University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Postgame Quotes -- UCLA vs. Washington
POSTGAME QUOTES
UCLA 76, Washington 50
Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom
February 19, 2022
ย
Mick Cronin, The Michael Price Family UCLA Menโs Head Basketball Coach
on Jaylen Clarkโs and general thoughts
โRemember, I told you in October. Heโs been down three different times for almost two weeks. So, itโs just been very, very unfortunate. Since Chris Smith went down, itโs like somebodyโs got a voodoo doll poking holes in my team, sticking pins in my team. Itโs been crazy. This is my 19th year as a head coach; I went 17 years with one ACL [tear]. I mean I played games with weโve never had a guy miss a game for like years.
ย
on Clarkโs fall after fastbreak dunk
โI have begged him to protect himself on the fastbreak. I tell all these guys that. I got used to people trying to take me out, so I started going off two in my day. You get undercut. You get up that high, itโs hard; you have nowhere to land. But yeah, Iโve told him. Forget those dunks. Just lay it in and make sure we land on our feet, not our head. But instincts kick in.โ
ย
on team stepping up when players have gone down
โReally happy for David [Singleton], obviously. Even though they play zone, I thought Jaylen Clark would have a big game because he does such a great job of moving. So many people, the zone causes you to stand. Heโs out, heโs in. Heโs three-point line, top of the key. Baseline, high post. He just keeps cutting and moving. You have to move people and the ball against a zone defense. David was the recipient of a lot of good ball movement. Obviously, with Johnny out tonight, it was important for David and Jake to give us some made shots.โ
ย
on if Cody Riley and Johnny Juzang will return on Monday
โCody for sure. I would think Johnny. He fell off a scooter. Iโm telling you โ we had a plane almost go down. Itโs just unbelievable. Itโs a year of unbelievable. Letโs just get it all over before March, I hope. You canโt even make it up. Literally, you canโt make it up.โ
ย
on reason for Rileyโs absence tonight
โLoad management.โ
ย
on limited number of players playing at least 30 minutes over the last two games
โI was definitely trying to do that tonight. Definitely trying to do that tonight. And absolutely with the stretch weโre in. Once I knew the game was at a certain point, thatโs why you didnโt see much of Jaime. He was playing, tonight, as needed.โ
ย
on teamโs preparation with limited recovery days
โFilm, walkthrough. Yesterday. Same thing tomorrow. We do more on our game day, because [the players] are recovered by then. Tomorrow is just recovery and mental preparation.โ
ย
on Tyger Campbellโs injury on the first possession of the game
โI think he just took a stinger to the shoulder. I didnโt see it, but I saw him do that [gesture]. Iโm just happy his shoulder didnโt pop out; I was going to add that to the list.โ
ย
on Myles Johnson getting to shoot technical free throws in the second half
โYou rebound like that, you play like that, you get to shoot the free throws. Plus, he puts more time in on his free throws with Coach Lewis than anybody, so he earned it. You rebound the ball the way he did, block shots the way he did, you get to shoot the technicals. Especially when you lead us in rebounding and deflections. Youโre either 1-2 in both categories every game, you get to shoot them.โ
ย
on if current mix-and-match situation is similar to December 2011 with Cincinnati
โWe had a bunch of guys get suspended because of a fight. Now, I canโt get a guy from his apartment to Mo Ostin without falling off a scooter. I donโt know whoโs out every day. Iโm scared to pick my phone up every morning. Tyler Lesher has done a great job as our trainer, but heโs the grim reaper. Every time he comes near me, itโs bad news. But itโs tough because you donโt know whoโs in, whoโs out. We knew Cody wasnโt going to play in this middle game of these three, but I had no idea with Johnny. The Tyger thing happened at the last second. It is what it is; you need to find a way to win. When all we care about is winning, weโre really, really tough. These two guys youโre going to talk to โ Myles and Jaylen โ their defense and their rebounding take us to another level. I was very for David tonight, obviously. Guys did a good job moving the ball and he was due for a game like this. Heโs the best shooter in the Pac-12.โ
ย
Mike Hopkins, Washington Head Coach
on changing the starting lineup
โNo, it didnโt work. We felt like if we had some length, it would disrupt their three-point shot. Weโve had some success when going up against the three, but it was hard, especially when [David] Singleton hit his first three. They [UCLA] have the โnext guy has to step upโ mentality. Tyger [Campbell] got hurt and [Jaylen] Clark really just came in and stirred it up. They have a really good veteran team and have experienced guard play. They have to stay healthy.โ
ย
