Notable Quotes from Ed Cooley's Press Conference Following a 66-65 Win Over Rider
Ed Cooley had high praise for his team’s defensive effort over the first 16 minutes of the second half of Tuesday’s 66-65 win over Rider. Among the topics Cooley touched on were Clifton Moore’s composure, Bryce Hopkins’ potential to grow into one of the best players to come through Providence, the team’s offensive struggles on Tuesday, high praise for Devin Carter, and more.
Here are some of his notable quotes from the postgame:
Overall impressions of the win:
“We’ll get a lot better. This is game one, with eight new guys. As you can see, we’re trying to learn each other.”
“This had disaster written all over it. I think there were 13 or 14 high major teams that lost yesterday, so we could be singing a different tune. I’m grateful for the win. Like I told you, there’s never a bad win. Take it and move on.”
On Clifton Moore’s impact:
“I thought Clif’s composure was very impressive. He took a three, missed a three, then he got another open one (and made it). I thought that showed a lot of confidence in him. I think that will pay big dividends for us moving forward. He’s a fifth year person, been in a lot of high level games.”
On Bryce Hopkins:
“I think Bryce Hopkins grew up today. He didn’t have as much game experience… Everybody is looking at a number where he was ranked — this and that — give him a damn chance to develop and grow, and I think you’re going to see one of the best players in the history of the school.”
On closing out another game late:
“I believe in me more than anyone on that sideline. I believe in what we do and what we teach, and we’re going to get better and better at it. I’d rather have a game like this, where we’re learning and growing and developing versus a 30-40 point game where we’re not getting much out of it, which is what happened in our exhibition games.”
On Devin Carter:
“Dog. Man. Elite competitor. Determined. Man. He’ll be somebody to reckon with in this league.”
On his team’s defensive effort in the second half and struggling offense:
“We held them for six points for, I don’t know, 12-13 minutes. You guys (the media) are all the analytics gurus out here with all the numbers in your head. We did a hell of a job for about 12 or 13 minutes, where I think they scored six points. I think the adjustment we made at halftime was the right adjustment, because if we kept it the same way we’d be on the losing end.”
“Our defense won the game. Our offense was, at best, if I had to rate it — a D-, borderline an F+. “
“The first 16 minutes of the second half, I don’t know if we could have played any better defensively with a new unit that’s not accustomed to being in that environment yet. “