Tag Archives: watzone

Knight defends during the Boo Williams Invitational - BDN Photo

Blue Devil Nation Premium participated in several interviews with Brandon Knight during the Boo Williams Invitational. This is a true one on one interview with Knight, save two questions. Members received live updates on the premium message board all weekend long and there is lots of information awaiting you should you join. Already up is an interview with Harrison Barnes, Andre Dawkins (message board only), Josh Smith and now Brandon Knight. BDNP was on hand for the entire tournament and we'll have offerings of premium prospect interviews every single day through this coming Sunday. You will also hear from some prospects which most sites are not even aware are on the radar. Join us now and see for yourself what others are talking about.

That's quite a game you just had. Your team is 3-0 now, how does that feel?

It feels good because you want to come in here and start off strong. I thought we could have played a little bit better, but we got the "w" and that's all that counts.

You are really scoring well in this tournament, averaging around 25 ppg. Do you feel as if you want to be the go to man or the guy who takes the big shots?

Basically my team looks for me to close games out and do the right thing. So, I feel like they're counting on me to score at the end or to have the ball. I think I make the right decision sometimes to score or get my big the pass when he goes to the basket to finish or something like that. Rebound or whatever it takes.

Do you like that role?

Yeah, yeah. (shaking his head up and down) As long as you have confidence it's always nice to have that role.

Have you been hearing from coaches since being here this weekend?

[private] I haven't really had my phone on. I've just been chilling and focusing more on trying to get these wins.

You don't have a lot of times on your hands at an AAU event like this ..

Yeah

Do you get tired of the media or folks reaching in with mic's in your face?

No, this is fun - just keep your composure. It prepares you for whats to come.

(NBADraft.net) Do you get swarmed by a lot of other guys here trying to get you to come play for them? (Interesting question in that this guy suddenly "swarms" into the conversation)

Are you talking about their schools?

(NBAD) Yeah, some of the current commitments. (runs towards another prospect after one question)

Oh, oh, oh. Just some schools are on me like from Florida and Villanova. That's about it.

Well you play with Rivers, so I suppose he works you?

Yeah, a little bit.

Let me get this straight, I am not going to ask you about a list of schools which you have been asked on numerous occasions ...

Okay, okay ...

You played with Kenny Boynton last season with Team Breakdown and he's now at Florida. Can you see yourself playing with him again?

Yeah, yeah, I wouldn't mind as I have said before. We had such success during the summer that I feel that we probably would have a good season and make it deep in the playoffs if I went there. I have to sort teams out with my family and make sure ... I want to do the thing that is best for me and it may not be going to Florida.

You talked about going deep into the tournament. How important is it for you to be successful in the NCAA's?

I don't want to go anywhere and lose. I think that the main goal is to be able to play and win. I think you only get looked at if you win and if you are not producing and or are successful, you start being labeled as different things. But if you are labeled as a winner then I think that only helps your stock.

You are talking in terms of the NBA?

Yes. Yeah, I want to come in and play and win at all levels.

You have filled out a lot more this season - more defined or muscular ...

It's made a big difference. When you try to retain that same quickness, so when you get to the lane you are getting bumps, or you can roll to the basket and try to bump your defender off and try to finish. So, it helps you from getting bumped off your path and not being able to finish and stuff like that.

What is your routine?

Eating right and lifting and stuff like that. Doing push ups ...

More so than in the past?

Yes, just eating a lot healthier.

But some of the filling out process is a natural process as well ...

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You get stronger as you get older, but you can help the process along by lifting and stuff like that. I continue to lift during the season in trying to get stronger. I don't want beef myself too much, but i want to maintain.

** Rivals, DI - Have you heard from Duke very much? (Uh, the rivals guy just bumped in with a rather pointed question)

Not that much. I am getting letters but not much else lately.

What schools are calling you the most?

Florida, Florida State, Miami, UConn, Syracuse, Wake Forest ...

A lot of rumors get started and they just run rampant ...

