2016-17 Chattanooga Mocs Basketball
Post-Game Quotes
Nov. 4, 2016 – Covenant – Chattanooga, Tenn. – McKenzie Arena
 
Matt McCall, Head Coach
Opening statement after win over Covenant.
"I think the biggest thing that we were trying to get out of tonight was, obviously we want to win the game, didn't want to get anyone hurt, and then we wanted those new guys to get in the game. We wanted them to play and gain valuable experience being in the game by playing significant minutes. Almost everyone played double figure minutes. Nat Dixon, Makale (Foreman), Trayvond Massenburg, they all played significant minutes for us. I thought for trying to gain experience tonight, there was a lot of positive. We obviously need to spend more time shooting free throws. If we make more of those, our score will be in the 80's and 90's, and we'll be feeling better. With what we've dealt with earlier in the week, it's important that those guys built up reputations, because we're going to need them going forward. Are we where we need to be right now? No. Can we get there? No question about it. I think that they're going to get baptized by fire, but it was good to get them out there and get those quality minutes."

Emphasis on Casey Jones being back and getting minutes.
"It's been a long time since he's put a jersey on and played in a game-like setting. You can see he's still a step away from where he needs to be, but I thought he played the game the right way. He missed some bunnies in and around the basket, but he goes out there for his first game back, plays 24 minutes, scores 12 points and grabs seven rebounds. With Chuck (Ester) being out, we moved him back to the power forward spot. He's spent an enormous amount of time this fall working at the small forward spot with Chuck (Ester) on the floor, so it's an adjustment for him, but I think it's more of a natural position for him."

Focus on next week's practice with Tennessee coming up.
"They have a hall of fame guy in coach (Rick) Barnes and it just seems like he wins wherever he goes, at a number of different high-major programs. We're going to have to be able to handle the pressure. I think they have a lot of athletes out there that will play up on you. They are really tough defensively, with a similar offense from a motion stand point that we saw tonight, but we're dealing with a lot of athletes that are physically tough. We're going to have to handle the pressure, handle denials and we're going to work on all that stuff this week. With our transition defense, we're going to have to put a price and an emphasis on getting back and keeping them out of transition on Friday night. It's going to be a great challenge. I know our guys will be excited for it and ready to play, but those will be some of the things we will have to work on this week."

Casey Jones, Sr.-G
On being back on the court after last year's season ending injury.
"It felt good. It definitely killed the doubt in my head. The first one went in so I felt like the next 25 might go in. It felt good for the first one to fall."
 
On the excitement being back out on the court.
"I'm definitely excited. Being out there when the lights come on, I'm like finally. It's been a long 11 months."
 
Early thoughts on Tennessee in the season opener.
"It's pretty much like any other opponent. We're ready to get back in the gym and prepare ourselves. It's a mindset thing to go out there regardless of the opponent and be excited to play, being positive and have enthusiasm to get better."
 
Tre' McLean, F-Sr.
On tonight's play as a team.
"I think they played really well, especially in the second half. I think certain guys picked us up and got the energy going. Rodney (Chatman) did a great job of getting down the lane and spreading the ball. Everyone did a great job of just playing."

How much do you expect to be shooting free throws? (11-for-27 as team from the line tonight)
"We will be shooting a lot of free throws because it's going to be a big part of our game, a big part of what we do. By getting in the lane and playing at a fast pace, we're going to see a lot of free throws and spend a lot of time at the free throw line this season. I think it's going to be essential for us to get in the gym and get free throws up."
 
Thoughts on being back with Casey.
"He's like my brother, I have a lot of love for that dude. For him to be out here, it's great that I can play another year with him and get better together."