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Written by Media Relations
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Monday, 08 October 2007 |
WIZARDS HEAD COACH EDDIE JORDAN
On recent practices:
“I see a good veteran group. They’ve been playing well together at both ends of the floor. The team has big intentions and I like everyone’s approach. The guys are motivated and everyone is in shape.”
On tomorrow’s game in Cleveland:
“We want to get everyone in and not play the starters a lot of minutes. Gilbert will probably play between 18-22 minutes.”
On Gilbert Arenas:
“He’s been explosive, quick, and he hasn’t been hesitant. He’s taken a few falls and got right back up. The last two days he has played at a really high level. You can just see his quickness and explosiveness the past two days.”
On what he wants to see from the starters during the preseason:
“We want them to come out and be good as a defensive unit.”
On what he wants to see from the rookies:
“I just want to see how they react. I’d like them to not make a lot of mistakes. I want them to go out, have fun and enjoy the moment.”
WIZARDS GUARD GILBERT ARENAS
On tomorrow night’s game:
“I’m excited. It is the first time we have the entire group together, other than Etan (Thomas). We are all out here practicing hard and trying to work the kinks out. We know we have to get off to a very good start to begin the season. We need to take these preseason games very seriously.”
On his recovery from his knee injury:
“The knee feels fine. I’m ready to go. I don’t want to go out and just run around. I am going to play hard as though it is a real game.”
On the preseason:
“It’s important to try to find your rhythm during preseason. The first team to get their rhythm back at the start of the season is going to start off hot. The preseason is the time to get your rhythm and your wind.”
On why he doesn’t wear a knee brace:
“I don’t want to think about the injury. When you wear a brace, you think there is something wrong. I wanted to get over the mental part of it, so I don’t wear the brace.”
WIZARDS FORWARD CARON BUTLER
On the preseason:
“We need to go out and establish a rhythm. It is a chance to get your timing and chemistry back. There is still a score and a team that wins and loses. We want to be the team that wins.”
WIZARDS GUARD ROGER MASON JR.
On staying with the Wizards:
“Continuity is big. I have a year under my belt with the team and I felt if I came back I could have a big year.”
On what he brings to the team:
“A spark off the bench. I can bring some scoring and good shooting. I worked really hard this summer. This was probably my best summer as a pro. I’m really looking forward to being in the rotation and having an opportunity this year.”
On the importance of having a good preseason:“It’s big for me. I want to translate what I’ve done in training camp and practice into these preseason games. I’m going to try and get our second unit going.”
WIZARDS GUARD NICK YOUNG
On his new teammates:
“They’ve been helping me out a lot. I’m trying to get used to all of the plays. All of my teammates have been trying to pump my spirits up. Gilbert (Arenas) has been telling me to be comfortable out on the court and just play my game.”
On his first preseason game:
“It is chance for me to get out on the court and prove that I belong.”
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