Yeah, yeah, message boards

Exactly! I asked one of your AAU coaches about you yesterday and he said it would be real hard to pull you out of state and that you were a homebody. I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but how do you feel about that?

Yeah, yeah (not hesitating to answer) I'm going anywhere I can play and feel like I can win. Whether that's in the northeast or the west coast, I am going to go there. I like staying at home with my family and friends, but if I have to go out of state to be successful, that's what I will do.

I have two more interviews with Brandon Knight and this was the second of the bunch. The first was a media swarm. I try to get prospects one on one and my questioning tactics will sometimes change when others come in. All of the questions but three here were a true one to one from BDNP. But other sites are not above using what they overheard once they moved in, so keep that in mind. Also, you will notice that we do not ask leading questions about Duke unless they are mentioned by the prospect first. Oddly, the fellow at Scout claims sitting down for one on ones with prospects, yet there is no sitting down and a great majority of the questions they use are mine. That's not a one on one. BDNP is up front about who is asking the questions during interviews and we strive to keep our integrity intact. That's what has helped us to become the best at what we do and has allowed for a great network of sources. We have a lot of interviews ahead, but will likely save to multi site ones for last. Afer the interviews, I will get into scouting reports. I saw Harrison Barnes play in seven games or parts there of. It continues to be our policy that we will not go into our analysis of a prospects skill sets unless we have four or more views. Thank you for being a part of the Blue Devil Nation and welcome new members.

One more note, with the onslaught of information we will likely stay away from true articles until a bit later.

*****Important note - If you are a member and have not signed up for the message board, you need to do so. There is a lot of information there including the first of two interviews with Andre Dawkins. **You must register for the message board separately and be approved. If you use a different e-mail address it may throw us off, so e-mail that you have signed up so we can speed up the process. If you have registered and have yet to hear from us for approval, let me know. Go to the help page on the main site for further assistance. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball

ACC Tournament Week – One on One with Elliot Williams

March 11, 2009 Mark Watson

Elliot Williams has been asked to defend some of the best guards in the ACC

I was able to sit down with Duke freshman Elliot Williams and get his thoughts on the UNC game, his season and his future, team health and more.

So, whats this (pointing to an ice bag on his knee)

Aw, it's nothing

So this is not a Ty Lawson thing (joking)?

Naw, not at all. I'm alright. (laughing)

That was a tough loss ... (UNC)

Yeah. Tough loss. I thought we played pretty well, just couldn't get the stops at the right moments. We were down one or two three possessions in the game to go ahead and we just have to hit our open shots, but we'll be alright. [private]

Does it bother you a little bit that you missed those open shots from the three point stripe?

Not really! It doesn't bother me.

Just keep shooting?

Just keep shooting and hit my open shots. I really ... this is one of the first times I'm learning to be an off ball player. Usually the ball has always been in my hand ...

It's a learning experience ...

Yeah, it's a learning experience all the way around. I want to knock those shots down. I've got to just keep shooting them and keep working.

What's the atmosphere around the team at this point? I mean you guys have just picked yourselves up and it seems obvious you are not going to let yourselves be down.

Naw, naw (emphatically shaking his head). We are feeling good going into the ACC Tournament, NCAA Tournament. I've talked to some of the guys and they've said this is the best they've felt. There all healthy, our best players are playing well and we're ready to go at this.

What is the general health of the team? I know Lance and Jon have been hobbled ... Nolan? (Scoop;))

Going into the ACC Tournament, we should be completely healthy. Nolan is feeling good. Today he did some stuff and he is feeling well. Lance? He's a soldier. And you know Scheyer, he's doing good, he's practicing, so we're getting healthy.

Your spirits have obviously been totally uplifted - you're starting now ...

Yeah.

... what does that mean to you. Does this kind of thing help you forget time on the bench?

No. (smiling) You can never forget that because it's the kind of thing that motivates me, but at the same time being on the bench helped me a lot.

