Postgame Quotes
Wisconsin vs. UW-Platteville
Oct. 30, 2016
Kohl Center – Madison, Wis.
Head coach Greg Gard
Opening statement
"Well, I think the one thing, knowing that I was going to have to get a look at a lot of different guys and different combinations, we saw some things that were good and positive and obviously a lot of things that will make the teaching tape that we'll have to get better at. I thought the guys specifically off the bench, (Khalil) Iverson and (Charles) Thomas, D'Mitrik Trice, even Brevin Pritzl at times did some really good things we emphasized, the little things and being very good at them. The game is pretty simple when you try to execute what we want to work on every day and stay within that framework, a lot of good things happen. When you step out of that framework, things don't go quite so well so I like some things I saw from those guys and obviously we have to get better in a lot of areas.
I liked the fact that we got to the line 39 times. I thought we should try to get there more, obviously we have to be a lot more efficient at finishing and getting more out of that and take better care of the ball. I think we got a little too quick at times with (Ethan) Happ and (Charles) Thomas around the post and trying to make a play. Trying to make a great play instead of just trying to make a solid or good play. That'll come as we continue to work and drill that, now they can watch it on film in live action.
But the crowd was great. I thought for this day for us, personally, is an emotional day, it's been emotional all day starting early this morning. In terms of what was hopefully accomplished, to help other people was the intent behind this and the platform we wanted to use. The people I've met already, other cancer patients and things I've had a chance to talk about here after the game so far, hopefully we can put a positive spin on this. I told the team how inspirational they are to other people. When things aren't going well, that they can put some sunshine in somebody else's day when they have to go back and fight this disease. I'm really proud of how our guys handled that piece of it and how they continue to learn as they came off the bench and in and out and listened on the sideline and picked up some good things.
Obviously, we have a long way to go and it's a fun group to coach I'll tell you that. They're energetic and into it in the huddles and understand the potential here and the chance to be a pretty good team is definitely there."
On how deep in the bench he can go moving forward
"Well, I was trying to go even deeper in the first half, I wanted to get more of a look at (Andy) Van Vliet and (Brevin) Pritzl in the first half but how things played out, I wasn't able to do that. I thought we did a better job in the second half of getting those guys in more for bigger volume of minutes, so to speak.
I don't know right now, maybe based on who's playing well, who's struggling, who's in a groove, who's not, matchups. I think Charlie Thomas, in the coaching staff's eyes, took a big step forward tonight. I think he really showed what he can do in terms of on the glass and how physical he is. We'll have to get him to slow down a little bit around the rim. That's where some of his turnovers were, but he was one, for example, that really jumped out to me in that second half and that's what I kept talking to those guys about, don't waste any opportunities. This is your chance whether it's three minutes, 10 minutes, 18 minutes whatever it ends up being. Make the most of every single opportunity you have and we've got decisions to make down the road.
We can only utilize our depth to our advantage if we do those little things better. If we continue to be a little looser with the ball, the depth won't help us. If we can't continue to convert at the free throw line, the depth won't help us because those are two areas, specifically getting to the free throw line, can be a product of your depth and how you can really wear on people. So, like I said before, some good signs, some things have to get worked out and cleaned up but I thought things off the bench, I saw some very good things that guys kept their name in the mix, so to speak and maybe even climbed up the ladder a little bit."
Wisconsin Sophomore Charles Thomas IV
On how comfortable he feels on the court this year:
"I definitely feel a lot more comfortable, to say the least. I definitely learned a lot from last year that if you did go and play hard all the time you're going to get (playing) time. They don't look for you to do anything spectacular, you just have to go in, go in hard to the board, post up, guard and make strong moves. Just things like that that will help you stand out on the floor. I really felt more comfortable than last year, and especially experiencing what I did last year really helped today, as you saw."
