Postgame Quotes: Indiana vs. North Alabama
12/13/2020 2:51:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Indiana vs. North Alabama
Dec. 13, 2020
Postgame Quotes
Indiana Head Coach Archie Miller
Opening Statement
I'm happy for our guys today. We bounced back and got another game in. I think that's the important thing. North Alabama, we were able to work the timing so they could get in here. They struggled a bit with their lineup and the virus, but we were able to pull the game off which is a good thing. We are getting used to playing at home. This was our first game since Nov. 25 at home. I was happy to get back out here. Our guys did a good job defensively, especially early. We were very dialed in. We got loose balls and made hard plays. Offensively we just didn't take good care of the ball. We were very methodical against the zone. Also, in transition we didn't take care of the ball. I was disappointed about that. Second half much better. I give Armaan a lot of credit. He continues to evolve as a player for us. I was really happy for him to see the ball go through the net. He has worked hard on it and I think that is going to be the Armaan we get used to seeing, consistently knocking the open ones in. When he has that, with the way he is defending and the way he is creating, he is turning into a terrific player early in the year for us. Rob got going, made a couple of big threes to get things opened up. Our front court players did a really good job of being unselfish in terms of the way they moved the ball in and out of the zone. I got a lot of different guys in the game, which I was happy about. Overall, I was happy we got the game in. We have a week, with our finals here and obviously Butler in Indianapolis on Saturday, which will be our last opportunity before Big Ten play starts. We will see if everything goes smoothly this week with everything, we will get ready to play again.
On how the team is playing defensively…
We are a better defensive team at this point in the season than we were a year ago. That is not close. Our perimeter quickness is better and we are much more disciplined off the ball. I think that is a big part here early in the year. We have been a better off ball defensive team with our help. We have more versatility as well. We are able to, in my opinion guard the ball better. Armaan is a big reason why. He has emerged as a guy we really count on right now. Defensively he is holding his own. Rob is now a veteran. Al is a veteran. I think Trayce is a more comfortable defender defending the true five then he was the four. We have some tweaks, but all in all we are a better defensive team because it means a lot to these guys. The way they absorb some things, even today we made some improvement from Wednesdays game. Our defense is going to have to be good. We are going to be playing in an unbelievable league here coming up. I was happy with the way we rebounded today. We were quicker to balls. We got more deflections and that was a big point coming out of Florida State. Defensively, we are going to have to keep on getting better. We still are not near good enough defensive rebounding and not anywhere good enough in transition being organized. We have some time this week to hopefully correct some things as guys are getting tested and doing things with school, maybe get a couple extra practices.
On the confidence in the second half…
MILLER: I think the big key was rhythm. I think the shots were in rhythm. The attacking, the zone, the ball was getting to the right spots and it was coming out, our movement as the ball came out was good. Our passes were sharp. In the first half, the quality, the rhythm of the shot was not it. We had much better chemistry on the offense in the second half. The shots were coming off inside out action against the zone which is what you want. Armaan Franklin and Rob Phinisee both stepped up and made a few. I think when the ball goes in the basket, to me it takes the pressure off everyone. Khristian Lander put in two 3-pointers, it was good to see Anthony Leal get in there and make one, and Trey Galloway made one. Jerome Hunter had some good looks but they did not go in. Overall, if we get better quality shots, we continue to become a good passing team, guys continue to be dialed in on where they are getting shots, and the rhythm catches, we can be pretty good shooting team.
How much has having three ball handling guards helped this season…
MILLER: It is a much different feel for us on both ends of the floor but on offense in particular. To have three perimeter players who can also get the ball and go. All three perimeter players can use the ball screens. All three are pretty good straight-line drivers in their own right so it is giving us a better attack. Last year's team was built different. They had to play different and it was hard. I think this year's team is more traditional. Moving Jerome over to small forward I do not think will be a bad thing when we play bigger teams, for rebounding purposes. We feel good about those three guys in terms of their ability to make plays. I think you saw, against great pressure, at Florida State that our ability to take of the ball, especially in the second half, was evident by our guard play. Today was not so good early but it was better later in the game. It was a sloppy game in terms of taking care of the ball in the first half. It is a different style of play, we can play faster, but we had better space as well.
