Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Men's Basketball Practice Report, Dec. 5
12/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 5, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana men's basketball team held an open practice on Monday, Dec. 5, in preparation for its upcoming road game at Indiana State on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Below are quotes following practice.
Head Coach Mike Davis
On the intensity Indiana State will bring to the table:
MD: "I expect our intensity to be higher than theirs because we have really worked hard to prepare for these games. They are a good team that has been playing well lately. They have a real go-to guy in David Moss who will be difficult for us to contain. He is a big time player who can score at any level."
On the differences between Indiana State last year and this year:
MD: "They are not the same team as last year. They are defiantly a better team this season, but we feel we are a better team this season too. They are just a good group that plays well together. I know they are excited about the game, but so are we."
On the development of Ben Allen:
MD: " (Assistant) coach (Kerry) Rupp has done a wonderful job in working with Ben this season. I could see a real improvement in Ben a few weeks ago. He has started to develop a post game. We already knew he was a great shooter. Right now, he is playing well rounded basketball."
On upsets happening across the country so early in the season:
MD: "This year everybody could work with their teams from day one. Basketball at this point in the season is better than it has ever been because teams have been working together longer. We just need to go out and play and not worry about the score. If we are up three at halftime, then that's what we have to deal with. If we are down two, that's the situation we have. It's just a game. We need to get past scoreboard watching and go out and play."
Freshman Center Ben Allen
On patiently waiting for a breakout game:
BA: "Patience is a big thing for me. It's not easy sitting on the bench, but I have some things I need to learn still and there are seniors with experience over me who know how to deal with games like the Duke game. I just need wait and learn so I can contribute down the road."
On the upcoming games against Indiana State and Kentucky:
BA: "In both games, there is going to be a great atmosphere and going to be tough games like the Duke game. We just need to come out on the court and play like we can."
Junior Guard Roderick Wilmont
On the experience the team received from the Duke game:
RW: "We struggled a little and got down early, but once we settled down and got comfortable, we were able to play right there with them. It was a good experience to have early in the season because it was a lot like a (NCAA) tournament game."
On playing against several state schools (Indiana State, Butler and Ball State) in the non-conference schedule:
RW: "I'm not from Indiana, but I know that all those teams are going to be ready to come after us because we are the big state school in Indiana. They want to beat us real bad. It is going to be a good game tomorrow against Indiana State."
Senior Guard Marshall Strickland
On two tough games (Duke and Eastern Michigan) preparing the team for their next five games away from Assembly Hall
MS: "Eastern Michigan played us really tough. They came in and were real physical and that is the way a lot of road games are going to be. We have to go in there and fight for 40 minutes."
On going into Indiana State to play:
MS: "That place is going to be jumping, we know that. We know we are walking into a situation where we are going to have to play hard to win. They played us close last time, and they think this is a very winnable game for them."
