March 13, 2009
– Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt
On all the close games this season and having it end on a game at the buzzer “Yes. The guys played extremely hard all year and put themselves in a position to win, but unfortunately for us this year more people made plays at the end than we would have liked to have happen.”
On the last play of the game
“We just wanted to run a back screen on the ball. In both of these games, Iman Shumpert had a lot of success getting into the high paint area and either getting fouled or making the shot. When he took it, I thought for a second that Zachery [Peacock] was open behind him for a kick out, but he wasn’t. [Jordan] DeMercy honored him and stayed with him. He got a good look, but that’s something where in both games Iman had a lot of success getting to the high lane.”
On seniors during the season
“I give the seniors a lot of credit. This is a tough way to spend your senior but they continued to come out and play hard and provide good leadership for our guys. It is one of those seasons that is tough to explain but at the same time you do recognize that these guys have a lot of character to continue to battle and play hard. They just gave a great effort every day.”
Georgia Tech Guard Lewis Clinch
On three-point attempt in the final 50 seconds of the game
“I thought it was going down. I got a great look and obviously they did a great job screening for me. Moe [Miller] did a great job getting me the ball as soon as I came off the screen. It felt good coming off my hand but was just a little short.”
On playing like he didn’t want his season to end
“I just didn’t want to lose and I was willing to do whatever it takes for my team to get to the next game. They (Florida State) did a great job defending me this game but I give a lot of credit to my team as well for getting me open and getting me some great looks. Our guys played hard. I wish all of the younger guys the best of luck next year; I think they have a bright future for this program and staff.”
On Florida State’s approach to defending Clinch
“I expected that. This is how it has been over the last couple of games. Teams have had different strategies but they came out with the approach of putting a guy who is 6-9 on me. Again, my guys did a great job getting me open and as a competitor I still have to go out there and knock down shots when I get good looks.”
Georgia Tech Forward Gani Lawal
On today’s game
“We played well. We fought back. Then it was kind of back and forth and he (Kitchens) made a play down at the end of the game. We never felt out of it. We as a team felt we had a chance to win the whole time even to the last shot Kitchens ade.”
Georgia Tech Guard Iman Shumpert
On the game winning basket by Kitchens
“It should have never happened. It was a bad job on my part on how I played defense on Kitchens.”
