Clemson vs. Georgia Tech Postgame Coaches’ Quotes

Feb. 17, 2008

Clemson Head Coach Oliver Purnell

On his general thoughts of his team’s performance: “Anytime you can get out to a quick start, it’s good. We were able to quickly establish ourselves tonight. This sets up another big ball game against NC State. We’d love to get another one on the road.”

On Cliff Hammonds’ recent play: “I can’t imagine anyone playing better than he is. He’s scoring, he’s guarding, he’s handling the basketball, he’s handling pressure. The biggest thing he’s giving us right now is leadership.”

On the defensive intensity throughout the game: “We kept the pedal to the metal, in trucking terms. It was nice to see; we wanted our defense to get better, because we let up last game. We pride ourselves on playing hard; if you watch us, you can see that.”

On Demontez Stitt’s poise: “He’s played pretty well since being back. Tonight, I thought he played really well. Sometimes, when you shift roles, it can be a little unsettling. But he’s handled it well.”

On containing Anthony Morrow: “We played “shoetop” defense on him. We made him put it down. He’s a good shooter, we wanted to make him drive.”

On his team’s improved shooting from the free throw line: “Well, we got there.”

Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Hewitt

General Thoughts: “I give Clemson credit. Cliff Hammonds had a big game for them in back to back games for them. Clemson came out with a lot of energy.”

I think Clemson executed their defensive game plan very well. It seemed like they made a concerted effort to keep the ball out of our point guard’s hands.

I thought early we were not aggressive or assertive. They pressured us and got the ball out of out point guards hands. Once they started their run in the second half, it put it out of reach.

I thought we could have gotten to half time in better shape. We just didn’t execute out of timeouts. We had a lot of road games and sometimes that last one can be a tough one. But you have to give a majority of the credit to Clemson They came off a double overtime game with UNC ready to go.

Hammonds is playing great. He is always a player I’ve liked. He’s so disruptive on defense. He made some big threes in that first half and put us on our heels. Every time they needed to get a basket, he was the one to knock it down”