Notable quotes from the Huskers (2-0) and the Mean Green following Nebraska's dominant win.
Nebraska head coach Tim Miles on his team’s start to the game:
“I thought we were locked in. I thought that we've learned from our previous start where we didn't share the ball and didn't guard the ball. We had two goals tonight; pass the ball, guard the ball. I thought we did that well for a long time. We jumped way out on them, and Grant [McCasland]’s a very good coach so he's not going to let you get far away from them. You know, when you're up that early, there's always kind of impending 'okay here we go.' I thought even until their center hit two threes and then a couple of our freshmen gave up two threes, otherwise we played really solid, 32 possessions of defense."
Guard James Palmer Jr. on having several players that can score and whether that relieves pressure of needing a go-to guy:
“No, I don’t think that’s how our team is built. I think every person just goes out there and plays their hardest and if you’re scoring a lot that night, maybe that’s your night, but you’ve still got to play hard on the other end.”
Forward Jack McVeigh on if he’s noticing Nebraska’s blocking ability affecting opponents:
“Yeah. You definitely notice it. You notice it in practice as well. We’re athletic and we’ve got a lot of long players, you know, from point guard to center. [Center] Duby [Okeke] did a real good job, [forward Isaiah] Roby did a good job the first game affecting the rim when they attack so we’ve got to keep that up.”
Guard Glynn Watson Jr. on the team’s improving defense:
“I think we’re getting better. First half we played good. Second half we got a little sluggish at the beginning but I think we picked it back up and I think we was up so much that we kind of calmed down and we should have stayed on them, but we didn’t so that’s one thing we’ve got to work on, just keep trying to play defense.”
Miles on forward Isaac Copeland’s slow start to the season (5-for-13 FG, 0-for-4 3P):
“I think that in time that he'll shoot the ball better. I don't expect him to struggle like that. He was critical in a bunch of rebounding and blocked shots. He's a facilitator too. He's a good passer. We can put him in some other positions to help him that way.”
North Texas head coach Grant McCasland on having one more shot attempt but 19 fewer points:
“I think what you expect on the road in a Big Ten-type atmosphere is you better do a great job guarding without fouling. That’s just what it boils down to. You’re playing on the road and you foul and you get them to the foul line early, you can’t win. Doesn’t even matter how many field goals you get. I’m proud of how we at least competed down the stretch. We’ll look back on this with some disappointment I think later on in the year.”
Watson on how he’s feeling health-wise:
“I’m good. I’m still getting treatment and things like that but that comes with the game. You might get bumps and bruises and things like that so I’m pretty good right now. Still recovering but I feel good when I’m out there playing.”
