Maryland Basketball Hosts Media Day Tuesday
10/21/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland men's and women's basketball programs welcomed a large media contingent Tuesday for its annual media day at the XFINITY Center.
Head Coach Mark Turgeon
Opening statement:
“We're excited about the year, obviously. We've had a great spring, summer and fall. It's been really good for us and our guys have really improved. You're going to love covering this team because you all like to be around winners and I know you like being around good kids. This has been a low-maintenance team and a lot of fun to coach. You're going to have fun covering them just like I'm having a blast coaching them right now.”
On team chemistry:
“They are getting along great. I think we have a group of guys coming back who are very determined to be successful. They've worked extremely hard and we have a group of new guys who are very good basketball players and also very humble. I think there is a respect factor among our team. They respect each other's abilities and this group seems to really get along between the lines and understand each other's games. It's been great so far. Now we haven't gotten into playing time yet, it's just practice time. Playing time changes things, but they've really been together. It's been a good mesh.”
On the impact of the highly-regarded incoming freshman class:
“I don't think our young guys are feeling pressure. I think there is a reason they are ranked so high, because they are such good players. They can handle it. It's a good group of new guys.”
On moving into the Big Ten:
“The league is obviously a big change, but the thing with us is we are going from a great league to another great league. It's not like we are dropping down six levels. Arguably we could be moving up. The Big Ten has been the best league in the country the last four years. They've had the most Sweet Sixteen teams, the most Elite Eights, the most Final Fours and the most first-team All Americans. It's a heck of a league. It has coaches that I really respect. I've followed their programs and they do a tremendous job.”
Head Coach Brenda Frese
Opening statement:
“Today is a day we really look forward to, as you can tell with great excitement and anticipation for this year's team. When you talk about coming off of a Final Four last year, having the experience that a lot of our young players were able to get, we feel like that will really help us moving forward with this team and with this season.
“I think our team is extremely motivated, really humble, really hungry in the sense they aren't satisfied in terms of where their season ended and they want to be able to take it further. Each and every one of them has had phenomenal summers and has worked extremely hard.
“By far, in my 12 years here at Maryland, I feel like this is one of the most athletic teams that we've ever had, and so with that you're going to really see us defensively doing even more in terms of utilizing our athleticism, full court press, the ability to trap in the half court, to really throw a lot of wrinkles on the defensive end.”
On preparing for the Big Ten:
“I think more than anything, we always want to be ready from a national-caliber level. I think how we've been able to establish our program to a consistent top 10 program and in the Final Four prepares us for the Big Ten. My Big Ten experience, having grown up in Iowa as well as coaching one season and having followed the league for so many years, prepares for what we're going to see.”
On adjusting without Alyssa Thomas:
“Early on, I think our players have adjusted really well but they haven't been in a game-setting to be under the stress to be able to see what it's like when the shot clock is winding down and to have to produce. I think where our team is really molded the most is by committee. From a scout end, Laurin Mincy is more than capable or Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Lexie Brown, Brionna Jones, I think it's going to come from a lot of different areas and I think that they are all more than capable.”
On the Big Ten vs. the ACC:
“I think the Big Ten has been given a stigma of just a physical style of play and skill. I think there are components of that in the Big Ten but I think that it has really changed. There have been coaching changes that have taken place with a lot of new young coaches coming in. There is a lot more athleticism and so you see that blend and combination. I do think it's exciting and I think it's a league that from top to bottom there's no gimmes.”
Freshman Guard Melo Trimble
On how he's handled his high expectations:
"I'm just taking it one day at a time, getting better every day. I'm getting pushed by the veterans Jake (Layman), Dez (Wells) and all the other seniors too.”
On his overall game:
"I don't really like to talk about my game because I'm a team guy. But I guess it has a lot to do with quickness, speed, shooting, and passing.”
On being a part of Maryland basketball:
“This place is like home to me. I'm familiar with the faces around me. There have been a lot of people counting on me to do well and as long as I have my teammates telling me I can do it, then there's no pressure.”
