YI Jianlian (CHN)
"...if we let our guard down, any team can kill us off"
"We have to be able to keep up the focus throughout the whole game because while at this time we can fight for three quarters, if we let our guard down, any team can kill us off."
China's 18-year-old center Yi Jianlian
"But we have not yet got the necessary physical or mental strength to hold on for 40 minutes. And we knew it."
France coach Claude Bergeaud after his team's 70-56 defeat to Greece in the
Acropolis Tournament.
"We really had Argentina on the ropes. I am exceptionally encouraged by our second-half performance and feel like we've made tremendous progress based
on that."
New Zealand coach Tab Baldwin after the Tall Blacks closed to within four points inside the final three minutes before losing 85-72.
"New Zealand are a great team and have the ability to surprise - they did it to us - but we managed to correct our mistakes to secure the victory."
Argentina star Manu Ginobili after his team's narrow escape on Wednesday.
"I told Marconato in front of the rest of the squad that we need him, but he needs to make tracks."
Italy coach Carlo Recalcati, speaking after his team's fifth consecutive loss, is desperate for veteran center Denis Marconato to find his rhythm.