When we arrived in Cleveland (Monday) we were in the back of the bus and we said we know Gilbert is going to come out and have a big game, so it's on us. We didn't play well in the first game.

When you go through adversity, either you are going to bail out or you come together. This team came together and got closer. I think that's why we're being so successful right now because we're so tight. I just think the chemistry is coming together slowly but surely. It is coming together more and more.

He's been the sparkplug, hitting big shots when we need them. Like I told him, I hope that he makes the All-Star team. That would be big for him and for this organization. But if not, he's an All-Star in our minds. He's hitting the glass hard and making other guys better.

He is the most effective, not when he's scoring, but when he gets other people involved. He demands a double-team every night. He did a great job of reading the situation and either going to the rim or passing it off. He's a superstar.

We said, "Because if you don't give us two drivers by Monday morning, we're going to shut your bus company down." Oh, he was a boastful kind. He said, "No Negroes want to stop riding my bus."

He gave me an opportunity when everybody turned their back on me. He gave me a chance to come to school. He accepted me into his family. It was a great experience for me at UConn and I am grateful to him for that. I wouldn't miss this for anything.