Chattanooga Basketball Postgame Quotes
Alabama State vs. Chattanooga
Raider Arena – Niceville, Fla.
Friday - November 29, 2019

Lamont Paris, Head Coach
Opening thoughts after 74-56 win over Alabama State.
"For sure we'll take that. I thought the guys set the tone early and did what we wanted to do defensively. We really set the tone. It never amazes me that when your defense is doing really well, your offense finds a way to keep up. Today was one of those days, especially in the first half. They [outside shots] were going in, but we ultimately didn't shoot that great today. We did well in getting a secondary transition game going. Getting down quickly, making one action, and responding to that action while playing off of it. That was all really well done in the first half."

On winning the rebounding margin and the overall effort on Friday.
"That's a key thing for us. We also got to the free throw line which was helpful for us, too. It was a well-played game and solid effort overall. You get out to a big lead, and I always say it, the toughest thing to do is play with a big lead like that. I'm happy for the team. We ran into a couple tough customers the last few games. We talked about the general theme of what we're doing and heading on the right direction. I think this game really showed that."

On Stefan Kenic's debut.
"This guy, he looked like he was preparing, waiting for this moment. It's a tribute to him. But to come out and be that efficient, I was really impressed. It's not easy, especially that first game back. Maybe you put expectations on yourself, you think there's expectations from the coaches, the fans. He did so well. The guys really fed off of him and it was really good to see. I was super excited for him, I really was. I think we only called his number one time to be honest. The rest of it came in the flow, it was organic. He blended right in on both ends of the court and that's not an easy thing to do."

On gearing up for a tough Jacksonville State team tomorrow. 
"They're a good team. He's [Coach Harper\ done a great job with them and establishing an identity in the way they play. They're always big, athletic and have guards that can do all the things. They're a good team, there's no doubt. It'll be a great test for us. This is an exam. You prepare for games like this. We're building and trying to peak when conference play really gets going."

On the Emerald Coast Classic.
"This is a neat tournament. They always have good teams come here, but the facilities, atmosphere, it's a really well-run tournament. It's a neat thing and a great event."

Stefan Kenic, Jr.-F
On finally being ruled eligible ahead of Florida trip.
"I'm very excited that I can finally play. I was going to class and Coach called me, and asked what I was doing. He told me to come to the arena and I knew it was either going to be great news or bad news. He told me I had one thing to do and that was pick up the phone where I heard, "you're eligible to play." It was an amazing feeling and one of the best days of my life."

On getting back in live-game mode.
"My teammates are amazing, I love them so much. I was so excited and they were so excited. We practice really hard so it doesn't feel like I need that much time to get back with it. I was thinking before the game how nice it would be to hit my first shot. Then I hit my first three and it felt great.

On being rested for quick turnaround tomorrow.
"It's a good thing that no one played more than 30 minutes today, so that's a good for us in being rested for tomorrow."

Rod Johnson, R-Jr.-F
On starting fast against ASU.
"We were knocking down shots and that gets everyone going. We took control and Coach [Paris] told us from the get-go how hard their schedule has been and that they're a tough team. He told us we can't take them lightly and we need to do what we do. We went out and did that."

On the team's rebounding strength.
"The boards are where we get our money from. If we're on the boards and not giving up second chance points, that's when we play at our best. When we're sharing the ball, spreading the love, and making sure everyone gets what they're capabale of getting. It was a good performance. We just have to put this one behind us, it's wrapped up. We have a big game tomorrow so we need to be ready."

On the debut of Stefan Kenic.
"It's great to have him back. We got that text that said he was cleared, and we were all excited. We ran up in his room and showed him our excitement. He played really well tonight and we're so excited to have him out there with us."