LOCKER ROOM REPORT: Freeman, Hunt, and Dorn on FSU Win
NC State's Al Freeman, Torin Dorn, and Sam Hunt met with the media after the Wolfpack's win over Florida State.
Senior Guard Allerik Freeman
On if everything is coming together for the team...
Yeah, it’s great. I said it early on when we kept having breakdowns. We would just keep talking about keep getting better, keep getting better. We had a lot to get better on. We’re starting to really trust each other, starting to play well, starting to defend at a really high level. Most importantly, I think our pace is just really fast and a lot of people try to play fast, but it’s different when you’re actually playing against a team that actually plays fast.
On sharing his mindset with his teammates...
It’s not really just me. It’s Coach Keatts and the scout team. They push us every single day in practice.
We have really talented guys over there. Like I said, when it’s part of who you are, when you’re used to doing something a certain way and when you’re used to winning, you don’t really think twice about it.
You just do everything that it takes to win: 50-50 balls, talking on defense, communicating with the guys about what I’ve been through, what the tournament’s like, or what it takes to win in big games. I feel like we’ve really done a great job in the biggest games of this season that we’ve won.
Junior Guard Torin Dorn
On what it was like in the locker room after the win...
It was energetic. Guys were excited that we’re able to put together a season like this and this game together like this. We prepare extremely hard, so it’s always fun to execute a game plan and win a game.
On shooting 50 percent or more from the field for the fifth-straight game...
We’re just sharing the ball, getting to our spots. Everybody’s shooting the shots they’re good at. Our guys are just clicking right now and it’s great to click at this time of the year.
On the hot shooting from behind the arc tonight...
We’re just taking what the defense gives us. We’ve got some great shooters. Sam (Hunt) and Al (Allerik Freeman) have been shooting the ball great, so we’re just taking what the defense gives us and knocking down shots.
On how the first five minutes set the tone for the game...
Our mentality was to come out and set the tone defensively and I think we did that. We were able to rebound and take them away from their strengths, so we definitely executed our game plan.
Senior Guard Sam Hunt
On his hot shooting tonight...
My teammates are able to find me in open spots. Omer (Yurtseven) found me for one off of an offensive rebound. Markell (Johnson), Braxton (Beverly)…when they find me, I just have to get my feet ready and shoot. I found a rhythm. I saw one go in, and the others looked good too.
On being a part of NC State and a team with success...
It’s the best feeling in the world. I said last week I’m still dreaming, and I hope to continue to keep dreaming. I’ve never been here before. Everything is new to me, so I’m enjoying the process.
On bringing veteran leadership to the locker room as grad transfers...
We played in a lot of college games, so we bring experience. We both bring shooting ability. Al (Allerik Freeman) is able to get to the basket and create for others. We just try to bring as much leadership as we can. Our young guys have grown so much over this year, so they’re doing a great job as well.