How hard was that on you?

It was hard. But I used that as an advantage to keep working hard and get better. Because I didn't want to be there and I thought I could help the team with my play.

Tell me a little bit more about Nate James?

Nate James (said with obvious respect and admiration)... It's great to work with him. He relates to everything I do. We have a relationship on and off the court. He's a cool guy, straight up guy.

Have you met that mean dog of his? (Mastiff)

Yeah!

That's a bad dog. That's no poodle.

Yeah, (laughing)

Do you talk with your Dad a lot?

I talk to my whole family. They've been very supportive of me and what I've done. I talk to them every two or three days.

How is student life? Is it hard to balance everything in your first year?

I mean, we have a good academic advisor in Kenny King. Academically, it's difficult, but we are managing it pretty well.

Going into the ACC Tournament, what has been the message in practice of late?

We've been pretty intense and we've got to tighten up on a lot of offensive things. Learn to dig deep. Like I said at Carolina, we were down two or three times and they scored each time, so we have to dig deep and get those stops, because we are going to be in some situations like that in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.

At this time, I was joined by the local media, where the first question was about the play of Tony Douglass of all things;) I will print that part of the interview later today. [/private]

Duke Basketball

Duke drops the Seminoles 81-78 on Senior Night

March 4, 2009 Mark Watson

Greg Paulus said farewell to Cameron - BDN-Photo

Duke remained in the hunt for the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championship by defeating a pesky Florida State team 84-81 in their last home game of the 2008-09 season.

Once again, Gerald Henderson stepped up big during a key stretch to help his team win. With Florida State up 76-74 after a Toney Douglas three point shot, "G" drained a three point shot from the corner with 1:41 left in the game to give Duke a one point lead.

After a Toney Douglass miss, Henderson drove into the lane, drew the foul and hit two free throws with 57 ticks left on the clock.

Down three, Douglas missed a three on the other end. Henderson grabbed a long rebound, drove the length of the court ahead of the Noles defense and hit a layup while fouled.

Henderson hit the free throw giving Duke a five point lead with 29 seconds left. Duke rode out the final seconds for a 84-81 win, pushing their conference record to 11-4 setting up the regular season championship game against rival North Carolina in Chapel Hill this coming Sunday.

Florida State was scorching hot from the field, hitting 47.1% of their three point attempts and 50% from the field. Toney Douglas lead all scorers with 27 points to go with his 7 assists. The Noles also got double-doubles from Uche Echefu and Soloman Alabi.

Singler and Williams battle for a rebound - BDN Photo

After going into half time trailing 40-34, the Blue Devils erupted for 50 second half points, lead by Henderson with 21 points, 10 rebounds and a team high 5 assists. Kyle Singler had a good game as well scoring 20 points to go with 7 rebounds.

The Blue Devils had to go to their bench early in this game, with Lance Thomas going to the sidelines with a high ankle sprain in less than a minute of play. The Dukies were already playing without Nolan Smith who suffered a concussion and missed his second consecutive game.

The Duke bench responded by outscoring the visitors bench 33-9. Of course, Duke started seniors Marty Pocius, Dave McClure and Greg Paulus. Still, the continued solid play of Elliot Williams provided Duke with some spark. Williams ended the game with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

The most telling stat is one which has become a mainstay of late. Duke committed just 7 turnovers, half that of their opponent. Duke was able to hang on the boards with a tall Florida State team as well as grabbing 36 rebounds to Noles 39.

In a game that had the Cameron Crazies nervous for a good while, Duke protected their turf to go 16-0 in Cameron for the season, tying the 90-91 team for the most wins without a loss in a season.

Duke begins to celebrate as FSU tried in vain to draw a foul - BDN Photo

Duke has now won 256 games in the decade, which is more than any other college program in America. And to think, many media types want to tell you Duke is down.

Another interesting note is that Duke is 11-1 when scoring 80 points or more, with the only loss being to, you guessed it, the team eight miles down the road who they'll play on Sunday.

