Nov. 2, 2010
What are your impressions of preseason practice?
“It’s going really well and we’ve been working really hard. Coach (Stallings) has been pushing us pretty good and everybody’s buying into what he’s saying.”
What drove you in the offseason?
“I’m just working to get better to be the best I can be. I’ve been working on every part of my game; off the dribble, rebounding, ball-handling, and stuff like that.”
During the offseason, I heard you guys were coming into Memorial Gym at all hours of the day to get ready for the season. Is this true?
“Yes. Everybody knows I live in (Memorial Gym). I was here at 1 a.m. last night. I’m always trying to do whatever I can to get better, whether it’s watching film, shooting, or rebounding for a teammate. I’m just trying to do what I can to make everybody better.”
How has the transition been for you from being the only freshman on the squad to now being one of the experienced returners?
“My freshman year definitely went by fast. A year with (Jermaine) Beal and A.J. (Ogilvy) really helped me understand what I need to be doing. I feel like I’m going to be ready to help lead this team this year.”
What do you take away from last season and the way it ended in the NCAA Tournament?
“We have to continue working hard. We don’t want that feeling again. The Murray State game put a bad taste in our mouth. We’re coming out here every day to work hard just to not have that feeling again.”
Do you have a different mindset this year knowing that you will be one of the go-to guys?
“For me, it’s a lot more focus and it’s a lot harder work. I’m getting pushed in practice harder than I was last year. I need that to be successful. I want to do anything I can to be the best.”
You have a new teammate in the backcourt this year in Kyle Fuller. What do we need to know about him?
“He’s extremely quick, plays great defense, and gives guys the ball. He’s a pure point guard.”
What excites you about being this close to the start of the season?
“It’s finally here. It seemed so far away in the summer. Wednesday is the day, so I’m ready for it.”