Wisconsin Senior Jordan Hill
On how deep the team can be this year despite not being a starter:
"I think it says a little bit. Obviously, this is a very early game, but it's good that we came out and did some things to help the team. We're efficient, for the most part. We could have done a little bit better of a job at holding on to the ball, but I think we came in, gave a spark when necessary and showed a little bit of what we could do and hopefully we can continue to do that."
On what it was like to partake in the Brain Cancer Awareness Game:
"I think it's just really important that we bring awareness to topics such as brain cancer, and obviously we're always going to be behind Coach (Greg) Gard and his family. Ever since the change has been made, he's become our head coach. Obviously, that's very traumatic what he's had to go through (with the loss of his father last year to brain cancer) and I think this was a great idea for them to make this such a staple game, as far as bringing awareness to brain cancer. I know that he said there was a ton of people that actually came today who were struggling with cancer and not just brain cancer, but other types, and just being able to put on a show for them and help put a smile on their face, which given their current situation might be a little bit difficult. I'm glad we were able to do that."
On his next steps and future role:
"I put in a lot of time this summer. A lot of hours. Just working on my shot, working on my handles, trying to use space in the most efficient and quick way possible. Hopefully that will translate into the things I do on the floor. I think it was really more than a skill issue. It was more of a confidence issue, just being on the floor more and being relied upon and having that safety of knowing that coach knows you can do this, or do that on the court makes you play a little bit different. Now that I've secured myself, as far as that is concerned, I can do a little bit more on the court and feel a little bit more free to do so. Obviously, we're all competing for minutes, so that's not going to change, but as far as my role expanding, I'm just going to do whatever I can to help us get a championship."
Wisconsin Sophomore Khalil Iverson
On if he was more satisfied with his three dunks or his 3-pointer:
"It really doesn't matter to me. Just putting the ball in the hoop, it's all the same thing. I've just been trying to work on more of my perimeter game this offseason. I'm feeling more comfortable on the outside and I think Charlie (Thomas) is the one who threw me the pass, so thanks."
UW-Platteville Head Coach Jeff Gard
Opening Statement:
"First off, I told the guys in the locker room afterwards that, win or lose today, this program won. Just on the stage that we were able to make an impact in others' lives (seeing as the game was serving as Brain Cancer Awareness Game). (Brother) Greg (Gard) and I talked about that from day one with this whole thing, that it's going to be a win-win. Somebody (posted on) Facebook or tweeted the other day, the best thing that could happen is a tie. But, if you know Greg and I, that wouldn't happen. We would probably go out and play one-on-one to figure out who is going to be the winner. But, I'm very proud of these three (players on the podium), as well as the other 15 back in the locker room. These guys, day-to-day, they come in to compete, to battle, and we're only really 12 days into practice. So the opportunity for us to come out, be a little rusty, but take some great things from this game and moving forward as well. The biggest message, like I said, is a win for this program and this state as well as what was able to be done today."
On playing the game with family ties and circumstances:
"Well, I think it was one of those things that you know, there was a lot of attention that got brought prior to the game, just the different storylines that were tied into it. Everybody was asking, 'What's going to happen at half court?' I've laughed and we had a mass this morning for dad back in Highland, and I told my assistant coaches as well as our team doctor, I said, 'Let's do a little survey and find out when's the last time two head coaches that were going to be playing each other in about five hours were sitting in the same pew in church?' I'm praying for a win and Greg is just praying to stay healthy. You know, one of those things. But, again it just brought the whole family atmosphere into it. With these guys and the program and the opportunity to come back again. But, as I said from the beginning, it was about making an impact. I had a high school friend of mine that reached out to me – he lives in the Madison area – about, can we do something to get some young kids from the children's hospital to come to the game. He was going to provide the tickets for them, take care of them, some young boys that are battling cancer or are in remission right now. Our guys just met with them in the locker room, they were signing autographs now and then they are going to go down and do the same thing in UW's locker room. Again, it's about much more than just a basketball game today."
