NC State RHP Anderson Nance met with the media to discuss making the NCAA Tournament, Ryan Marohn's leadership, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
The same question as the other two fellows: when you saw your name called on the screen, what was your reaction, and how happy were you to know that your season would be extended?
It's awesome. Last year, we kind of knew that we were going to get in, but this year was a little different, with being on the bubble for the last month of the season, and then hearing our name getting called just gives us a little more to play for.
What did it mean to you in that final game against UNC to have your name called and be the starter, and what does it say about the rest of this coaching staff to have that trust in you?
It's unbelievable. I think going from a reliever pretty much the whole season to a starter, it just gives you a little boost of confidence knowing that they trust in you to move from the bullpen to a starter, and just gaining that trust is all you can ask for as a pitcher.
How much are you looking forward to being back in that role this weekend in Auburn and getting the ball first again?
Yeah, it's awesome. I don't know if I'm getting the ball first, but if I do, I'll be ready, and if I go in the second game, I'll be ready for that.
How helpful has Ryan been, even though he hasn't been able to pitch? How helpful has Marohn been to all the other pitchers, just with his presence?
He's led us in multiple ways. I mean, even when he's not out there, he's also helping us out, whether we're tipping pitches, maybe, whenever we're out there, or just giving us the confidence we need to get to the next inning, so he's been awesome.
NC State has only had something like four head coaches since World War II. How neat is it for you to be in this transition period where they're going to have a new one, and he looks like he may be a guy who could put in a 20-25 year run, too?
Yeah, I think it'll be about the same. He's been here a long time, I think he wants to stay here a long time, and I think it's a good fit. As far as my recruitment, I was mainly recruited by him first off, so I've had a good relationship with him, and I think he's the best fit.
What do you think it is about NC State that lends itself to being a place where, with only four coaches lasting that long, people don't really want to go anywhere else?
I don't know. I think they just built that bond and they don't want to break it, so.
I'm curious if you could describe your relationship with Coach Avent, and maybe the biggest thing he's taught you as a player and as a man.
I had a pretty good relationship. My brother was here in 2013, and basically just coming back here and being with him gave me a lot more respect and helped with becoming the man I am. Going out there fearless and just wanting the ball in my hand all the time, I think that's the main thing he taught me.
What did your brother tell you about the experience, and what has it been like to live it yourself?
Yeah, he basically told me the same thing. He was going to preach being fearless and going out there and not taking anything for granted, so just play as hard as you can and go from there.