Thoughts on the freshmen play today…
MILLER: All four freshmen did a really good job of coming into the game. We are trying develop our depth. We are trying to gain more confidence in those guys. Our schedule has not permitted the luxury of just playing long stretches of time with young guys. Our schedule has not given us the opportunity to see what type of rotation works out better. Today as we built a lead, it was a point of emphasis to get more playing time for those guys because we are going to need them as the season continues. I am happy for Anthony because I think Anthony has done an unbelievable job of understanding our system. He is in the right place at the right time so to have him knock a shot down today and get some minutes is good because I think he can help us especially with outside shooting. He is very dependable in terms of understanding our system. Trey has been in the mix, did a good job especially in the first half and he is going to be a good player for a long time in this league. Khristian, he just needs more experience. He is like your youngest son. He has a couple older brothers, he is your youngest son, and as a parent you say, keep an eye on that young one, he is going to be special one day. In the meantime, he has to grow up while the older guys are hanging in there. As he keeps growing up you will see more of his range on his shots. Hopefully you will see more of the play making as he keeps getting some more experience because we are going to need the guard play. Jordan Geronimo, to me, is fantastic. He just needs opportunities. You can see some the highlight athleticism plays that he was able to make just going to get the ball. Our rebounding right now is a big concern and I think Jordan adds value with his versatility defensively, his ability to get his hand on the ball, and his ability to jump and go get it. All four are important to what we are doing. Today was a good opportunity for a lot of guys to get in there, get in the mix, and get some confidence. As they keep getting older, keep getting experience, our team has a chance to develop as a complete group.
Indiana Players
On having a great second half…
ARMAAN FRANKLIN: I think it was just open looks, getting the rhythm, stepping into it with confidence. I think if you ask basketball player, when you see one go in, it gets you going for the next one and the next one. So, really just stepping in and getting a rhythm you know. Following through and knocking it down.
On seeing Armaan hit 3-pointers in practice…
ANTHONY LEAL: You see it with all of the guys. We have been working a lot on making each other more confident and making our passes on time, on target and just having the confidence to just come in and step in. So, we knew what Armaan was capable of and we are all capable of that. We are going to just keep shooting with confidence and doing what we do.
LANDER: For me, once I saw Armaan hit a couple shots, when I got into the game, I tried to get him open looks and help him knock it down.
On getting extended court time in the game…
KHRISTIAN LANDER: I think it is just building our confidence up to when you come in the game, big game or something like that you just a little more comfortable throughout the game.
LEAL: Like Khristian, said it is big for our confidence. We are a deep team and we have really high aspirations, so we all know that it is bigger than just any one of us. So, we are all just ready to get in and do what we can with the minutes that we are given. So, that is really the mindset, trying to make the most with the time that we get.
On if his aggressive play in the game…
FRANKLIN: It was a little bit of both. I always come into games especially this year looking to be aggressive but, you know it is not always about scoring for me. So, I think this game you know, taking open looks, taking what the defense is giving me, and stepping up. Knocking down shots and then still trying to get my teammates looks.
On the offensive rhythm in the second half versus the first half…
FRANKLIN: Coach got into us. 11 turnovers in a half is unacceptable. I think we were only averaging 11 in a whole game coming into this one. So, I think he just lit a fire under us and made a big emphasis to just take care of the ball. Once we take care of the ball, we will get easy looks.
On his whole game coming together…
FRANKLIN: I think is starting to come together. Just playing both ends of the floor. Trying to be a complete two-way player, that is what I strive to be. I am working towards that every day. Things I could still improve on defensively and offensively, so it is just about working on those things and just trying to be a complete player.
North Alabama Head Coach Tony Pujol
On what his team was able to get out of today's game...
We were able to have a number of young guys get a lot of minutes against a talented defensive team that will help us in conference play down the road.
On playing in an SImon Skjodt empty Assembly Hall...
Obviously Assembly Hall is one of the historic venues in basketball and is always a fun environment to play in. Given the circumstances we feel fortunate to have had another opportunity to play this year with our group.
On what is different about this IU team this year...
Because of their versatility they are better defensively. And offensively it seems like there are a lot of complimentary pieces around Trayce. They have a number of guys who can hurt you on any given night.
