Selection Sunday Quotes

March 12, 2006

"Playing Kentucky means playing a team we know, a team we played in the NCAA Tournament two years ago. Kentucky has a great basketball program. I'm excited for our basketball team, our program, UAB and the City of Birmingham.

(On whether he is happy he can focus on preparing for next game instead of wondering about NCAA Tournament prospects)
"I would say so. The last two years, our name came up real quick, so there was a little anxiety building today. We're excited and just happy we have a chance to play another game."

(On matchup with Kentucky)
"Kentucky is a different team than we played two years ago. Tubby Smith does an outstanding job and we will have our work cut out. We'll be the underdog, there's no question about it, and that first game is always the most important game. Number one, we're in the tournament. Now, we've got to ready and get prepared to play Kentucky.

(On Kentucky's size and if that is a concern)
"No question, they're a big team. They've got size, they've got excellent guard play. It's going to be a tremendous, tremendous challenge for us, but I'm sure it's something our guys will look forward to. It's amazing how the committee puts together the interesting matchups it does. We're one of the 65 teams and you can see the excitement in our guys."

(On UAB's seeding)
"We just wanted to be in there. I think we have a good basketball team and had a good season. We've played Memphis, who is a No. 1 seed in the tournament, three times and all those games were nip-and-tuck for the most part. I think it says a lot about our team and our program.

(On a fourth postseason tournament appearance in four years)
"It's amazing. I look at some of the common denominators and I see guys who are winners, who have been a part of this. You look at Brandon Tobias, Derrick Broom, Richard Jones, and Demario Eddins, they have been a part of this group for four years. And, of course, Squeaky Johnson has been here for three of those.

"We have guys who understand about winning. It's amazing what these guys have had a chance to accomplish in their time here. What better way for the seniors to go out in style and have a chance to play and perform in the NCAA Tournament."

Senior Guard Squeaky Johnson

(On going to the tournament)
"We're just ready to take our game to the next level.

(On playing Kentucky)
"We just have to focus on the things we've been doing. Pay attention to details and go over the things that Kentucky does. Most of all, just stay focused. We're just glad to be in it (the tournament) and we're just taking it one day at a time. I'm looking forward to it. It's a great task for us and, basically, we've just got to pay attention to the details. I don't want to say it's a rematch, but I'm just happy that we made it."

(On the challenges Kentucky presents)
"They have great big guys and they know what it takes to win."

(On what going to the tournament in his senior year means to him)
"It means a lot. It shows that our program is going up. It's a tribute to our coach. He's done a great job with me and us, as a team. He's kept us out of trouble on and off the court. I'm excited that we just continue to be able to play basketball. I'm happy for Birmingham, UAB and everyone affiliated with UAB basketball."

(On his UAB career)
"I'm just glad I've been successful, whether its on the court or off the court. Just the things I was able to do. Basically, staying out of trouble and being able to get a scholarship so I could get an education."

(On being nervous after the first half of the bracket was announced) "At first I was worried about what seed we would get, but after awhile, I was just worried about getting in. I'm just glad we got in."

(On being a No. 9 seed)
"Basically, if you want to be the team, you gotta beat the teams. It doesn't matter where they place you, it's the mindset you come out and play with."

(On if playing style gives UAB an advantage in the tournament)
"I think it's very important. We play a lot of guys. I'm sure Kentucky will be revved up for us this year. We won't surprise them, by any means. I just think it's going to be a great game."

Senior Forward Brandon Tobias

(On suspense of waiting until third bracket was announced to see UAB in tournament)
"We were a little anxious. We kind of figured we were going to get in, but we didn't know where or what seed. We saw Kentucky come up and then UAB, we jumped out of our seats because we are excited to play them. They're a very good team, but we feel like we have a very good team, also. It's just who comes to show up to play.

(On whether there was ever any doubt on UAB earning a berth in field)
"We didn't have any doubt in our mind, because we know we are a good team. We played hard all season. We always talk about a special season so we figured we might have some special in store for us.

(On being a part of four postseason tournament teams)
"That means a lot to me. We have been successful due to a lot of hard work and a lot of waking up every morning thinking that we were going to be the best team we could be. Every game we play, we try to come out with our best. I was part of winning teams in high school, too, so I don't really know how to lose and I don't like to lose."

Senior Guard Derrick Broom

(On waiting for UAB to appear in the bracket)
"With only two brackets left to be announced, I was starting to get butterflies. We're over there talking on the couch and I think everyone was starting to get a little nervous. But it's great to see our name pop up. It's a big relief. Now, we've got to go out there and practice and get ready for Kentucky."

(On the matchup with Kentucky)
"Kentucky is a great team. Their guards are excellent. Their big men are excellent. All 65 teams are deserving of going to the "

Senior Guard Richard Jones

(On going to the NCAA Tournament three straight years)
"This is a blessing. Most people don't get to make it once, but three years in a row is really special. This is something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

(On facing Kentucky)
"Honestly, we look forward to it, but we were looking forward to playing anyone."

(On being nervous after the first half of the bracket was announced)
"I heard them say that they try to keep you in your region, so when I saw the first part of the bracket I looked over at Wen (Mukubu) and was like 'Are you serious'. I'm just happy we made it in."

(On this being his last opportunity to play in the postseason)
"Right now, I'm looking at this being more important than any other time. Every time we've made it, it's been a good experience. Hopefully, this will be more special than the first one or the second."

(On what this means for UAB)
'It means we're on the map. We're not looking at ourselves as underdogs anymore. It's more like we're a legit contender and, hopefully, we can prove that."

Junior Guard/Forward Wen Mukubu

(On what he's looking forward to in his first NCAA Tournament with UAB)
"I'm looking forward to winning the National Championship, but I'm sure coach (Anderson) will want us to focus on one game at a time. Right now, it's Kentucky. We're just going to go to work and get ready to play Kentucky."

(On playing Kentucky again)
"We always just focus on what we can do. We don't worry about what the other team is doing. We focus on doing what we're capable of doing and everything will take care of itself."

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics

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