest of the coaching staff that we have, we'll be as strong as anybody. We are very, very optimistic that we'll have a terrific season. Even last year, I don't think anybody would've wanted to face us if we got to the playoffs. But that's the age-old story -- we still have to get there.

I think the biggest thing is we tied the game, but we never took the lead. Some of the freshmen off the bench did a good job of getting us back in the game, but there were a couple calls down the stretch that help them put some distance in between us.

I think the big difference in the game - and it was something we lacked last year - is that our bench came through. It didn't seem like it was a day for starters.

It is good to know that you can go to your bench and they will step it up a little.

Last night's game was a big game just because it put us up (9 1/2 games) with 15 to go. Now we're in a situation where we want to try and extend our bench a little bit, get those guys more minutes, and get our guys where we can stay competitive and fresh.

I was devastated. I was ecstatic that the team made it there, but at the same time, to be right there on the bench in street clothes and knowing that I wouldn't be able to be on the floor, you feel like you are a part of it, but you're not.

I was coming off the bench with fresh legs, so I was able to get open looks and finish plays. Their post players are good and aggressive, but I was able to be more mobile. They were more tired.

I thought we played hard in the third. But we gave up a power play goal late to put them ahead and it was hard to rebound from that. I give our players on the bench a lot of credit after that goal against. They didn't quit. They didn't want to quit. They continued to play hard.

I thought we had enough guys on the bench to win this game. We just got lackadaisical and the zone caught us. We have to go back to the drawing board and work against the zone.

I thought we had a shot there when we hit those threes. But we were all on the bench when Hay hit his three and we all thought, 'Great, he's shooting threes in the last minute of the game.' That was kind of the death bell for us.

I thought we got a good boost from our bench early. They really got us going.

I thought the kids off the bench did a good job and boosted us. I was very happy with their effort.

I thought their guys coming off the bench won the game for them. Daniels and Taylor are the guys who came in and broke our back with 16 and 10 respectively.

I thought the first quarter for us was nearly flawless. Our team did an excellent job playing without Erin (Parker), and our bench played extremely well.

I thought we attacked the glass hard in the second half, and that was the difference. We relaxed a little bit (after Beckham went to the bench with four fouls and Ballard trailing 49-31). We made a few mistakes, but every time we made up for those mistakes.

I thought we also had some guys come off the bench to give us some key play. In the playoffs, that's important because you need to give your guys a blow.

I thought that Rob Hoadley was outstanding in the centres and James Brooks got a bit of time in both half-back positions. Also, I thought David van Eyk and Peter Bracken had a good impact when they came off the bench into the front row.

I thought Stefan McGhee came off the bench and really sparked us. He made the plays that we needed and he was the difference in the game. He got us going offensively.

I thought our first half was as soft defensively as we'd been all year. We started the third quarter the same way but then our bench picked us up. Even though (our bench) was outscored, I thought they were the reason we won the game.

I thought our bench played substandard. We had a good start, and then our bench came in and gave up the lead.

I thought our bench played outstanding tonight. And I think that's the first time all year I've seen the posts defend. They did a great job. Every time those kids made a shot, it was a tough shot to make.

I thought our bench had a lot of energy tonight. What's great is all these kids on the team come to practice everyday, and they practice really hard and they don't always get a lot of playing time, so whenever you can (play them) it's great.

I thought our bench did a fantastic job. Those players kept us going without any letdown, and they can be commended for that. It was a real good opportunity to get them in the game because they've been mostly our practice players.

I think it's quality depth. A lot of teams have a lot of players, but our bench is productive, probably as productive as any team in the country.

It gave me chills to watch Baggy do that. We've got some momentum going right now. We're doing the things we need to do to win games, and when Baggy comes off the bench and gets a hit like that, it just makes you feel like it's kind of meant to be. We'll hopefully run with it now.

It happened a little earlier than I expected. I'm definitely happy to be back. I'm sure I'll be used in the same role as before, coming off the bench and playing the infield and outfield, whatever they need.

