Players were available to the media Thursday to talk about Friday's game against Arkansas. Here is what they had to say:
Lance Stemler "When the brackets first came out, I think that's what everyone looked at (possibly playing UNC). I think the coaches have done a good job keeping us focused on Arkansas."
"We don't have much time left. We have to bring it every day because it's the NCAA tournament, or otherwise the season is over."
Jamarcus Ellis "It's very exciting. It is a very big stage for my teammates and me. I've been looking forward since junior college to play on this stage of basketball. I really have a chance to showcase my talent."
"He's a tough player. Coach Dakich pressed the issue of putting a body on the player. He being a great rebounding guard, we have to find him when a shot goes up."
"There are a lot of things that I've seen as a player and I've learned in the course of the week. Just going into practice and working hard, that's how you need to come out and play in games. Our emphasis was to come out with a sense of urgency."
"There were a lot of players, including myself, that felt disrespected when the No. 8 seed came out. Things like that happen, so that will make you go out and work even harder. We are going to stick together and do what we do."
"I think that we need to come out and play with a sense of urgency more than the other team and play hard for all forty minutes of the game."
"I think we are really ready to get it done. We worked hard in practice yesterday. I think when you practice hard it will carry over to the games."
"When teams talk, that's when they have better defensive chemistry. We are doing a lot more talking and working hard every possession. We have to take one possession at a time and that's what we are going to do."
Jordan Crawford "He (Jordan's brother and UK guard Joe Crawford) just said to keep playing like I have my entire life - with confidence."
Eric Gordon "This is my first NCAA tournament, so there is a little bit (nerves). I just have to go out there and showcase my talents."
"I think we are ready to bounce back. We had a full week of practice to focus on Arkansas, so I think we will be ready for them."
"They have a big front line and they can run up and down the court. They run a different tempo than any other team in the Big Ten."
"This is a new season. We just are worried about what's next."
"He (former coach Kelvin Sampson) was probably the best coach I've ever seen at motivating. He'll have his times when he is tough on you, but he was a good motivator."
"This is a great team to be on. Even though we have had our ups and downs, I've enjoyed being with the guys and I think it's been a good season."
"We have to keep the same game plan - get the ball to D.J., take the ball at them and play like we've been playing."
D.J. White "I've been here before. I know it's a big stage, but I approach it like any other game."
"It will be a challenge. They have a lot of big bodies that they can throw at us. I still go out there and pay the game I've been playing all along."
"We know we haven't been playing as good of late, but it's a new season. Anything can happen"
