38 Quotes by Jeff Ruland

And they all need a little time on the (psychiatrist's) couch. Along with Coach.

I've actually yelled at kids from a basketball purist standpoint. I don't want to see a kid shoot the ball every time down the court. It's disgusting.

Anybody in our league would have died to have him out of high school. He does all the little things. I don't think anybody really tried to see what his offensive talents are. He can shoot from 15 feet, he rebounds and finishes around the basket. I'd be surprised if he wasn't a double-double player for us.

They are special. I've told people this many times: I'll miss them more next year than (just) because of their points. Basketball aside, I'll miss being around them.

You don't shoot in the 40s by just throwing it up there. I'm giving you guys a good feeling of New York.

This journey is one I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Even though we had our ups and downs. This year will always be special in my mind. More than any other.

It's made my life easier this year. The first three years I had to suffer because they were up and down. They will still come back in spurts and remind me of old times. But we're all on the same page. These guys are focused and they bring it every day.

I've got to take the blame. I thought we were past that. It's good to feel good about yourself, but when the ball goes up, you've got to compete. You don't get W's from reading the press clippings.

I've just been telling them it's one of the greatest things that will happen in their lives, this tournament. Everybody comes in with their slates wiped clean. I haven't had to talk too much. They have been very focused. I'm really, really impressed with their maturity, and how they're focused on the task at hand.