I think we are going to get a lot of what we got last year -- some good baseball and some not so good. I think they still need a slugger at first base. Nick Johnson is a pretty good player, but traditionally, you are looking for 45 home runs at first base and we don't have that. We have to make it up at other places. I'm pretty happy with their acquisition. They really strengthen their bench and that was a big thing.

I think that is ridiculous. Sometimes, getting on the plane, with the distances we fly, you need to be comfortable. I think there is a way to be classy and dress up. I think the dress code should strictly (enforce) what guys wear on the bench when they are not playing. That is when guys are most visible. But when we are on the plane, that is when we are most leisurely. I don't think that should matter. Wearing a sweat suit with a team logo on it? What sense does that make?

It is important to use the bench and take advantage of the impact those players can make. We have laid solid foundations and it is now about growing as a team. We need to be able to play the game in three or four different ways.

It is important that you have players on the bench who can add momentum. We did that against Wales and, while no player likes to be picked on the bench, it is your job if you are there to ensure that the coach has competition for places.

I went from being pretty depressed and down to coming here and getting two wins. It's been kind of the opposite sides of the spectrum. I'm very fortunate to come here and have some success. ... Things like this happen in this game. Guys get cut and move around. I wouldn't say I was shocked. I'm happy that things have worked out the way they've worked out so far. Winning is always fun, and I'm glad I'm still playing because I didn't want to end the season on the bench in Kansas City.

Just because they come off the bench doesn't mean they're not really good. We're a team and everyone gets an opportunity. We use different kinds of combinations for different reasons.

Jason needs to get consistent, everyday at-bats instead of sitting on the bench here with us. We brought him up here from spring training to see where he's at, and we're happy with his progress.

Jeff came off the bench and played well. He seems to make positive things happen and his two baskets gave us a spark.

J&J needs Guidant's deep middle-management bench and the cooperation of senior management.

Jessy gave us the offense off the bench when we needed it. I put him in for our center (McNair) and it gave us a smaller and quicker team.

I saw our teammates clearing the bench and coming toward me. It was bittersweet.

I see a lot of other guys who haven't played at all, just practicing and sitting on the bench during games. Getting that experience down there made me a better player. Of course, everybody wants to be up here in the NBA, but you have to look hard at your future. That will help me in the long run.

I said to them to step it up, raise your level of play and be more intense. The team responded, particularly the bench and Ryan Fischer. Fischer was sensational tonight, and he was finally playing point guard the way we need him to for our offense to be effective.

I sat the bench (with the Kings) for I don't know how many games. It is just a coach's preference whether or not they are going to play players or not.

I respect what Tracy has done here in the Rio Grande Valley, and I thought it would be good to have him on the bench for the game. The bottom line is, I really felt that he deserved to be an All-Star coach because of the job he's done here.

I remember when I was little, my mom asked me, 'Would you like to play the violin or the piano?' I looked at that giant monster and said to myself - I am not going to lock myself on that bench the whole day. This is small and lightweight. I can play from standing, sitting or walking.

Our kids off the bench, could be, should be starting and I don't worry about putting them into the fray, putting them into the thick of it. It's not, do I use them? It's, at which kid at which moment do I put them into the game. Our bench has played well for us all year.

Our kids did a good job of breaking their press and our bench came through when we needed it.

Our goal tonight was to play the players on the bench and not get anybody hurt.

Our goaltender, Ryan Smith, played outstanding. Most of the credit is put on his shoulders for coming up with big saves, ... With about 15 seconds left in the second overtime, we had a couple players come off the bench and gave us a chance with some fresh legs. They had their chances and we had ours.

Our guys off the bench give us a spark. Not many other teams have that.

Our guys off the bench came through with some big hits.

(Our hitting) has been a turning point for us without a doubt. It probably started at the Lufkin tournament, and we have guys off the bench who are swinging well. It kind of helped us turn a corner.

