University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Defeats Dayton 66-47
February 25, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 25, 2006
Recap | Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery
Rashaun Freeman on the significance of the day and Jack Leaman : Personally, I felt this was a great day for UMass. I felt in the first half we were letting the fans and UMass down. I learned a lot from Jack Leaman. I didn't now him that long, but he gave me a lot in a short period of time. His name should definitely be on the court.
James Life on halftime : Coach was angry. He was upset we were out rebounded 18-13 over all, 6-3 on the offensive end. He was mad at the big men. Stephane (Lasme) was sick so that didn't help, but was the big man show at half
Coach Ford opening statement : Tale of two half. I was not happy with the way we competed in the first half. They out rebounded us, and were on loose balls. This is too great of a day not t take advantage of it for a great coach and a great man. We turned it around in the second half. I'm really proud of our team today.
Ford on Leaman Legacy : I learned a lot about him through coach Pitino. Jack helped him grow as a person as a player. It wasn't until that I got here did I really understand what he meant to UMass until I got here. When I did, I learned quickly he that he was what UMass was all about. When people like Julius Erving, Rick Pitino, John Calipari and Marcus Camby have all come through here, but when one guy stands about all these names, it really means something. I've enjoyed getting to know Rita and Laurie. I wanted to impress them and be accepted by them because they have a great love for the school and the program. I showed the players the halftime video to let them know what this program was all about. He's the face of UMass basketball. I hope to be half the coach he was. I just wish I had been around him. It's important to have that visual reminder on the court.