MARCH 6, 2021
RUPP ARENA – LEXINGTON, Ky.
Kentucky Student-Athletes
Kentucky Student-Athletes
#23, Isaiah Jackson, Fr., F
On what the difference was today that allowed him to stay out of foul trouble …
“Today, I tried to play physical but with the easy stuff. I just let it go. Coach (John Calipari) was telling me like, if somebody ducks me in, sometimes, just let it go. And that’s what I did today.”
On how the team plays against physical teams …
“Of course. I might be skinny, but I like physicality. And also, the team, I think we needed to get one of those games, tough games where we had to go out there and play, had to play tough. Because the rest of the season, that’s how we’ll have to play. So, hopefully we do the same thing next week and we get the wins.”
On how much fun the team had today and the momentum that brings…
“It was a lot of fun. Some of the guys that didn’t really get to play this year got to play. To get to see them on the court, it was a good experience for them and for us. We finally got to take a break the last three minutes and just enjoy the game. And I feel like that’s a good momentum builder going into next week, the tournament and stuff. So, we’re just going to go out there and try to have fun and keep on doing what we’re doing.”
On the performance of Davion Mintz and Jacob Toppin …
“Davion, he had a great game. He had four 3s in a row? That was crazy. He’s the one that really stretched the game out for us and made the lead and the deficit so hard to come back for the other team. So, he had a great game. And him playing point guard, I feel like it was good. I think he had seven assists, something like that. He passed the ball really well, so that was good. And Jacob, him playing the two guard, I feel like he, whoever is the man, like the point guard, I feel like he can guard him. So, having him out there is really good for defense and offense, because he can score, he’s bigger. So, it helps us a lot.”
On how difficult it is to take things one game at a time …
“One game at a time. We try not to think about the future. We just try to stay in the present. That’s the only thing that we can change or do anything about is the present. So, that’s what we’re doing. Taking it one game at a time, one day at a time, practice and everything. So, just getting prepared.”
#10, Davion Mintz, Gr., G
On the importance of his five 3-point streak …
“That was big for me because I didn’t practice all week. Went down with a little bum ankle. So, to just get that feeling, get to going crazy like that, that was huge for me. That meant a lot.”
On the importance of playing in the NCAA Tournament …
“It means everything. Right before we leave for a trip like this, and you know, we’ve been pretty successful in Nashville, leaving for a span of a week. So, it just gives us that confidence. Still playing from behind, knowing that we are the underdogs and we’re chasing, everyone is going to give us their best when they play University of Kentucky. So, just going in with a good momentum, that’s very important for us.”
On adjusting to playing at the point guard position …
“Yeah, I’m natural there. And sometimes, this season where I would go there, it would be a different feel. It’s just been a while since I played it. And again, I took a year off last year. So, a lot of my reps have been at shooting guard for a year. But when the ball is in my hands and, honestly, and I get a few possessions, I just snap right back. So, I’m very comfortable at either spot I play at, on or off the ball.”
On his mindset when hearing he might move to point guard …
“Coach Cal has been very successful at his job. I’ve had the ultimate trust in him before I came here. I mean, he’s the reason I came to here, to this place. So, whatever decision he made, I knew that it was best for me and for the team. Before he makes a decision, I know he thinks about my best interests as a player and the team. So, whatever he needs from me, that’s what I’m going to do. And whatever this team needs from me, that’s what I’m going to do. If that means score the ball at a high level or find guys at a high level, that’s what I’m going to do. I feel like we made the best adjustment for the team and it’s working out.”