LOCKER ROOM REPORT: Wolfpack Players
NC State's Dontrez Styles, Paul McNeil, Jr., and Michael O'Connell met with the media following the Wolfpack's 85-73 win over Wake Forest Saturday afternoon.
NOTE: Click on each player’s respective thumbnail to watch each interview in the player above.
Dontrez Styles
“It feels great. First thing I want to say, though: shoutout to Paul McNeil. That’s all I want to say.”
“It was different. We were locked in from the jump, and it all started with Paul. We came out there offensive rebounding and making shots like crazy. We’ve been working on it all week in practice. I wanted to start with him because he’s a good player. He’s stayed the course, and it’s finally paying off for him.”
“When I found out he was starting, I said, ‘I’m with you. I’ve got your back. I believe in you.’ He came out there hooping. He didn’t need my advice at all.”
Paul McNeil, Jr.
“It’s a blessing. We’ve got a lot of football guys that have made it [from Rockingham], but for basketball, I want to change the perspective of my city. I’m trying my hardest for them, and I’m going to keep pushing and keep grinding all the way to the end.”
“Ten minutes before the game, one of my coaches told me. He said, ‘I need you to show up for me.’ I’d been putting the work in before practice and after practice, and I’ve been grinding in practice, so me being ready was a big adjustment to me.”
“We had to stay composed. We have a lot of older guys that have been in situations like that. For me to be young out there, they were helping me stay composed and calm. It’s their last year, so they want it more than ever, so I have to show up on my end and do what’s best for the team.”
Michael O’Connell
“That’s always the approach: we always go in thinking we’ll win every game. We’re going to take it one game at a time.”
“Every game’s going to be critical at this point. We’re going to prepare for it, do the best we can, and go out to compete.”
“It was super huge. I remember right before the game telling [McNeil], ‘This is a big-time accomplishment that many people don’t get.’ It was big time for him, and he came in and showed what he could do. I’m proud of him.”