Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Media Day Player Quotes
10/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 10, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
Junior Guard Drew Neitzel
On leading the team this season
Coach Izzo has been on me since I got on campus, even before I got on campus, about being emotional and working on my leadership qualities, and I think I improved a lot on that. This is what you come to Michigan State for, to have the opportunity to play and I'm just looking forward to it. A lot of people are doubting us, but it really doesn't matter what people think. Last year, some people had us ranked pre-season No. 1, and we didn't really end up doing anything. We're kind of at the other end of the spectrum this year, so we'll see what happens.
On playing a lot of minutes this season
It's been a pounding ever since I got here, so I think it is going to be the same as last year, playing 37 or 38 minutes a game. I think I've learned from what happened last year. I kind of wore down at the end of the season, but hopefully talking to coach and being smart about keeping our legs fresh. We're not as deep in the back court, so we're going to be playing a lot of minutes. It won't just be me, so we'll have to be smart about our legs.
How the team has prepared for the season
We've been working very hard this off-season. Lifting four times a week, conditioning, individual workouts and open gym. I just think the adversity we're facing right now is just bringing us closer. Everybody's in it together this year, not going out there to prove people wrong, but to just go out there and prove to ourselves what kind of team we are this year.
Team goals for the season
Definitely make the NCAA Tournament. Like I said, anything can happen. Last year everybody had us predicted as going to the Final Four, one of the top teams in the country, and we didn't perform very well. Pre-season stuff, it really doesn't matter what people say. Those are just educated guesses, so right now we're just trying to prepare. We've got two weeks of practice before our first exhibition game, so we're just going to try and improve as much as possible.
On who he expects to make major contributions
I think it's a lot of guys. I think a lot of guys are anxious to show everybody what they can do, and ready for the opportunities that Coach Izzo is going to give them. Whether it's Goran (Suton) or Marquise (Gray) inside, or Travis (Walton). Raymar (Morgan) has also been playing very well lately in our workouts, so we're expecting big things out of him too.
On his physical skills this year
We've been working extremely hard in the weight room, ever since we lost back in March. We've been killing the weights, so I think you'll see a big difference in all the guys, even the freshmen. They've put on significant weight since they've got here. It's always hard to keep the weight on during the season, practicing as much and playing as many games as we do, but I've learned from what happened last year with getting wore down the last part of the season. We just have to play smarter this year.
On Raymar Morgan
He's a great athlete, he gives us athleticism and versatility on the wing. He posts up really well for being a freshman. He can go inside and outside. He's still working on consistency with his jump shot, but he's going to give us the Maurice Ager athleticism on the wing.
On challenging as a Big Ten leading scorer
I've been working hard this off season on my scoring. Not just shooting, but off the dribble, and different ways. I'm not going to have the luxury of Maurice (Ager) and Shannon (Brown) driving and kicking the ball out to me for open shots this year. A lot of teams are going to be keying on me, so I'm going to have to look at different ways of scoring.
On his expectations for himself
There's a huge scoring expectation on me. We're not bringing back very much scoring, so I'm going to have to carry that load a lot in the back court, and just lead the team, make my teammates better. The sign of a true point guard is somebody who can perform well themselves and put their teammates in the position to succeed.
Redshirt Junior Center Drew Naymick
On the underdog role heading into the season
We don't have near the expectations we have had in the previous years. Then again, we're still going to have the expectations of being Michigan State Basketball, but at the same time, with the guys that we lost last year, it's going to be different. The team as a whole is embracing the underdog role, and we're ready to get after it.
On summer adjustments
I think I have made some good progress over the summer. I am a lot stronger and my weight is up to around 250 pounds - I'm bigger than I have ever been. I also tried to improve on my offensive skills. That has been much more of a focus this year, as opposed to years in the past when I was a spot guy or a rebounder. Those have been the main things.
On pressure as a returning player
There is absolutely pressure on me this year. As the tenured guy on the team, the guy that has been here the longest - there is some pressure. Not only from outside sources to succeed, but from myself as well. But that is something I embrace. I am just looking forward to going to work, because this team is going to have to go to work. We are going to have to play to earn anything we get this year. I will be a solid defender and a solid rebounder as I have been in the past. I look to be a more consistent player and contribute more on offense - and a leader. I wouldn't say we have less pressure. Maybe looking in from the outside the expectations are a little lower, but they are always high here at Michigan State.
On possibly being injury free
I feel great right now, and as long as that continues, I don't see anything holding me back. I'm looking forward to this year and stepping up.
