Clemson vs. Western Carolina :: Post-Game Quotes

Dec. 22, 2009

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Head Coach Oliver Purnell

Overall Thoughts: “I was very impressed with the Western Carolina team and their play thus far in their league. We got off to a rough start and didn’t have as much focus, but we got in the fight, which was important. We got the pace going the way we wanted 10-12 minutes before the half. It was a dogfight down the stretch; we missed free throws, which was tough down the line. We were able to limit their big kid and played good defense. Offensively, we did what we wanted; defensively, we didn’t rebound like we wanted but we got cleaned up. It was a good win going into Christmas.”

On the play of the Bookers: “They meant a lot in the 19-0 run. Devin carried us for that 3-4 minute stretch and did a good job on the boards. It’s good that we converted, and that run sealed the deal. I stress about playing for each other, and when they’re on the floor together, they play for one another. I think that the guys play better like that than when they’re playing as individuals.”

On Devin learning from Trevor: “He’s learned a tremendous amount. Anytime you’re playing with a senior and sometimes against him, you’re going to learn a lot. Tonight the brother combo was as effective as Clemson has seen in years. The last three or four games, Trevor has been a bear on the glass, or with scoring or assisting. He is the difference.”

Western Carolina Head Coach Larry Hunter

Overall Thoughts: “I like Clemson. They are a good team and do a lot of things well and they have a lot of depth. I didn’t think we were as consistent as we needed to be. We did not rebound well and had some breakdowns on defense that really hurt us. I thought we came out well in the second half. We had a lot of good open looks, but just stopped hitting the shots.”

On being without Mike Williams: “He is a very good player. I think we just didn’t get as much production from the others like we needed to. Our attention to detail was not sharp tonight.”

On his team’s energy: “It is hard because of our depth right now. Anthony Phillip had to play a lot of minutes and that is tough in a hostile environment like this. I don’t think it was any one guy; we just became perimeter oriented and Clemson was able to get the inside-outside game going well.”

On the play of Trevor Booker: “I think he is a professional player. He has a lot of skills and is a good passer. He is a load to guard and has a good feel for the game.”