Mike Brey Notebook: Penn State
“I thought they were really good and defended us really well. Defensively, it was good enough for us, but we couldn’t get into any offensive rhythm, and Penn State is the one to give credit to. They were really good defensively.”
On Bonzie Colson’s injury:
“He felt some discomfort in the third quarter. We are going to x-ray it, and I’m hoping for the best. He was moving great on it the last couple weeks and had a great practice the last two days.”
On Colson checking in for the final 30 seconds:
“He put himself in. I told him I didn’t think it was a good idea. He walked right by and said he was going in.
“He got one more hand, and that was awesome. He put himself in the game.”
On Penn State’s defense:
“They have great length and size. They switch a lot of stuff with athletic guys. They’re really an athletic group. The size of the perimeter players gave us problems, especially Matt (Farrell.). They’re doubling, and there was a lot of length around him.
“People have come after him and taken him away. They did a very good job tonight of taking him away.”
On self-reflection after this season:
“You start to develop a mental toughness and physical toughness in this business, and that was tested this season. The thing that really helped me was how great our players were, especially our seniors.
“There were days where I’m really faking it, and yet they’re upbeat and doing it. This senior class and this team will have a special spot in my heart even though we didn’t go to the NCAA Tournament, we didn’t win the NIT or get to the ACC Championship game.
“I shook every one of their hands and made them stand and look me in the eye. I felt like I was dealing with men from January 15th.”
On future of the program:
“I do think about what’s coming. Dane Goodwin is here with his family today. I’m very excited about the group we have coming back. Rex and TJ will be very good and strong leaders for us. A (John) Mooney and (Elijah) Burns made some progress this year. Nik (Djogo) did too. We need to get some guys healthy.
“DJ Harvey and Prentiss Hubb, we’re going to try to get them out early for summer school so we can be on top of those knees. We’re going to be some young colts. We’re going to throw the ball into the band a few times as we grow this group. I’m excited to be with them.
“We’re going to do the foreign tour, so we get the 10 extra practices.”
On DJ Harvey and Prentiss Hubb’s recovery:
“It’s a longer procedure. We’ve taken all of the summer off the board for him. It’s very realistic the first day of practice in early October, he’ll be healthy and be ready to compete again.
“Hubb could maybe play a little bit in August in the Bahamas, but by the first day of practice, the knee will be close to 100 percent.”
On Elijah Burns:
“We’re still figuring out if we have to do a procedure on him.”
On Juwan Durham:
“He’s been healthy since January. He’s up 20 pounds, and Ryan Humphrey puts him in his blender every day. He beats him up and gets him going. I love the fact we have three full years with him.
“We don’t get our hands on these body types much in our program. I love the progress he’s made in strength.”
On senior class:
“Martinas Geben, what a great story to have a great senior year. I’m thrilled for him, and I’m proud of him. Austin Torres carved out a pretty darn good career over five years. He’s been an energy guy and a voice. He’s handled his role great.
“Farrell was a three-star point guard that wasn’t even in the Top 150. He had a tough night today, but he’s on a lot of radars in the NBA. He’s got to go and show himself.”