Junior Forward Jake Layman
On where he has improved the most this offseason:
“I think ball handling is a huge improvement. I think you're going to see me being much more comfortable handling the ball.”
On how he's grown since last season:
“I mean personally I have taken great steps. This past offseason, I was working hard with John (Auslander) and current Washington Wizards coach David Adkins. I mean those two really pushed me this summer to become the best player I can be.”
On the 2014-15 inaugural season in the Big Ten:
“I don't know about the unknown. I mean we're just excited to play against new teams really and me especially. I'm excited to play with these new guys along with all the other veterans. I know that they are all here to work and that they just want to win.”
Senior Guard Dez Wells
On the strengths of this year's team:
“I think it's chemistry. Chemistry is one of those things that you can't really teach. We want to be around each other and work hard together and to just get to know people. I think that is our biggest asset right now.”
On the team's sense of urgency:
“I think we have a sense of urgency because we want this to be a great year for everybody, not just for the seniors because there are a lot of people on this team who it means a lot to. As long as we come out and compete as hard as we can and we make sure we do what coach asks us to, I think we'll have a great opportunity to be successful.”
On being a leader this year:
“I just feel that I need to go out there and lead the guys in the best way I can. Make sure they respond to each and every challenge that happens on the court. And with every adjustment we make, I need to make sure that everybody is paying attention and focused on what we need to do next.”
Sophomore Guard Lexie Brown
On carrying last year's Final Four finish over to this season:
“It was definitely a coming out party for this team. Making it to the Final Four was amazing but we're not satisfied with just that. We are trying to get back and potentially win a national championship.”
On being picked to win the Big Ten:
“We did our fair share of flying under the radar last season. We earned it and I think it's the biggest compliment from the Big Ten to rank us at No. 1 in the preseason. That doesn't make us work any less or not as hard; we are just going to take it as a compliment, keep it moving and keep working as hard as we have been in the summer and preseason.”
On the season without Alyssa Thomas:
“It's different. She was a huge part of this program and this team, and not one person is going to make up for what she left when she went to the WNBA. We have really come together as a team because we know what we lost and we know what we have to do to make up for it.”
Redshirt Senior Guard Laurin Mincy
On new journey in the Big Ten:
“It's definitely exciting. As far for myself, I'm really used to playing in ACC competition so we all have to get used to this new experience. Like I've said before, the Big Ten is very physical and we are looking to come in and match their physicality.”
On being a leader this season:
“It feels really good. The freshmen are coming in this season looking at me like they aren't sure what to expect and I just tell them it's all good, it's going to be okay, because I have been in their shoes before. Them coming in is also good for me too because I'm able to take in new ideas and be receptive to them. They are helping me every day. We are just here helping each other and building on what we did last year with the Final Four run.”
On the style of play this year:
“I think we are going to still be a fast-paced team like we always are. In terms of being different, I think we are going to be much more versatile. We have people playing different roles, so everyone isn't going to just be stuck in one position. I think the versatility of everything is just going to be good for us this year.”
Sophomore Guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
On her thoughts going into the Big Ten:
“It's going to be an adjustment, we know that much. But we also know that as big as an adjustment it's going to be for us, it's going to be a big adjustment for the other teams too. I know with the style of play, the size of the players, the arenas and amount of people, it's just going to be a big adjustment all around.”
On the team's identity without Alyssa Thomas:
“Losing Alyssa, we all knew it was going to be big. Knowing that she brought so much to us, we knew that we had so many weapons that could come together to make up what Alyssa was. The 18 rebounds she would have, we can split that amongst the six people that are capable of rebounding.”
On what is the strength of the team:
“Definitely our athleticism. I'm sure Coach B said this, but this is one of the most athletic teams that she has coached. I think we are going to take that athleticism and run with it. We can press more, do more full court stuff, and we are just a lot more versatile now than we were last season.”
The Maryland men's basketball season begins with an exhibition against San Francisco State at 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the XFINITY Center.
The Terrapin women's hoops squad kicks off its season with an exhibition vs. Goldey-Beacom on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the XFINITY Center.
For 2014-15 men's basketball ticket information, please click here. For women's basketball, please click here.