How he plans to contribute this year
As in years past with good rebounding and solid defense, but this year I have to step up and help out more on the offensive end. I have been working really hard and I think I am ready to go.
On Drew Neitzel
Well he has the most playing experience of anybody on the team. He's going to use that to his advantage. He knows what to expect and how to lead guys. He has really proved that over the last couple of years. I think we're going to look more to him to score more than he has in the years past. He's also very good at distributing the ball and he needs to keep that up and give some other guys the opportunity to score.
On what the team expects from the season
We understand that every game is going to be tough, going to be a battle. We're going to have to fight for everything we get this year. But we're ready to except that and embrace it, and the whole team is ready to go to work.
Sophomore Guard Travis Walton
On the team replacing the big three from last year
We don't have as many proven scorers as we did last year, so pretty much defense and toughness are going to have to be our motto.
On taking on a more important role this season
We've been up in the gym working hard everyday on our shot, and trying to improve every little thing we need to improve on. So I think everybody on the team is ready for the challenge.
On being named a team captain
I was a little surprised. I'm a sophomore so it shows a lot of respect, how much respect my teammates and coaches have in me.
On needing Marquise Gray and Goran Suton to be impact players this year
They have both been working hard this summer. Even though Marquise was a little hurt he was still in the gym, doing hook shots when he could and working on his strength, getting stronger. So I think they're ready for the challenge this year as far as scoring more points and being more physical on the floor.
Freshman Center Tom Herzog
On opening his first season
Just sitting here with my Spartan uniform on at the Breslin, even though it's empty, is just a nice feeling. I'm on the team now. It's just really exciting to think that this Friday is coming up, and it's going to be full and I'll be down here on the court.
On what he wants to accomplish
This season for me it's all about just trying to improve my skills. We haven't really decided if I'm going to redshirt or not, but that's going to have a big impact on what I do this season. I'm just going to try to do what's best for the team, redshirting or not.
On training over the summer
During the offseason I've just been trying to get stronger, lifting weights and trying to put on weight because I think the biggest challenge for me right now is strength. I've been eating a lot, lifting a lot. The lifting we do here is a lot different, it's intense lifting so it's definitely helped me. I've gained about eight pounds since I've been here. It's coming slow, but it's coming.
On encouragement from his teammates
Marquise Gray, Goran Suton, and Drew Naymick have all been real helpful, because they were all rookies at one point. When coach comes with a brand new drill, in a whole new environment it's a lot different from high school, so it's really helpful to have people who have been in your spot and can help you along.
Sophomore Center Goran Suton
On the chance to get more playing time
Yes, I look at it as an opportunity. Regardless, I think everybody is going to get an opportunity to play a lot. We're going to need everybody.
On growing as a player
I think I'm still maturing. Coach is helping me with his work and I think I've grown since last year. I think I've grown a lot mentally. Every year you understand the system better and you get more adapted to it. You figure out the things you can do and can't do, and you learn from it. You leave the negatives outside the court, and just focus on what matters.
On improving rebounding and defense
I think those are the things we struggled in the past year, so we're going to try to improve. We have to improve, there's no question. I just can't wait to see what our results are like.
On the other big guys
Everybody brings something different to the table. Idong (Ibok) and Tom (Herzog) are long and big, so they can provide a lot of help with defense, blocking shots, and rebounding. I think Marquise (Gray) and I can bring offensive help and at the same time bring toughness in rebounding too.
On his improvements in the past year
I think I understand the game better, from being here another year, and I've improved my shooting. Things are coming along for us, I've just got to stay in my mind. I can't take plays off, and I just have to work hard.
Freshman Guard Isaiah Dahlman
On this year's team
Players have been saying that this has been one of the hardest off seasons - there is a reason for that, we have to prove ourselves. We have tried to push ourselves a little harder this year so we aren't tired and don't let any games slip away at the end.
On adjusting to Michigan State
I put on 16 pounds since I got here. I never thought I could do that - I thought maybe 10 pounds at the most. It's a good thing though, it's helped a lot. I thought before putting on weight would make me slow down, but that doesn't happen here, not with the conditioning. You see the older guys and they are ripped. I think I can hold my ground better now.
On contributing to the offense
You lose a scorer like Shannon Brown, a wing like that and I come in as a wing - basically I am going to have to have a little bigger role than if he was here. Myself and Raymar (Morgan), we are both wings, so we are in the same spot.
On defensive work
As soon as I came here, I started working on my defense. There are so many little things at the college level that you can't get away with that maybe you could at the high school level. The game is so much faster, those little things you have to pick up on quick. Every day you are getting something new thrown at you, so you have to pick it up quick.
