Postgame Quotes

Jan. 5, 2011

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New Mexico vs. Cal State Bakersfield
Jan. 5, 2011
Head Coach Steve Alford Quotes

Opening Statement:

“Well, I am not the easiest guy to impress but that was
impressive. We have been away from here for two weeks. I
thought we played extremely well. We got to twelve wins
again before conference. It’s the first time we have
played seven games away from the Pit in non-conference.

This young team has really proved themselves. I was so
happy and so proud of them in the locker room. This speaks
volumes for the team.

We are very excited about defending our back-to-back
titles. One of the best leagues in the country, we know
we’ve got our hands full. We have played really good
basketball since Cal and I am very pleased with the
outcome.”

On Alex Kirk’s performance:

“Alex Kirk is just a player that has really been gaining
some momentum. We knew we had a special player. To have a
night like this, this early, is surprising. On the bench
he was just smiling because he was almost in disbelief
himself. You got Drew Gordon out there and all the guys
supporting him. It shows we have a very unselfish group.”

On heading into conference play:

“I know a little about Wyoming and they haven’t changed
much since last year. They always press us and it is a
difficult place to play (Wyoming). It’s hard to have to
play away for our first conference game.”

UNM PLAYER QUOTES
Freshman Alex Kirk and Senior Dairese Gary

On Alex Kirk’s freshman scoring record:

Kirk – “I was not aware. I just kept playing. It was open
to me tonight. I did what I could. I just took the shot be
cause it was open.”

Gary – “It makes it easier when he is working this hard.”

On heading into conference play:

Gary – “The regular season is over and now we are going to
be playing even harder. I mean everybody knows you have to
be ready and you need to prepare mentally and physically.”

Kirk – “This game just helps me get more comfortable. We
are coming together as a team. It was just our goal to
come out here and gain confidence.”