NC State head coach Kevin Keatts and guards Jarkel Joiner and Casey Morsell met with the media prior to the start of the Battle 4 Atlantis.

NOTE: Click the video above to wach the press conference.

Kevin Keatts

“We’re excited to be in paradise.  Back in the Bahamas, it’s always been one of my favorite places to hang out and play games.”

“We are going to play against a very good Kansas team.  Well-coached, great tradition.”

“A couple of things, I love in those four games we’ve had some ups and downs. We had a couple we won really big but there were a couple we had to answer the bell.”

“Our guys will continue to learn each other.  You’ve got three great games here against unbelievable competition. That’s one of the things which will make you good.”

“We play a 20-game season in the ACC, and this is like playing in the ACC or somewhat the ACC Tournament.”

“We have a bunch of transfers, a bunch of new guys.”

“I probably won’t talk about [Arizona].  I want to concentrate more on this Kansas team.”

“They are talented. They are really good.  When you talk about culture, they are the defending national champions.  Their post guys now are more rim-run guys.”

“Transition is always key; they do a great job in those areas.”

“Both teams will have to take care of the basketball.”

“The game will be rebounding, transition defense, and trying to keep them from getting paint touches.”

Casey Morsell

“Just the opportunity. This is what you come to high-major schools for, the opportunity to be on a big stage. Kansas is obviously a great team, and every team we play after that will help us prepare for March.”

Jarkel Joiner

“We have a lot of older guys, a lot of experience. We love being around each other. The trip earlier in the summer helped us a lot when we came here.”

“Learning the players you play with... even off the court, learning what they like to do.”

“You want to be able to turn it on in games, but coach always stresses with us it starts in practice, and we’re very competitive in practice.”