On guidance from teammates
It's been unbelievable the help I have gotten. I can't recall one drill in this off season where someone hasn't came to me with a piece of advice, or letting me know if I was doing something wrong and how to improve. When that happens, you know that everyone is looking out for you.
Freshman Forward Raymar Morgan
On adjusting to college game
I really like it, it has been a great transition. I am just trying to take it one step at a time and am trying to get better as a team and as an individual. The pace of the game is much faster than high school, and how physical and how strong the players are. My expectations are just to get along with my teammates and to help win games.
On natural playing position and rebounding ability
I play the three and the four. I like to go inside. Early, before other guys caught up with me, I was always taller, so I had to rebound. My coach always stressed it to me. I play an inside-outside game. I guess I am more of a slasher. I like to get offensive rebounds and get my nose dirty a bit.
On playing next to Isaiah Dahlman
That would be great - him playing the three and me playing the four. That would be awesome and I think that would make our team faster and more versatile.
On this year's freshman class
Big Tom (Herzog), he has been looking great. He's a big man and he can do a lot. He can catch and pass the ball well for a big man. Isaiah, he just shoots the ball so well, and can pass also.
Sophomore Guard Maurice Joseph
On the transition from his freshman to his sophomore year
I'm really excited about it, to get into games and be able to contribute. Last year was kind of a down year for me, but I learned a lot, and I know now what I have to do to contribute to the team. I'm excited about that.
On what he worked on during the off-season
My strength, I put on 12 pounds over the summer and spring. That's a big thing, to be able to play in the Big Ten physically. I think skill wise I was okay, but physically, I don't think my body was ready to be able to play a Big Ten season. Now I feel ready to step in and play.
Other off-season priorities
My ball handling has improved. I think the range of my jump shot has improved, my consistency on jump shots has improved. Now it's just a matter of going into games and knocking them down.
On the team preparing for the season without NBA draft picks Shannon Brown, Maurice Ager, and Paul Davis
It's exciting. We're losing a lot with those three guys, but it's an opportunity for guys like myself, (Goran) Suton, and (Idong) Ibok to step up. Coach Izzo brought us here for a reason; he wouldn't bring us here if he didn't think we could play. He has faith in us and we have faith in him, we just need to come out here and work hard.
Sophomore Center Idong Ibok
On being the underdog for the season
I think anything I do or anything the team wants to do, we want to be overachievers. Hopefully that will make this a successful year.
On his biggest individual improvement this off-season
I have gotten stronger, better conditioned, and I have worked on my offensive skills all summer. I've also worked on getting better hands and being able to handle the ball in certain situations.
On his shot blocking abilities
I think that's the one thing I can give the team and I know I am good at, So hopefully as I get to play more that's going to be something that will help the team out.
On improving offensively
I've worked hard all spring and summer to develop my inside offensive abilities. I'm still working on my jump hook and my jumper a little bit, but everything's getting better and I'm improving.
Sophomore Forward Marquise Gray
On competing for the starting position
Coach knows best. If he feels that I am best for the job he's going to start me, if he feels that Goran (Suton) is the best for the job he's going to start him. If coach told me he needs me sitting down to help us win, then I'll sit down. You don't need to be a starter to have a big impact on the game.
On being healthy for the upcoming season
I'm ahead (of schedule), I'm in the best shape I feel since I've been here. My foot is fine. You never realize how much you miss something until it's taken away from you. So me sitting down, watching games and watching other guys work out and get better just made me hungry.
On outside expectations
We don't pay attention to that. Only we know what we go through day after day, day in and day out. As long as we have each others backs, play as a team, play together, play as one, we'll be alright.
Junior Guard DeMarcus Ducre
On his role on this year's team
I am athletic and I have the potential to be a good player, and I have a lot of hustle. My role is to be the stopper and play the point to the best of my ability - be reliable at the position so we can give Drew (Neitzel) a time to rest.
On transition from a walk-on to a scholarship athlete
Last year, I don't think I knew what to expect coming in. Now I know what to expect since I have a year of experience. Being on scholarship just makes it that much more important.
On making the most of minutes last season
Every time I got into a game I did try to make the most of it. I love being in front of a big crowd. Every time I got in I knew I had to make the most of every minute I had - every minute and every second. I tried to get to every rebound that came off the rim and tried to push the ball as fast as I could. Make the pass, make a play - anything that I could make happen.
On this year's team mentality
The mentality - to play hard and play defense. Keep hustling, don't stop. Don't ever show the opposing team that we are tired, because we won't be, we'll be in good shape. I think every one is stepping up this year, to pick it up and to play hard.