Krzyzewski's emotion - Coach K continued his emotion of late, encouraging the crowd to chant and firing up his team. The entire Duke staff looked as if they would run to the scorers table at any minute to go in. The upper deck stood on several occasions where emotions were running high. Some were flipping their hats around in rally cap mode, others were screaming in a way that is only appropriate for the team they love. It was nice to see how so many fans ride right along with the team, grimacing or becoming elated on every little thing. Anyhow, make no mistake that the staff's emotion has been critical during the stretch run.

Seniors say their farewells - Duke honored Greg Paulus, Dave McClure and Marty Pocius before and after the game. For the first time in four years, the seniors came back on the court after a win to give their emotional farewells. It was a night when one could see Cameron Crazies linger after the game, taking pictures to preserve memories of their four years. A look around showed one cheerleader sitting on the baseline by herself reflecting on all that she had seen. Another cheerleader was visibly emotional, fighting back tears as if to say, this has been great and I don't want to leave. In the end, all worked out well and the team sent the seniors off in style. It is worth noting that Nolan Smith, always the clown, had a box of tissues in his hand. There were plenty of hugs and lots of smiles for all. It's hard to believe that the next home game is about eight months away. BDN will have more on the game later, including a photo gallery if all works out. So, please check back in.

A quibble- It seems that many season ticket holders have sold their tickets to brokers and some of the locals are not too happy about it. There have been several sections where opponents have sat near the faithful all season long. Many season ticket holders have voiced their displeasure. Not sure what can be done, but I am thankful I don't have to sit beside the more hostile fans as some do. I understand fans from other schools want to come in, but generally they are confined to being behind the visitors bench. The fact that some season ticket holders don't make sure a homer is in their seats will continue to be a problem if nothing is done.

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball

BDN Premium Interview – Duke Freshman Elliot Williams

February 20, 2009 Mark Watson

Here is a sample of what you will find in addition to recruiting news on Blue Devil Nation Premium. I was able to sit down with Elliot Williams earlier this evening and spoke with the player everyone wants to hear from. I hope you enjoy the

Krzyzewski instructs Elliot Williams in practice - photo copyright BDNP

interview, where all but three questions were our own. Williams seemed happy to have been in the spotlight and his teammates Jon Scheyer and Gerald Henderson had nice things to say about him. Williams stated that Coach K had not been to the team with concerns as to who will start against Wake Forest. Up next - Jon Scheyer, so be sure to check back. Don't you think it's time to join the best Duke subscription site on the Internet? Our members will tell you that you are missing the best recruiting news and more. Give us a try - you'll be glad you did. We will be adding yet another update on recruiting shortly.

Well, let's get right to it. What was it like to start last evening?

It was fun! It was my second start of the season. Being able to start in Madison Square Garden, giving my teammates an edge, I came out and played good on ball defense. It was fun for me out there.

When did you first know you were going to start?

Two practices ago, I had a good practice. He flipped me over to the white team. I had a couple of more good practices and coach gave me a starting spot.

Was it tough sitting on the bench for much of the season?

Yeah, it was tough. That's the toughest part as a freshman. Coming into a situation where there are a lot of good players in front of you. You have a lot of moves that you can do in high school that you can't do in college (smiling). The things I had to do were watch how Jon (Scheyer) moves. Watch how he moves off the ball. I watched "G" and how he used his athleticism to get into mid range - things like that. Coach is coach! Whatever he says, I'm going to believe in.

So, you felt like you learned a lot in practice regardless?

Yeah. Learning things in practice, watching on the sideline - things I needed to learn.

A.P. writer- Talk about why you think you played ...

I guess Coach sees I can be a really good defender, an on ball defender and that I can slow down some of the guys who has hurt us in the past. Being 6-5 and an athletic guy out there I can help. I'm somebody who can make some strong

Williams said he had learned a lot in practice

moves, get into the lane and finish around the rim and just bring energy to the team.