on the physical, inside presence of UCLAโs team
โMyles Johnson is big. He gives them a big presence in the middle. They also have incredible offensive players.โ
ย
on where Washington goes from here
โI told the guys we have two keys for our team. Strong ball, no turnover and when we have a stop, we have to get a rebound. The scheduling has been very hectic due to COVID. Itโs like being a pro team. Sometimes these guys are going to have three games in one week. We have to master yoga, getting our minds right and being healthy is key.โ
ย
sophomore guard Jaylen Clark
on team staying prepared when teammates go down
โI feel like, as a team, we all stay prepared. If you look at our practices, itโs really competitive 1-12. We all can really hoop, from David to Myles. When everybodyโs here, we just fulfill our roles, but if they need us to step up, we can all do that, too.โ
ย
on if he feels in a groove after two-straight impressive performances
โFor sure. I got an opportunity โ just trying to make the most out of it, keep working. Like I said, I just feel like everything Iโve done in the dark is starting to come to light.โ
ย
on Coach Cronin asking him protect himself on fastbreaks
โIโm just an aggressive player. Heโs talking about my head. I canโt get hit again in the head. Itโs kind of hard. I donโt really think. You get caught up in the moment. You just see the ball and youโre running, โOh, Iโm going to dunk thisโ.โ Later in the game, I calmed down. Just get off two feet. Lay the ball in.โ
ย
on defensive effort against Terrell Brown Jr.
โI feel like it came from a lot of my teammates. I started on him, but we were switching a lot. Playing with Myles helps me out a lot because I know if I get beat, I have backside help. Heโll come block it from the backside or just wall up. As a team, I feel like we did a really good job containing him, and Iโm open to guarding whoever.โ
ย
on teamโs slow start
โI feel like we just havenโt seen many zones. Washingtonโs zone is very up and very aggressive. But when people like Dave start hitting threes, it started opening [the zone]. They started having to guard him, stretch it out. Then, we can get into the middle and attack it inside out.โ
ย
senior guard David Singleton
on getting in a rhythm in the first half
โI just knew, in the zone, there were going to be holes in the zone, so I just wanted to run to the open spots. I was just being prepared. Every night, just being prepared. You never know when the team might need you. Tonight, they needed me, so I just got the job done โ contributed to the win.โ
ย
on his mindset enjoying his made threes and pumping up the crowd
โWhat was going through my head was, โJust keep shooting them. Keep making the right play.โ I knew if I didnโt force it, the shots would still come. If I keep moving the ball, passing the ball, Iโll be a threat by my passing and my shooting. It was just playing the right way. Thatโs what was going through my head.โ
ย
on how the team is holding up during this long stretch of games
โItโs going pretty well. UCLA offers us many resources to recover and stay hydrated, stay healthy. Shoutout to the staff for keeping us focused, on track. The coaching staff is doing a really good job paying attention to our bodies. Keeping us locked in and getting ready for the next game, prepared to win.โ
ย
graduate center Myles Johnson
on being selected to take two technical free throws in the second half
โWe got to the huddle and Cronin just said, โThe way youโre playing, you get to shoot the free throws.โ At first, I was like, โOk..?โ. Iโve been working on it. Just when through a confidence. I just shot them and I made them, and that was it.โ
ย
on his general mindset headed into games
โMentally, I just lock into the scouting report and whatever is really needed for that game. Like, for this game, theyโre not really much of an inside team. They shoot a lot of threes. Long rebounds โ that was my biggest focus for today. And definitely boxing out that big dude. They play a zone, so all the rebounding was going to be open on offense. Todayโs focus was rebounding for me. I just need to do what we need to do. If we need blocks, if we need rebounds, thatโs what I need to do. Posting up all day today to wipe out everybody so they get layups. Just do whatever I have to do to get a dub. Thatโs the mindset going into a game.โ
UCLA 76, Washington 50
Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom
February 19, 2022
ย
Mick Cronin, The Michael Price Family UCLA Menโs Head Basketball Coach
on Jaylen Clarkโs and general thoughts
โRemember, I told you in October. Heโs been down three different times for almost two weeks. So, itโs just been very, very unfortunate. Since Chris Smith went down, itโs like somebodyโs got a voodoo doll poking holes in my team, sticking pins in my team. Itโs been crazy. This is my 19th year as a head coach; I went 17 years with one ACL [tear]. I mean I played games with weโve never had a guy miss a game for like years.