Dec. 13, 2020
Postgame Quotes
Indiana Head Coach Archie Miller
Opening Statement
I'm happy for our guys today. We bounced back and got another game in. I think that's the important thing. North Alabama, we were able to work the timing so they could get in here. They struggled a bit with their lineup and the virus, but we were able to pull the game off which is a good thing. We are getting used to playing at home. This was our first game since Nov. 25 at home. I was happy to get back out here. Our guys did a good job defensively, especially early. We were very dialed in. We got loose balls and made hard plays. Offensively we just didn't take good care of the ball. We were very methodical against the zone. Also, in transition we didn't take care of the ball. I was disappointed about that. Second half much better. I give Armaan a lot of credit. He continues to evolve as a player for us. I was really happy for him to see the ball go through the net. He has worked hard on it and I think that is going to be the Armaan we get used to seeing, consistently knocking the open ones in. When he has that, with the way he is defending and the way he is creating, he is turning into a terrific player early in the year for us. Rob got going, made a couple of big threes to get things opened up. Our front court players did a really good job of being unselfish in terms of the way they moved the ball in and out of the zone. I got a lot of different guys in the game, which I was happy about. Overall, I was happy we got the game in. We have a week, with our finals here and obviously Butler in Indianapolis on Saturday, which will be our last opportunity before Big Ten play starts. We will see if everything goes smoothly this week with everything, we will get ready to play again.
On how the team is playing defensively…
We are a better defensive team at this point in the season than we were a year ago. That is not close. Our perimeter quickness is better and we are much more disciplined off the ball. I think that is a big part here early in the year. We have been a better off ball defensive team with our help. We have more versatility as well. We are able to, in my opinion guard the ball better. Armaan is a big reason why. He has emerged as a guy we really count on right now. Defensively he is holding his own. Rob is now a veteran. Al is a veteran. I think Trayce is a more comfortable defender defending the true five then he was the four. We have some tweaks, but all in all we are a better defensive team because it means a lot to these guys. The way they absorb some things, even today we made some improvement from Wednesdays game. Our defense is going to have to be good. We are going to be playing in an unbelievable league here coming up. I was happy with the way we rebounded today. We were quicker to balls. We got more deflections and that was a big point coming out of Florida State. Defensively, we are going to have to keep on getting better. We still are not near good enough defensive rebounding and not anywhere good enough in transition being organized. We have some time this week to hopefully correct some things as guys are getting tested and doing things with school, maybe get a couple extra practices.
On the confidence in the second half…
MILLER: I think the big key was rhythm. I think the shots were in rhythm. The attacking, the zone, the ball was getting to the right spots and it was coming out, our movement as the ball came out was good. Our passes were sharp. In the first half, the quality, the rhythm of the shot was not it. We had much better chemistry on the offense in the second half. The shots were coming off inside out action against the zone which is what you want. Armaan Franklin and Rob Phinisee both stepped up and made a few. I think when the ball goes in the basket, to me it takes the pressure off everyone. Khristian Lander put in two 3-pointers, it was good to see Anthony Leal get in there and make one, and Trey Galloway made one. Jerome Hunter had some good looks but they did not go in. Overall, if we get better quality shots, we continue to become a good passing team, guys continue to be dialed in on where they are getting shots, and the rhythm catches, we can be pretty good shooting team.
How much has having three ball handling guards helped this season…
MILLER: It is a much different feel for us on both ends of the floor but on offense in particular. To have three perimeter players who can also get the ball and go. All three perimeter players can use the ball screens. All three are pretty good straight-line drivers in their own right so it is giving us a better attack. Last year's team was built different. They had to play different and it was hard. I think this year's team is more traditional. Moving Jerome over to small forward I do not think will be a bad thing when we play bigger teams, for rebounding purposes. We feel good about those three guys in terms of their ability to make plays. I think you saw, against great pressure, at Florida State that our ability to take of the ball, especially in the second half, was evident by our guard play. Today was not so good early but it was better later in the game. It was a sloppy game in terms of taking care of the ball in the first half. It is a different style of play, we can play faster, but we had better space as well.
