Ben Braun Quotes

"Getting Leon back is a big plus for us. His absence put us in a hole last year."

"It's a great accomplishment. That shows how tough this conference is. For any team in a tough conference, when you can go and nail down a win on the road in your opener, that's a statement. I don't care where you are or who you're playing."

"When you're entrenched in principles, you're not thinking about streaks or standings. Staying in the present does take discipline and focus."

"I have probably given him too many minutes. Sometimes fatigue sets in, and the first thing it affects is your shot. I have faith he will knock some of those shots down."

"Leon is a smart guy. I have faith in Leon, in his decision-making process."

"We've put in a lot of hard work and this is our reward now to see where we stand as a team. This trip gives us more time to solidify our team and work towards a positive direction."

"Those guys now know the value of being vocal. We've had team-building exercises set up some of those things."

"We're going to be a little fatigued, but I wouldn't trade that at all. I'd rather be fatigued and in that game than be well-rested and not be playing anywhere."

"I feel good about our chances. We're playing well. It's important to go into the tournament at full strength and with some momentum."

"It's tough. I thought our guys came out and played very hard. But give N.C. State credit, they played well. They didn't make a whole lot of threes like they normally do, but the ones they did make were some real momentum changers."

"We turned up the heat in practice."

"He can take a lot of pride knowing he is playing for a championship now as he leaves Cal. He has worked so hard over the years."

"I didn't know that. But if anybody can do it, Leon is certainly capable. He takes pride in rebounding."

"I don't think we should get penalized for losing an overtime game to (the conference champions). I think that game puts in perspective how far this team has come this season."

"Our players have the game in perspective. We know what we're up against ? and we're facing a very dangerous team."