Nov. 10, 2012
Recap | Box Score | Notes | AP Photos 
Vanderbilt 80, Nicholls State 65
November 10, 2012
Memorial Gym
Vanderbilt Head Coach Kevin Stallings
Opening Comments:
“That was a really interesting game and odd in some ways. We played pretty well defensively in the first half except for the first 10 minutes, where [Fred] Hunter gave it to us. In the first half offensively, we took bad shots. In the second half, we made plays for each other offensively, but on defense, we started chilling.”
“As I tell our team, we are who we are playing like right now. I’m proud of the way we came out in the second half and played for each other, executed more on offense, and fed off each other.”
On Vanderbilt Guard Kyle Fuller’s Shot at the End of the First Half:
“I think he was 0-fer at that point. It was a good momentum play for us. We set it up, Kedren [Johnson] kicked it to him, and Kyle shot it. I really think that carried over into the second half. I liked our execution.”
On Vanderbilt Guard Kedren Johnson:
“25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and only 2 turnovers – and I probably yelled at him the whole game. He’s a good player. I thought offensively he was a good player the whole day. I would like to get his defensive intensity to where his offensive intensity is. I have to work harder to figure out ways to get to him.”
On Nicholls State Guard Fred Hunter:
“He’s a really good player. I had no idea he was that good. [Nicholls State] didn’t play an exhibition game, so from a scheme standpoint, I didn’t know what they’d do. We were able to double team him… He’s a tough player. I like him very much.”
On Vanderbilt’s Guard Play:
“They have to be initiators of offense. Our offense did not break today like I know it can. We made shots in the second half, but I thought we reverted back to the first exhibition game. Our mindset was that we were rushing and racing or lethargic and white-eyed. We can be better than that.”
On Vanderbilt Forwards Rod Odom and Shelby Moats:
“Shelby did a good job on [Fred] Hunter. I’m proud of them both offensively… I would say they were good, but not great. That’s how I’d classify their play. We’re going to need to be a more complete team. We need to be better at both ends of the floor.”
On Vanderbilt Playing for 40 Minutes:
“I’m not sure [what message to use] since we played well defensively in the first halves of both exhibition games and not good in the second half, so what I’ve been doing hasn’t worked. I’m going to have to change my ways a little bit. I’m going to have to change my ways a lot this season.”
On Vanderbilt’s Effort”
“We didn’t play with urgency in the second half. We’ll be beat way more times than we want to if we keep doing that.”
On Whether We’ll See an Eight-Man Rotation this Season:
“AJ [Astroth] would have played, but he sprained his ankle in practice yesterday. That complicated matters because we’re not deep at the guard spot… And when [Kevin] Bright got two fouls, that complicated matters. He’s really a forward.”
On Vanderbilt Guard Dai-Jon Parker:
“In all likelihood, he won’t make the trip [to Oregon]. He won’t play [if he goes]. I think he’ll travel with us to Orlando.”
Vanderbilt Players
Kedren Johnson, Guard:On Improved three point percentage:“We have been shooting three points well in practice and this game had less nerves.” “The ball is the most important thing out there, so we need to take care of it.” Kyle Fuller, Guard:How big was the shot at the end of the first half?“It was a confidence booster. It helped to remind me that I can help the team on offense as well as defense.” On second half player performance:“We need to play for each other, instead of ourselves.” Kevin Bright, Guard:”As soon as we started passing the ball we had better opportunities.” On improved three point percentage:“Taking the time to for extra shots with our coaches to improve three point shots.” On playing at Memorial:“It is amazing to play in front of these people and I appreciate my teammates.”