ย
on Clarkโs fall after fastbreak dunk
โI have begged him to protect himself on the fastbreak. I tell all these guys that. I got used to people trying to take me out, so I started going off two in my day. You get undercut. You get up that high, itโs hard; you have nowhere to land. But yeah, Iโve told him. Forget those dunks. Just lay it in and make sure we land on our feet, not our head. But instincts kick in.โ
ย
on team stepping up when players have gone down
โReally happy for David [Singleton], obviously. Even though they play zone, I thought Jaylen Clark would have a big game because he does such a great job of moving. So many people, the zone causes you to stand. Heโs out, heโs in. Heโs three-point line, top of the key. Baseline, high post. He just keeps cutting and moving. You have to move people and the ball against a zone defense. David was the recipient of a lot of good ball movement. Obviously, with Johnny out tonight, it was important for David and Jake to give us some made shots.โ
ย
on if Cody Riley and Johnny Juzang will return on Monday
โCody for sure. I would think Johnny. He fell off a scooter. Iโm telling you โ we had a plane almost go down. Itโs just unbelievable. Itโs a year of unbelievable. Letโs just get it all over before March, I hope. You canโt even make it up. Literally, you canโt make it up.โ
ย
on reason for Rileyโs absence tonight
โLoad management.โ
ย
on limited number of players playing at least 30 minutes over the last two games
โI was definitely trying to do that tonight. Definitely trying to do that tonight. And absolutely with the stretch weโre in. Once I knew the game was at a certain point, thatโs why you didnโt see much of Jaime. He was playing, tonight, as needed.โ
ย
on teamโs preparation with limited recovery days
โFilm, walkthrough. Yesterday. Same thing tomorrow. We do more on our game day, because [the players] are recovered by then. Tomorrow is just recovery and mental preparation.โ
ย
on Tyger Campbellโs injury on the first possession of the game
โI think he just took a stinger to the shoulder. I didnโt see it, but I saw him do that [gesture]. Iโm just happy his shoulder didnโt pop out; I was going to add that to the list.โ
ย
on Myles Johnson getting to shoot technical free throws in the second half
โYou rebound like that, you play like that, you get to shoot the free throws. Plus, he puts more time in on his free throws with Coach Lewis than anybody, so he earned it. You rebound the ball the way he did, block shots the way he did, you get to shoot the technicals. Especially when you lead us in rebounding and deflections. Youโre either 1-2 in both categories every game, you get to shoot them.โ
ย
on if current mix-and-match situation is similar to December 2011 with Cincinnati
โWe had a bunch of guys get suspended because of a fight. Now, I canโt get a guy from his apartment to Mo Ostin without falling off a scooter. I donโt know whoโs out every day. Iโm scared to pick my phone up every morning. Tyler Lesher has done a great job as our trainer, but heโs the grim reaper. Every time he comes near me, itโs bad news. But itโs tough because you donโt know whoโs in, whoโs out. We knew Cody wasnโt going to play in this middle game of these three, but I had no idea with Johnny. The Tyger thing happened at the last second. It is what it is; you need to find a way to win. When all we care about is winning, weโre really, really tough. These two guys youโre going to talk to โ Myles and Jaylen โ their defense and their rebounding take us to another level. I was very for David tonight, obviously. Guys did a good job moving the ball and he was due for a game like this. Heโs the best shooter in the Pac-12.โ
ย
Mike Hopkins, Washington Head Coach
on changing the starting lineup
โNo, it didnโt work. We felt like if we had some length, it would disrupt their three-point shot. Weโve had some success when going up against the three, but it was hard, especially when [David] Singleton hit his first three. They [UCLA] have the โnext guy has to step upโ mentality. Tyger [Campbell] got hurt and [Jaylen] Clark really just came in and stirred it up. They have a really good veteran team and have experienced guard play. They have to stay healthy.โ
ย
on the physical, inside presence of UCLAโs team
