Syracuse, NY – Judah Mintz admitted to thinking about how Tuesday night might have been his last home game at the JMA Dome, why Adrian Autry describes him as “a guy,” how Syracuse has won four of its last five games and lessons from Kansas has drawn.
These were just a few things I heard in the locker room after Syracuse basketball's 84-71 win over Virginia Tech.
Judah Mintz
When he thought that Tuesday's game might be his last home game in the Dome:
“Sure. I'll be completely honest. I've thought about it, but that decision will be made after the season. It's like last time. If you had asked me this time last year, I would have told you that I was gone and am here today.
On SU's mentality as the season comes to an end:
“Before we got there I told the team that we have to play like we have everything to lose.” And that’s what we’re doing. That's how it feels and that's how we're going to go out there to play and compete every time. There's a lot at stake for us as a program and as a team, but at the end of the day we're having fun. That’s why you see all the smiles on our faces when we play together.”
As SU players think about how to get into the NCAA Tournament:
“Oh yeah. Sure. When we're out there for 40 minutes, we don't think about it. But when we train and talk about what we have to do, it's all about the tournament. We don't play just to play. We play to achieve this goal.”
Quadir Copeland
About Mintz's 29-point effort against Virginia Tech.
“Man, he’s a superstar. We've talked all day about it being the last game in the Dome. Why not go out with a bang? He did it. At the end of the day he is a dog. Developed. He throws hoops. Watching this is like watching a show.”
On how Syracuse has won four of its last five games:
“Consistency. I feel like we all do our part. Everyone contributes to the win. It's not just one player. It just works perfectly.”
Adrian Autry
On SU's win over Virginia Tech:
“I thought this game today was probably one of the best games. We played both halves today on both ends of the floor. We wanted to defend the three-point line. We succeeded phenomenally. And we threw the basketball back.”
What Judah Mintz meant to the Orange:
“The only thing I really respect about Judah Mintz is that he’s a guy. He's a guy. He doesn't run away. He doesn't shy away from it. Good or bad, he comes back every game. Regardless of the outcome, he's a dude. There aren't many people like that with this kind of makeup. That's what makes it so special. Having a husband gives you an advantage. Especially when it’s late in the game.”
On SU’s recent offensive push:
“I think it’s because of our distance. I think sharing the ball. Move the ball. I think the chemistry between our guards is getting better. I think they understand what we're trying to do. It's easy to guard games. It's hard to protect concepts. When you teach boys to play basketball, that's hard to maintain. Because it is unpredictable. Everyone wants to see plays. Anyone can name plays. We can call a game, but can you play basketball? That is what this crime is about. Let space and players play.”
Kyle Cuffe
On the role he plays as a reserve player for the Orange:
“Gives us a spark. Play defense. This is the most important thing I have to do. Protect the best and give my teammates a break when needed. We are approaching the end of the season. Guys like Judah and JJ can't play 40 minutes every time. We want to reach the Sweet 16, Elite 8. I know this from my time at a team like Kansas, where we had Dajuan Harris, but then a guy like Remy Martin came off the bench. If people come off the bench and bring the energy, that will help us win games.”
Justin Taylor
How Syracuse beat Virginia Tech:
“We know how well they can shoot the ball. We limited them to three. We haven't allowed transition points, and they somehow thrive there. In the games they won, they shot over 40% in three games, so we limited that. We were able to get our stops defensively and score the ball. They went on a run in the second half, but we were able to hang on and finish the game.”
On Mintz's big game against Virginia Tech:
“It speaks for itself. He carries us. He helps us even when he doesn't shoot the ball. Tonight he was able to show why he can shoot the ball so well and why he is and will continue to be a problem. “
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