Thoughts on the freshmen play today…
MILLER: All four freshmen did a really good job of coming into the game. We are trying develop our depth. We are trying to gain more confidence in those guys. Our schedule has not permitted the luxury of just playing long stretches of time with young guys. Our schedule has not given us the opportunity to see what type of rotation works out better. Today as we built a lead, it was a point of emphasis to get more playing time for those guys because we are going to need them as the season continues. I am happy for Anthony because I think Anthony has done an unbelievable job of understanding our system. He is in the right place at the right time so to have him knock a shot down today and get some minutes is good because I think he can help us especially with outside shooting. He is very dependable in terms of understanding our system. Trey has been in the mix, did a good job especially in the first half and he is going to be a good player for a long time in this league. Khristian, he just needs more experience. He is like your youngest son. He has a couple older brothers, he is your youngest son, and as a parent you say, keep an eye on that young one, he is going to be special one day. In the meantime, he has to grow up while the older guys are hanging in there. As he keeps growing up you will see more of his range on his shots. Hopefully you will see more of the play making as he keeps getting some more experience because we are going to need the guard play. Jordan Geronimo, to me, is fantastic. He just needs opportunities. You can see some the highlight athleticism plays that he was able to make just going to get the ball. Our rebounding right now is a big concern and I think Jordan adds value with his versatility defensively, his ability to get his hand on the ball, and his ability to jump and go get it. All four are important to what we are doing. Today was a good opportunity for a lot of guys to get in there, get in the mix, and get some confidence. As they keep getting older, keep getting experience, our team has a chance to develop as a complete group.
Indiana Players
On having a great second half…
ARMAAN FRANKLIN: I think it was just open looks, getting the rhythm, stepping into it with confidence. I think if you ask basketball player, when you see one go in, it gets you going for the next one and the next one. So, really just stepping in and getting a rhythm you know. Following through and knocking it down.
On seeing Armaan hit 3-pointers in practice…
ANTHONY LEAL: You see it with all of the guys. We have been working a lot on making each other more confident and making our passes on time, on target and just having the confidence to just come in and step in. So, we knew what Armaan was capable of and we are all capable of that. We are going to just keep shooting with confidence and doing what we do.
LANDER: For me, once I saw Armaan hit a couple shots, when I got into the game, I tried to get him open looks and help him knock it down.
On getting extended court time in the game…
KHRISTIAN LANDER: I think it is just building our confidence up to when you come in the game, big game or something like that you just a little more comfortable throughout the game.
LEAL: Like Khristian, said it is big for our confidence. We are a deep team and we have really high aspirations, so we all know that it is bigger than just any one of us. So, we are all just ready to get in and do what we can with the minutes that we are given. So, that is really the mindset, trying to make the most with the time that we get.
On if his aggressive play in the game…
FRANKLIN: It was a little bit of both. I always come into games especially this year looking to be aggressive but, you know it is not always about scoring for me. So, I think this game you know, taking open looks, taking what the defense is giving me, and stepping up. Knocking down shots and then still trying to get my teammates looks.
On the offensive rhythm in the second half versus the first half…
FRANKLIN: Coach got into us. 11 turnovers in a half is unacceptable. I think we were only averaging 11 in a whole game coming into this one. So, I think he just lit a fire under us and made a big emphasis to just take care of the ball. Once we take care of the ball, we will get easy looks.
On his whole game coming together…
FRANKLIN: I think is starting to come together. Just playing both ends of the floor. Trying to be a complete two-way player, that is what I strive to be. I am working towards that every day. Things I could still improve on defensively and offensively, so it is just about working on those things and just trying to be a complete player.
North Alabama Head Coach Tony Pujol
On what his team was able to get out of today's game...
We were able to have a number of young guys get a lot of minutes against a talented defensive team that will help us in conference play down the road.
On playing in an SImon Skjodt empty Assembly Hall...
Obviously Assembly Hall is one of the historic venues in basketball and is always a fun environment to play in. Given the circumstances we feel fortunate to have had another opportunity to play this year with our group.
On what is different about this IU team this year...
Because of their versatility they are better defensively. And offensively it seems like there are a lot of complimentary pieces around Trayce. They have a number of guys who can hurt you on any given night.
Players Mentioned
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Forward
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Forward
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