โMyles Johnson is big. He gives them a big presence in the middle. They also have incredible offensive players.โ
ย
on where Washington goes from here
โI told the guys we have two keys for our team. Strong ball, no turnover and when we have a stop, we have to get a rebound. The scheduling has been very hectic due to COVID. Itโs like being a pro team. Sometimes these guys are going to have three games in one week. We have to master yoga, getting our minds right and being healthy is key.โ
ย
sophomore guard Jaylen Clark
on team staying prepared when teammates go down
โI feel like, as a team, we all stay prepared. If you look at our practices, itโs really competitive 1-12. We all can really hoop, from David to Myles. When everybodyโs here, we just fulfill our roles, but if they need us to step up, we can all do that, too.โ
ย
on if he feels in a groove after two-straight impressive performances
โFor sure. I got an opportunity โ just trying to make the most out of it, keep working. Like I said, I just feel like everything Iโve done in the dark is starting to come to light.โ
ย
on Coach Cronin asking him protect himself on fastbreaks
โIโm just an aggressive player. Heโs talking about my head. I canโt get hit again in the head. Itโs kind of hard. I donโt really think. You get caught up in the moment. You just see the ball and youโre running, โOh, Iโm going to dunk thisโ.โ Later in the game, I calmed down. Just get off two feet. Lay the ball in.โ
ย
on defensive effort against Terrell Brown Jr.
โI feel like it came from a lot of my teammates. I started on him, but we were switching a lot. Playing with Myles helps me out a lot because I know if I get beat, I have backside help. Heโll come block it from the backside or just wall up. As a team, I feel like we did a really good job containing him, and Iโm open to guarding whoever.โ
ย
on teamโs slow start
โI feel like we just havenโt seen many zones. Washingtonโs zone is very up and very aggressive. But when people like Dave start hitting threes, it started opening [the zone]. They started having to guard him, stretch it out. Then, we can get into the middle and attack it inside out.โ
ย
senior guard David Singleton
on getting in a rhythm in the first half
โI just knew, in the zone, there were going to be holes in the zone, so I just wanted to run to the open spots. I was just being prepared. Every night, just being prepared. You never know when the team might need you. Tonight, they needed me, so I just got the job done โ contributed to the win.โ
ย
on his mindset enjoying his made threes and pumping up the crowd
โWhat was going through my head was, โJust keep shooting them. Keep making the right play.โ I knew if I didnโt force it, the shots would still come. If I keep moving the ball, passing the ball, Iโll be a threat by my passing and my shooting. It was just playing the right way. Thatโs what was going through my head.โ
ย
on how the team is holding up during this long stretch of games
โItโs going pretty well. UCLA offers us many resources to recover and stay hydrated, stay healthy. Shoutout to the staff for keeping us focused, on track. The coaching staff is doing a really good job paying attention to our bodies. Keeping us locked in and getting ready for the next game, prepared to win.โ
ย
graduate center Myles Johnson
on being selected to take two technical free throws in the second half
โWe got to the huddle and Cronin just said, โThe way youโre playing, you get to shoot the free throws.โ At first, I was like, โOk..?โ. Iโve been working on it. Just when through a confidence. I just shot them and I made them, and that was it.โ
ย
on his general mindset headed into games
โMentally, I just lock into the scouting report and whatever is really needed for that game. Like, for this game, theyโre not really much of an inside team. They shoot a lot of threes. Long rebounds โ that was my biggest focus for today. And definitely boxing out that big dude. They play a zone, so all the rebounding was going to be open on offense. Todayโs focus was rebounding for me. I just need to do what we need to do. If we need blocks, if we need rebounds, thatโs what I need to do. Posting up all day today to wipe out everybody so they get layups. Just do whatever I have to do to get a dub. Thatโs the mindset going into a game.โ