INDIANAPOLIS — I was able to have a few minutes with Nate James after Saturday's game for a quick interview. James played for the Blue Devils in 2001, their last national championship, so he was able to offer a unique perspective between that team and this year's squad.
What do you see as the similarities between this team and what are the differences? Are there any ways to compare the teams at all?
Well, I guess if I could find one comparison, it would be on how close these two teams are. I think we were an extremely close bunch in 2001. We were a team that went through some things with Shane Battier, myself, and even some younger guys, where coming in early on we had a lot of guys leave for the pros and people counted us out. So, we had a history of getting to that point where we knew we had to gel and be more together than any other team out there. I think with this team, they've had their nose rubbed in it over the years but they've stayed together and done everything we've asked them to do. If I could just pick one thing, it would be how close they are.
It seems like in 2001 it was Carlos [Boozer's] injury that brought everyone together. Was there any moment this year, where they said, "This is as low as we can be, let's build up from this"?
We've always tried to draw strength from all games, all scenarios. We've always wanted to be on to the next thing, each practice, each game, and try to get better. That's what it's all about. Some teams peak early on, but in this Tournament, you want to peak at the right time. Right now, we've kinda snowballed, and it's coming all together... We had a great outing from our perimeter today and our bigs have been great, and we're doing a lot of the things that people said we couldn't do early on, and it's a good feeling to go out there and have that "us against the world" attitude. That's what it's all about and I look forward to our guys going out and playing some great ball on Monday.
So what's your prediction for Monday?
It's going to be a well-played game. Butler's well-coached and a lot like us. They're a very disciplined bunch and they play together, and a lot of people counted them out. The whole big thing is the Cinderella story but they're a good basketball team, trying to be a great basketball team, the same mission we're on.
I think if we play the way we're capable of playing, I think we can beat them.
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