More quotes from GWU players and associate coach

A few quotes not used in the GWU basketball follow-up story that will appear in Friday's edition of The Star ...

Senior forward Thomas Sanders
On not letting the mystique of Rupp Arena affect the Bulldogs' play: "I think last year playing at UNC, Wisconsin, N.C. State and Wake helped us. I don’t think it bothered us like last year. We were more prepared mentally. "

On watching Kentucky play the night before against Central Arkansas: "We saw them and we know if we played smart and played with poise and confidence, we could beat them."

On the boost Wednesday's win could give the team: "Our confidence is sky high. We’re not scared to play anybody now. We know if we can beat Kentucky, we can definitely beat anybody in our conference. "

Sophomore guard Grayson Flittner
On the preparation for the game: "Credit the coaches. They gave us a scouting report and we executed it. We played with great poise and executed all night."

On the 14-0 run to start the game: "We took the crowd out right away. We’re a young group, and I think taking the crowd out really helped us. Every time they made a little run, we answered right back and never let the crowd in it."

On maintaining focus after the win: "This is a great confidence booster, but at the same time we have to stay level headed and humble. We need to take care of getting ready for North Greenville, then get ready for Connecticut or Buffalo."

On the new editions to the team: "We picked up great competitors in Aaron Linn and Nate Blank. Those guys are going to get after it. We need five solid basketball players out there, and that’s what happened."

Junior guard Aaron Linn

On the newcomers meshing with the returning players: "They got a lot of experience playing a tough schedule last year and they brought in a great recruiting class. We just wanted to come in and mesh with those guys. It all just came together when we needed it to."

On Grayson Flittner's performance: "Grayson is great with the ball in his hands. He's an excellent passer and shooter. When somebody like that gets on, you just have to get him the ball. He played a great overall game."

Associated head coach Chris Holtmann

On the early season strides: "We’re still learning about this group. We've got nine freshman and sophomores. We’re learning about what they can do. It’s fun because they want to get better and are fearless in their approach."

On the assistants interaction with the head coach: "Coach Scruggs has a great approach during the games. He’s real level-headed and even-keeled. The first thing for us is to prepare the team thoroughly for the opponent within our basic offense and defensive systems. During the game, its’ about making adjustments and substitutions. He’s (Scruggs) great in responding to the information he’s given.

On staying focused the rest of the season: "Appalachian State beating Michigan is a great parallel. It’s a reminder to us, because App. State is now in a dogfight in the Southern Conference. Two or three weeks after they beat Michigan, they lost to Wofford. Conference play is a different animal. What we’re playing for is winning our conference and getting position for the conference tournament. Beating Kentucky doesn’t mean you’re going to go in and beat Belmont."