March 7, 2007

Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On the No. 1 ranking
"At the beginning of the season, there were so many unknowns of how we would come together. I'm proud of the fact that we are in this position, but I told the guys (being No. 1) won't score us a point in a game."

On being named the 2007 Big Ten Coach of the Year
"It means I coach great players. It's an honor my peers think that, but the players are the ones that earn the award."

On Michigan and Minnesota
"Both teams have a true low post threat and good size across the board at all positions. I look at the opportunity before us to keep striving to play better basketball and also continue to enjoy playing."

Jamar Butler, junior guard On the Big Ten championship tournament
"The loser goes home and that is what you keep in the back of your mind. We know going in, the weapons and versatility we have on this team. Three games in three days wears your body out but you need to keep your mind on the game. We have a deep bench this year so we can put out any five on the court and get the job done."

On the new Nike uniforms
"The shirt fits really tight but it's stretchy and the shorts are just really long."

Ron Lewis, senior guard
On the Big Ten championship tournament
"He's (Matta) a smart coach and he knows how to rest us so we can recoup before our next game. I feel fine because I keep soaking in the whirlpool and resting my body."

On Ohio State's shot selection
"We adjust our game to how the other team is playing."

Greg Oden, freshman center
On not looking ahead to the NCAA tournament
"We are not looking ahead because we have to just win games. We just have to prepare for Friday. On winning Big Ten Conference postseason honors
"It is a great honor. I give all the credit to my team. I'm thankful for them, but now I'm looking forward to the next game."

On the Big Ten Conference tournament
"I know if you lose, you go home and I really don't want to go home. Everybody is going to bring their "A" game and will come at us."

Daequan Cook, freshman guard
On the being named the sixth-man in the Big Ten Conference
"It's a great accomplishment, but now it's time to move on."

On the Big Ten Conference tournament
"I am very anxious. I'm looking forward to the postseason and we are ready to play."

Mike Conley Jr., freshman guard
On the Big Ten Conference tournament
"I'm excited about it. It's been a long season and we have played a lot of Big Ten games. This is what I have been waiting for and we are ready to make our run."

On preparation for the Big Ten tournament
"Coach told us our target is getting a lot bigger and teams are aiming for us. We had a lot of close games down the stretch and teams are going to try to get their next shot at us at the tournament. Our practices have been competitive, but not too hard. We just have to be mentally prepared."