Talk about your defense ...

When I first got here, I was moving my feet a lot. One of the things I have learned is to lock into the man and not move my feet as much because I was getting wore out early. That's one of the main things I have learned.

You seemed comfortable out there last night. Were you letting the game come to you? Is that pretty much what was going on?

Yeah, that's pretty much what was going on. If you come out too antsy you'll make dumb turnovers and not get better. One of the main things I wanted to do was just be calm and know I've been in this situation before. I just wanted to play like I knew I could play.

I talked to my Mom after the game. I didn't tell them I was going to start. She said she was proud of me and to not get settled with that and stay hungry.

Do you feel like you will build on that performance?

Exactly. That's hopefully what I'm going to do. Look back on this game and see that's how I want to play and build on that. Be more aggressive and pick my spots, play off the veteran guys and play good on ball defense.

Do you see know how Duke might use you?

Yeah. Oh yeah. That's one of the things I saw yesterday. They can use me a lot of places defensively, on ball, off ball ... and just attacking the rim and things like that. I can handle the ball pretty well so sometimes they have me help

Krzyzewski told Williams he earend the start in practice - BDNP Photo — Krzyzewski told Williams he earned the start in practice - BDNP Photo

and bring the ball up. I can play the two position - I'm a good slasher. Also, I can use my athleticism to rebound and that's what they want me to do.

You were known for some great dunks in high school. Do you look for those moments?

(smiling) When you look for them, you're probably not going to get them. You just have to let the game come to you and if it happens it happens. That's something I've learned.

I hope you don't spend too much time on the Internet reading various things, but there are some who feel you are not happy. Are you happy at Duke?

(shaking his head) Um-hum. I'm happy at Duke.

(A.P. writer) How has the transition to offense and defense been for you out there?

It was tough for me to transition from offense to defense early in the year. Because I was so excited to be out there as a freshman I used a lot of energy on defense. As I was telling him (nodding towards me) one of the things I do is try to lock into my man and be poised out there.

Can you talk a little bit about the adjustments you have had to make in college and which ones have been the most difficult?

The first thing is some of the moves I was able to make in high school, you can't do in college. You need to be strong with the ball and not so loose, being able to move without the ball. In high school I would just catch it and go ... there was no help defense, no charging ... so (laughing)

(N & O) Who had a big influence on you growing up?

My brother and my Father basketball-wise kept me going. There was a time in the seventh and eighth grade where I almost quit playing ball. To be real with you, in the seventh and eighth grade I really wasn't that good. But in the ninth grade I had a big growth spurt of about four inches. I always played guard and when I grew having guard skills helped me.

Are you looking forward to the Wake Forest game?

Oh yeah. Yeah. It should be a good game. We played pretty well out there but a few things went wrong. They're a great team - a very athletic team. Hopefully we can come away with a win.

Thanks for your time!

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Basketball Recruiting Update

November 11, 2008 Mark Watson

Blue Devil Nation Premium has the latest hoops recruiting update up for members. Give the gift of information this Christmas to a Blue Devil fan dear to you. [private] Not too much to report on John Wall until after he meets with Coach K in person which will take place at the earliest convenience. My sources are saying that Duke feels that they will become seriously

involved with Wall and an offer is a mere formality at this point. The Wall camp has been receptive to Duke getting in late and will not hold that against them.

So far, scheduling has been the culprit. Also, there is a dead period in recruiting at this time. Many feel Wall wants to stay near home, but there are a few things which need to play out before I'd be willing to guarantee that possibility. In short, Duke is very serious about getting John Wall to wear the royal blue. I will talk to Josh Smith sometime this week. He is still on the radar and Coach Nate James has been in touch with the prospect recently.

Harrison Barnes has become a serious priority and Duke will stay on the hot prospect as much as the NCAA allows. There is a good feeling that Duke is right there with Kansas as the leaders early on. Barnes has become a bit tight lipped of late and will not talk of his meeting with K other than the basics.

