March 6 Player Quotes

March 6, 2003

Jeff Newton
Is there anyone in the Big Ten that you would like to face?
"Actually I am hoping to see Wisconsin again. They are Big Ten Champs, we have something to prove against them."

Regarding playing multiple games in a row during the Big Ten Tournament...
"It is tough. We have cut down practice time this week a little so we can have our legs for the tournament."

How has depth become a factor in a situation like that?
"It is a big factor when legs get tired, when people get tired, you get in foul trouble, all types of things can happen so it is real important that we have people ready to come in and give us that extra lift."

How warn out was everyone in last year's Big Ten run?
"We were worn out but we knew that the other team was worn out too. It comes down to who wants it more and who is not thinking about the fatigue and just goes out there and plays."

The last couple of games you have really been able to get guys in foul trouble, is that your goal?
"That is the plan going into every game, to get the other team's big guys in foul trouble and then going from there, like trying to go inside."

Mike Roberts
"I feel like we are heading in the right direction right now. Hopefully we can go on a winning streak heading into the tournament and play with some confidence. This time of year it is all about playing with confidence and playing together and giving yourself a chance to win every game."

Regarding his performance....
"Earlier in the year I was frustrated because I thought that I was going to be able to help out some more but I didn't play well at all. But now I have been able to get my confidence back and help the team on court instead of just in practice."

Is there something that happened for you to turn it around?
"Well, I think I started playing better about mid-January in practice and I started gaining confidence. Since January I have always felt that if I could get into the games, every time I would be able to help in a positive manner. So I have been confident that if coach calls on me I can come in and help us. When I am on the bench I am trying to pay attention to what is going on so I can step in and contribute."

How much did it help you last year to watch Jarrad Odle?
"It helped me a whole lot because Odle and I are very similar physically, maybe Odle is better offensively than me, but I think that maybe I am a better post defender and things like that. If you keep plugging and get your chance, you never know. I still have two years after this, so hopefully I can keep building on this."

Indiana University Athletics

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