Oct. 11, 2007
Senior forward James Gist
On what it was like playing basketball for the Pan American team this summer...
"It was great. I learned a lot playing with the USA team. It was really hard because they had to eliminate a lot of people so I had to play hard to make the team. I also learned that it's not always about physical ability, it's also your knowledge of the game."
On being a senior leader this year...
"I think I need to be more of a leader this year. We have a young team and I think they need to see a leader step up and work hard all season long."
On what he likes about the team this year...
"I like that our team has been working really hard this year. We have a lot of freshmen on the team that need to see how hard you need to work in order to succeed in the ACC. I think this is a good team for them to learn with because with players like (Eric) Hayes, (Greivis) Vasquez, and (Bambale) Osby they will see how hard they have to work this season."
Senior forward Bambale Osby
On his biggest lesson learned from last season...
"I learned about overall effort and consistency. Last year, I was new and didn't know what it took. Then I started catching on towards the end of the year and now I know what it takes. This year I have to be consistent and I have to be a leader."
On being a mentor to the five new freshman...
"I had six seniors looking down on me last year, and with these young guys you just have to show them the ropes and what it takes to be good. You have to be a role model and an example. All the guys are going to need that example so they know how to get things done."
On what the new players have to offer the team...
"Shane (Walker) is going to block a lot of shots. He is long, he's athletic and he's quick off the floor. Braxton (Dupree) has so much size in the middle. Between Shane's blocking shots and his ability to hit the 18 foot jump shot, and Braxton's size in the middle, I think we're going to be fine."
Sophomore guard Greivis Vasquez
On playing against Kobe Bryant this summer...
"It was a dream come true. I got to guard Kobe and he is my favorite player. The whole time I was guarding him I just wanted to give him a big hug."
On thinking about going to the NBA after the season...
"I want to go far in the tournament this year and that's all I can think about. I don't even talk with my mom about it because I play for Maryland and that's what I want to think about this year. I love this team and I think we have a really good opportunity to go far and to do good things this year."
On who is going to be a breakout player this year...
"Landon Milbourne has been working harder then anyone this year and I think playing overseas this summer has really helped him. I have a lot of confidence in him and I trust him a lot. I think he is going to have a breakout year."
Sophomore guard Eric Hayes
On possible "growing pains"...
"I don't think there are going to be any problems with the team. We have a lot of chemistry so far in the preseason and hopefully that will translate into the regular season."
On passing up shots last year...
"I think it had to do with a little bit of uncertainty and I had guys like Mike Jones to depend on. I think it will be different this year in that the guys will be looking for me to shoot."
On Greivis Vasquez...
"I think we are both interchangeable in positions. I think we are both comfortable in playing both positions. We had a lot of competition last year but this year is more competing with each other to make each other better."
Junior forward Dave Neal
On the new role that James Gist will be playing in this year as a senior...
"He has taken a new verbal role in practice and is beginning to become the main leader on the team. I think his experience over the summer playing basketball has really helped him. He gets all of us going before and after practice."
On the new team this year...
I think this team can be a lot better then last years team. Some people have said they don't think we will be able to play defense as well, but I think with our energy level we will be better than last year. We will be running a more transition style offense this year with a lot more running, which is an improvement from last year.
Sophomore Forward Landon Milbourne
On the offseason...
"So far, we've just been working on knowing the plays and doing a lot of individual work; making sure that everyone is on point and ready for the season to start."
On his attitude about his involvement on the team this season...
"I've been looking forward to this all of my life. I thought I would have had a better opportunity last year but that is all over and done with, so I am just looking forward to this season and I am ready to play."
On the possibility of him transferring last season...
"At that point I didn't know why I wasn't playing as much as I thought I would be. I never played college basketball and I didn't realize it was as hard as it was. I went into Coach Williams' office trying to get any kind of advice and wanted to listen to anything he could tell me to make my situation better. I just wanted to show him that I was really interested in improving and that I really wanted to play."
On pressure from the freshman players...
"There's pressure everyday. Anyone that I guard is going to go harder against me just to make sure I do what I am supposed to do outside of practice."
On his difference from last year...
"I think I am definitely stronger than last year both mentally and physically. I am a lot quicker and I am very focused on what we are doing this year."
