Chattanooga Basketball Postgame Quotes
Wofford at Chattanooga
McKenzie Arena – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Wednesday – Jan. 15, 2020

Lamont Paris, Head Coach
On what has been the difference on offense.
"I don't think it's anything really noticeable. I think the ball is popping a bit more; we have less catch and hold and seeing what's going on. We've got a lot of quick moves, getting in and getting out of our situation, making the decision if it's time to attack or not, then moving the ball if it's not. I think that's been a big part of it. Our offense overall, our execution has been better on some of our plays, but then we've been more productive around the basket, too. I think that's part of it, when you're effective around the basket. I think all that stuff together has helped, and also that they're playing with a lot of confidence right now."

On the team's confidence and energy.
"Confidence breeds more confidence and playing well breeds confidence, but I think our energy has been really high, in the last couple games particularly, but even before that, that is represented in our defense and what we've been able to do. People think I was crazy when I said we scored 105 because of what we did on the defensive end, well then you've got another game here where in the first half we scored 43, that's a good number for a college basketball game. I think our energy has been really good; it's started on the defensive end then tricked to the offensive end, but it started in practice. Both our practices in preparation for this game the past couple days were great. It was inspiring to me. They're playing really hard, they're playing for each other, they're extremely coachable. It's just a fun group to be around, and I enjoy coaching every day."

On significance of tonight's win.
"Wofford is a team that in recent history has been at the top of the league and has performed really well. Obviously, last year they did outstanding and got an NCAA tournament win. They still have plenty of guys from this team who were on that team and have those experiences and that caliber. So for one, it's a win against a good team, no doubt they're a good team, but it's also a win against a team in the top whatever of the league. I think the significance is that you follow up a good win, with another good win against a team that is known for toughness and grittiness. They don't beat themselves, and when you can put that on them in the first half like we did, I think that's significant for our guys for sure."

On the team moving forward to play at UNCG this Saturday.
"We are really excited about that. It's a great opportunity against a good team who has championship caliber in their DNA and the way they think. They're a completely different team than Wofford. You are talking about a team that's longer and more athletic, and one who is going to try to attack the rim in a different way. It's going to present some different challenges. I've talked to the guys about keeping our trajectory the same way. Nothing special, just keep our trajectory the same. We're getting better. But most importantly, we won the game that was in front of us tonight. We kept our training going in the same direction, and it's a good direction at this point."

David Jean-Baptiste, R-Jr.-G
On the feeling of continuing to play well in a tough Southern Conference.
"It does feel good. It shows all the hard work that we've put in since the offseason and in practice. This team is finally coming together and we believe we'll get stronger as we go. The league takes notice with every game that takes place. We're getting better but each game is getting harder. I think we're in the conversation. I think it doesn't matter who we play, each night we'll fight and play hard. You can't take any team lightly."
 
On when the team plays its best.
"When we're moving the ball, playing with each other, it's fun to be a part of. When everyone plays together and when we play our hardest on the defensive end, that's when we're at our best. We're moving, rebounding, boxing out, talking to each other on defense. It's special to be a part of it."
 
On Wofford's second half comeback efforts.
"They're a good team. When they started to press us in the second half, we had to stay aggressive. That's what helped keep us ahead. That shows some growth to where this team has come. Being up in the past, when teams started coming back, we started to get a little passive. We did a great job tonight at still being aggressive with great shot selection."

Ramon Vila, R-Jr.-F
On the experience and added maturity helping this year's team.
"It was good. The maturity and experience with most of us being upper classmen was crucial. You can tell the difference between last year and the year before. Last year we would allow a run and kind of give up and allow the other team to win. This year, we fight until the very end. It sounds simple, but that's the biggest difference."
 
On the big men and rebounding efforts.
"We're doing a good job. We just work hard and try to do whatever Coach tell us to do. The guards really helped us tonight. It was a team effort. We have to do our job as big men and when the guards really help us out, we appreciate that as big men."
 
On feeling of win over a tough Wofford team.
"They are a tough-minded team. They have extremely good competitors and good shooters. They have good big men. They beat UNCG, North Carolina, they have some really big wins this year. It feels good because Wofford is historically one of the best teams in the SoCon."