Our team did a tremendous job of fighting back from behind - this team is on a mission. We showed a lot of composure and tremendous commitment tonight. Our bench showing the amount of depth we had is very promising as we go into SEC play.

Our starting guards didn't come out of the gates, but Jeremy came off the bench and kept scoring when we needed the offense. He was a good third option.

Our focus for Saturday is to be better than we are today. It is a step by step process, irrespective of our opponent or location of the game. What I really like about this team right now is that both our starters and bench are becoming more consistent in their strong play. If we continue making those gains and learning how to take control on game day we will be very happy with the end results.

Our formula tonight was to play inside and outside and have McGee affect their shots and Randle scoring from the inside. Because of our big lead, I got to give my bench a lot of playing time.

Our focus today was to just come out and play our game and take what the defense gives us. I love when our bench gets the opportunity to play a lot of extended minutes. Whenever we get that opportunity, it's a big plus.

Our goal is to be district champions - and if that doesn't happen, our goal is to win a state championship. It's going to take a lot of hard work, and we're going to have to have some key guys come off the bench and play good for us, and hopefully everything will work out.

Overall, I was really pleased and I thought it was a great team effort. Everybody coming off the bench played really well for us and that's important.

Our best people are in that critical age range, ... I feel actually very good about our bench strength.

Our bench was key to our success tonight. If we can continue to play this well down the stretch, I think our team will continue to improve each game.

Our bench was great tonight. They really gave us a lift. They picked us up when we needed it and kept the momentum going to the win. It's been a while since we won on the road. This feels great and everyone contributed.

Our bench was big. We struggled there for a while, but right now we seem to be back on track with the little things whether it's box out or a lose ball, whatever it be.

Our bench really stepped up today. The came out and not only scored, but gave us solid minutes. They came in and picked up the slack.

Our bench really got the job done for us. Brandon Woods (seven points) gave us some great minutes and Austin Montgomery came up with some big rebounds.

Our bench really did some good things, some encouraging things. That really kind of sparked our main guys when they came back in there late in the first half.

Our bench really did some good things, some encouraging things.

Our bench really came through in this game. Robert Todd (Spalding) scored eight points in the first half and Joey (Reed) knocked down those back-to-back threes in the second half. That was the difference in this ball game.

Our bench production was strong tonight. We're going to need more from guys like Brent and myself as we progress through the playoffs. It's tough getting to 62 wins. There are a lot of good teams out there. These guys are hard-nosed and they want to go out there and play their best.

Our bench play has been a positive for us of late. The kids believed it when I told them I'd put them in a position to succeed.

Our bench made the difference, especially in the end.

Our bench looked like an emergency room after a train wreck. We fought until the end but could not capitalize on any opportunities.

Our bench is thin, but there are possibilities. We'll take it game by game.

Our bench is strong, we just try to wear teams down, playing so many different people so many different minutes. We just try to keep fresh bodies in and get them down.

Our bench is pretty productive. We have quality depth. I feel our bench is as productive as any in the country.

Our bench is one area we have an advantage. Hopefully by the time the fourth quarter comes around, they will have tired legs.

Our bench is obviously inexperienced. We're playing two rookies off of there. We're either really inexperienced or really old off our bench.

Our bench has played well for us lately and I thought Amber and Kim gave us a lift.

Our bench has played better, ... Our starters can play with anybody. But when our bench is going, we're a very good team.

Our bench has got to get better. We're not getting enough production. That's been our Achilles heel all year.

Our bench has done good. I really believe if I could have control of when they shoot the ball, our bench making shots and giving our bench production, we would do it. But I'm not concerned about that. I'm more concerned about the type of shots we're getting.

Our bench gave us a big lift, which really helped with all the games we've played recently.

Our bench did a great job tonight. We had a lot of players step up and fill some crucial roles.

Our bench did a great job again tonight as they have all year. It (gave) us a chance to be a little bit fresher, I believe, there at the end. We rotate a lot throughout the game. Like I said, it gives us a chance to maybe be a step quicker at the end.