Tom Crean Great Quotations

When you've got a team like that that's just trying to get to New York, it's a great league. The old adage that we beat up our own, that's what everyone has to take into account.

We're just trying to make sure we keep having great practices and a lot of energy, get ready for each individual game and if it happens, it happens. We know it doesn't get any easier. To start talking about a bye could turn into a distraction for these guys.

Look what Syracuse did; they couldn't have played any worse against DePaul a week ago and they just won four great games. Anything can happen this time of year.

This was a great college basketball game with two teams who have a lot of respect for each other.

Jack and Jackie gave Jim a great value base. He saw how Jack did it and how Jackie supported it. Jim is such a natural leader and a natural competitor. He feels a responsibility to lead people. That's what led him to be a head coach.

What I told my team after the game was first thing, that I've been a part of some great wins and some great teams. (But) I've never been around a group of guys that sold out for each other like they did in the second half.

This was a big deal to him. I think his focus today was Colin Falls, and he did a great job in defending him.

They had a good game plan of grabbing and holding and keeping Steve from getting open looks. The credit goes to them. They played a great game.

It's great to see seniors and freshmen and everybody else in between playing well. Our players are building mental toughness.

It was just a matter of time for Steve. If Steve would have stopped shooting, he would have come out of the game ... He has a very short memory when it comes to his shot, and that's what a great shooter has to have.