University of North Carolina Athletics
Postgame Quotes
December 16, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 16, 2001
Coach Doherty | Jackie Manuel | Jason Capel | Brian Bersticker
North Carolina Head Coach Matt Doherty
"I was talking about Binghamton before the game -- they're a great team, a lot like Davidson and a lot like Hampton. Obviously, just because they're 3-5 we can't take them lightly. I said I'd take a one-point win. Those guys didn't realize my players would listen as well as they do."
"I give Binghamton a lot of credit. They are talented. They've got size, they've got athleticism, they've got shooters and Al Walker's a great coach. We're fortunate to come away. We started off great and then I think our execution slipped a little bit."
"I think human nature is that when you get a lead, especially against an opponent you don't know as well, you think it's going to be easy. I warned them that it wasn't going to be easy. We had some bad turnovers that led to shots and the defense wasn't set and they took some long jumpers. When there are long jumpers there are long rebounds. They're hard to box out when the ball goes out to the top of the key."
"Kris took two bags of IV at halftime. I'm surprised he was able to play in the second half. Obviously he wasn't himself... Hopefully he'll be ready by Friday."
"On the Neil Fingleton front, Neil has in fact decided to transfer. He has one more final tomorrow. I'm sorry to see him go. I like Neil a great deal. I think Neil will be an excellent player. I still believe Neil has a chance to play in the NBA if he continues to work hard. We wish him well and he will always be part of the North Carolina family. You never like to see people leave, but Neil feels he'll be more comfortable up in the Northeast."
Freshman guard Jackie Manuel on the close game...
"You can't take any team lightly these days. Everybody's got good players on their team, everybody's coming out to play."
Manuel on his own game...
"I think things are getting better as I keep growing, as I keep playing more, I'm getting more confident."
Senior forward Jason Capel on the game...
"I thuoght Binghamton was a good team. They played hard, they are just as good as Coach said the teams we played -- Hampton, Davidson. I just think our guys showed a lot of character to win a game like that, not to fold and give in. We stuck together and we won. Any win for us right now is a good win. We're learning, we're going to get better, and we've got to build on it."
Capel on the end of the game...
"[My shot] felt good. Melvin put it to me, and I caught it and let it go. When the game is on the line, I want the ball. I'm going to take the shot. If I make them, great. If I don't, I'll shoot it the next time. But it felt good."
Center Brian Bersticker on the game...
"I think Binghamton played really well. They are a great team, better than their record shows. We're still having a little trouble executing, taking care of the ball, but we'll take the win. I don't think I have played as well as I have played today, but like I said, we got the win and we're happy with that. With the increased role, I'm happy. If Coach [Matt Doherty] has the confidence in me that I can come in there, step up, and give him quality minutes, I'm happy with that."
Bersticker on Kris Lang...
"He's a warrior. I don't remember him going to the locker room during the first half... but to come out and come up with two huge plays down the stretch -- diving on that one ball and blocking that one shot. He's just a warrior, he goes so hard."
