GREGG MARSHALL ON…
...The win tonight
"We prepared pretty hard in a day after the game on Friday. We knew that they were a good team, [probably the] favorite to win the Big West, and I think in the end they will be. For whatever reason they couldn't shoot it. Give some credit to our guys, they really defended and held them to 31 percent [shooting] - which is an outstanding defensive field goal percentage - and out-rebounded them by 11. We are pleased to be 2-0 and now we get to prepare for Tulsa."
…The guard play tonight
"I thought Conner took care of the basketball. Landry played a tremendous floor game and was an ace defender.
Daishon Smith changed the game with his defense, got a few deflections, steals, run-outs; and then
Austin Reaves looked like a seasoned veteran out there. Those are our four guards, we just got to keep them healthy and keep them getting better. I'm excited because this team has a chance to be pretty good. "
...The growth of Conner Frankamp's confidence
"He just wants to win. He's trying to defend, and he's taking care of the basketball. He is running our team and leading. This is a good stat tonight to know for him about confidence: 28 minutes was by far the most minutes of any Shocker [tonight]. He is doing something to please the coach, the coaching staff and ultimately the fans."
...Having Conner and Daishon in the game at the same time
"I like it a lot tonight. I mean, they were really good. I don't want to take away [from the others], I thought all the guards were good.
Zach Brown had his moments,
Markis McDuffie had his moment, Darral Willis had his moments. Shaq Morris played well early, especially offensively and rebounding. There were a lot of good performances, but those two guards I know did give us a spark."
…Markis McDuffie only playing 14 minutes
"One time he had blood on his uniform and another time he had to come out because they thought he might have a concussion. I've got to get him more minutes. I feel like I have about 10 starters and he is certainly one of them. I've just got to find a way to get him more minutes. He's ultra-talented."
…One thing they need to do to get better
"We have got to be stronger to the ball, and then once we get to the ball don't assume someone else is going to get it. Then we have got to secure it with two hands like it's valuable. You honor something that has weight, so it's valuable. We need to honor the people that come watch us play, and each other, by acting like that basketball - when it's loose - has weight, and we need to secure it and take care of it."
…Landry Shamet's defense on Evan Payne
Unbelievable. [Payne's] pretty talented. He was 1-for-10 tonight [from the floor] I thought Landry was tremendous. I'd like for Landry to become a lock-down defender. I thought all of our guards did a pretty good job. Daishon sparked us with his defense. He was more "handsy" and getting deflections and whatnot.
Austin Reaves moved his feet very, very well down on the baseline during the second half. He cut him off a couple times. Payne is a real strong kid, [but] he's not overly tall. But man, he can get it going. I always thought the whole game they were one jumper away from getting a run going, but they were just in and out."
CONNER FRANKAMP ON…
… Guard play vs. Long Beach State.
"I'm not too surprised. We all played a great game tonight, we felt like the coaches had us prepared really well for Long Beach State and it seems like as each day goes on, our guards gain more confidence."
… Gaining confidence.
"I am a lot more confident. That comes with practice too, though, and getting out there a little bit more and just being confident in practice. Also, the coaching staff has given me a lot of confidence, as well as my teammates."
… His improvement defensively, even since the exhibition game
"I have just really focused on it. I feel like my offense will be there and if I play good defense, create steals and create havoc, then that also helps my offense. It kind of gets me into the flow of the game. I feel like it has been like that my whole life. If I really lock in on defense, my offense comes a little bit easier for me."
DAISHON SMITH ON…
… Being on the floor at the same time as Frankamp.
"I love it. He is another guard that can take the pressure off of me and can bring the ball up. At the same time, if I penetrate, I can count on somebody to hit the shot in the corner."
… Being more comfortable with the offense.
"I am very comfortable. Everyday we go over what we need to do better in practice and just understand the system. Doing what he wants us to do. Preparing us is going to put is in the right spot to score. Just following what coach has drawn up for us is basically leading us to where we are now."
AUSTIN REAVES ON…
… Leaning on Smith and Frankamp
"Like Daishon (Smith) said, Conner (Frankamp) spaces the floor really well. Me and Daishon battle everyday in practice and he has made me a 10-times better player than I was before I got here. It is just a grind everyday in practice to get better."