Duke has been and still is going after Brandon Knight, possibly the best player in his class. I have heard from his parents that he will likely take a different path than Kenny Boynton. You know what they say though, anything can happen in recruiting. Anything can change too. For instance, Duke has explained to Wall that once they offer a kid they are faithful to him. When Boynton selected Florida, Wall got the attenation and he will soon know if he doesn't already that Duke is committed to him and him alone for the final spot in the class of 2009.

Finally, Boynton was pushed to stay in state by almost everyone close to him. I can't go into specifics, but things got a little greasy if you will. In the long run, teams can point to Nick Calathes he would be a Gator midnight before his "We shocked the world," signing party. Sometimes, kids will waste a colleges recruiting budget for their own game.

I went into the archives for this July interview with John Wall -

Monday, July 21

Wall is still wide open

by Mark Watson on Mon 21 Jul 2008 11:56 PM EDT

Before I get into this interview, let me make this clear. Kenny Boynton is the man for Duke. If something goes south they might look at John Wall and he is still open to Duke coming in. He is a very talented true speedy PG who slashes about the court and makes his teammates better with his abilty to get them the ball. During this interview, I had two cameras on me for they were filming for a documentary on the process surrounding Wall. You never know what might happen in recruiting.

The last time I talked to you was in Durham during the TOC, has anything changed since then?

Not really. I am still wide open and trying to get schools to come in. The schools that are coming at me the hardest are Memphis and Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Baylor, Kansas, Kentucky and NC State so far. Those are the ones coming the hardest but I think other schools are going to come around.

The last time I talked with your coach he said you were not near a point where you would shut down the process. Does that still hold true?

Yes, that's still true, but after Vegas I'm going to narrow my list down going into my senior year. You've got to get your five ... get your business set up.

So, is there anyone that would make the top five for sure ... right now ... anyone guaranteed a visit?

No, not yet. There's a couple of schools getting close to it.

You just scored thirty points in your last game, but your team came up short. Did you miss Ryan Kelly?

Yeah, Kelly's a big part. He gives us a presence in the paint and as you could see we lacked that. We weren't playing defense and getting back. We just didn't make our shots but we played hard.

Is the AAU season taking a toll on you?

Yeah, it gets kind of tough, but you go back home. In between you just ice your knees and relax. We'll go to Vegas (Reebok) next and then I can rest for a little while before preparing for my senior year.

(I then turned my attention to his coach Dwon Clifton who is always by his side) He said -

"I think he has an idea of what he wants. I want him to be comfortable with what he does. He has a lot of talent and I encourage him to get better and stronger. I mean, now that people knows who he is some of the flaws he could once get away with he will now have to develop. Now, everyone is going to start to push him and pull him and try to get him to go against his people and get him to feel like no one can tell him anything. This world can eat him up. I've seen it happen to too many players, myself included. (played at Clemson). I don't want that to be the case with him."

So, will your coach be a big part of the process?

He's like a bigger brother to me. I don't have one like that so he fills in. With DC ... we can go out and stuff and just have a good time. He's trying to develop me through this process because he went through it at Clemson. So, when I make my decision, I am going to ask him or talk to him about it.

Who are some of the toughest guys you've gone against on the circuit?

Tommy Mason here. He's really tough.

What does John Wall need to work on for his game to get better?

I've got to get stronger, work on my jump shot, defense, lateral movement ... there's a lot of stuff I can work on. You just can't stop when you get on top. I have some God given ability but I need to keep working because everybody else will.

What keeps you motivated?

Playing for my Dad. He died when I was ten years old. My Mom, my sister .. just want to get them to a better place.

How long have you known your Coach?

I knew him from the AAU circuit when I was about 14, but he really started coming in in the last two years talking to me. Now he's my AAU coach and gives me advice.

Of the ACC schools, you mentioned NC State. With you playing highs school ball down the road, do they push hard?

They come and visit every game they can. Duke came to a couple of my games this year. Carolina came to a couple.

You've been to some of there games too, right?

Yes, I have been to a couple of Duke games and a Carolina game.

How did you like the atmosphere at those schools?

It's a good atmosphere.. crazy, people are going crazy everywhere at Duke and UNC ... all those fans.

Did Duke contact you at one time or are they in touch?

Coach Dawkins and Coach K came to a couple of my games. They said they wanted to start recruiting me and stuff like that. I took their advice and came to the TOC and was able to play a game in Cameron.

Have they been in touch since that time?

Uhhh .. I haven't talked to them since Coach Dawkins got the job at Stanford.

UNC?

No, haven't heard from them.

Thanks for your time and I wish you luck in choosing the right school. [/private]

Duke Basketball

A more confident Nolan Smith is ready to roll in 08-09

October 22, 2008 Mark Watson

[private]I caught up to Nolan Smith on Media Day while he was goofing around with Lance Thomas. Lance was filming Nolan as he walked about the media interviews for the team website Blue Planet. They were there to have a good time and lighten the mood.

How was your summer?

It was great. I really worked hard to improve my game and get better.

So, what's going on here? You have Lance filming every move you make in the background.

Lance? (smiling) This is um, the Nolan Smith Report. I am kind of playing player, slash reporter going around and interviewing the guys. I'm just seeing if they are ready to head into practice today and start the season.

So, what have you learned since walking around and filming these guys?

I learned that this team is ready to kick some butt! Everybody is ready to go and excited. It should be a lot of fun. I'm having fun with the camera - players are smiling when I slip in over the media's shoulders.

What did you do in the off season?

In the off season, I went to Philadelphia and stayed there all summer. I worked out with Michael Beasley and DeAndre Jordon who is with the Clippers. We did four or five workouts a day getting stronger and quicker and just getting the ego. Coach K really speaks about ego a lot with our team and I gained my ego back and I'm just ready to come here and lead this team and do what I can.

So you're going to play with a little bit of an edge this season?

I will play with a nice edge.

A little bit of intensity ...

Yes, yes a whole lot of that and now that DeMarcus is gone I feel that's my spot - picking it up on defense and guarding the best player on the floor on the other team.

Do you feel like you have to step up and show a little leadership this season after having a year under your belt?

Oh definitely. As you get older, you've got to get more wisdom and leadership. I'm definitely looking to do that - talk more, last year I was definitely quiet, and that's all freshman. Now, with a year under my belt, I know what to tell these guys. I know how to save coaches voice.

Can you tell me a little bit about the freshman?

Elliot is just athletic and he can play. He can jump, score and defensively he can really get after it. He's long and he's really going to help us a lot.

Miles Plumlee is going to give us some size. He has great hands and he really knows the game. We need a big 6-11 guy inside to help Kyle, Zoubs and Lance with the rebounds.

And then Olek, he can jump out of the gym.

How do you pronounce his last name? Is it Chiz?" I know when you were playing over at NC Central during the NC Pro Am it was pronounced different on occasion. It sounded different each time he said it as well ...

(laughing) Yeah! Olek ... He might pronounce it different each day, but I'm going to stick with "Chiz."

Okay, I think we'll adopt that. They called him OC over there ...

Yeah, Olek Chizzzz. He'll be an exciting player to watch.

You guys are really deep this year. In your opinion will that allow you to play more people?

It's definitely going to allow us to save our bodies, play more people at every position - stay fresh and wear people down.

Is there a team motto or a key word going into the season?

Well, one would be don't be soft. We've been working hard all summer to get strong and we don't want teams to push us around at all. That's one of our (team) main focuses. The other would be to have fun and win. Everybody o n this team knows how to win. We don't want to win by one or two. We want to whip teams this year and have fun doing it.

You mentioned that edge ... will you take that into the Blue and White game?

Of course, of course. You have to have that edge at all times. Everybody on this team loves each other but when we practice, we've got to have that edge.[/private]