NC State star forward Khamil Pierre recently met with the media and discussed a variety of topics such as choosing to return for another year, the new members of the Wolfpack, and more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview!
Just give us some thoughts on your first year and first season in Raleigh. How do you feel it went, and how did you adjust not only to the school but also to the city?
It was definitely a lot different than living in Nashville, but once you start to get out more, I think it's a really cool city. As far as on the court and with the team, like I've said before, it was definitely hard when I first got here, but as the season went on, I got more comfortable. I felt like I started to play better. But when I look at the season as a whole, I wasn't really proud of everything I got done.
What do you think is the biggest area where you've progressed during your first season at NC State? And how much more do you feel you can grow this offseason?
I think where I felt like my biggest strength was this season was in my rebounding. I felt like I had a pretty good eye for the ball. When it comes to areas I want to progress in, I would definitely say just all around. Whether it's my defense, my scoring, or creating space, I feel like there are a lot of different areas of my game where I could improve.
What's it been like seeing this new team together on the court for practice these last few weeks?
It's definitely probably been my favorite team in college basketball ever. I feel like we all get along very well. We always come in with good energy, and everyone gets along, so from that perspective it's super fun. Everybody works. We'll have days where we're on the track at 7:00 a.m., then we'll go lift, and we're supposed to be off for the rest of the day. Every single kid comes in, puts in extra work with the coaches and gets extra shots up. So I'm excited for the season.
Where do you think that motivation to get better comes from? Is it the way your season ended last year, or where does that come from as a team?
I think for the returners, it's how we ended the season last year. For our new teammates, it's understanding how much better all the returners want to be and how important winning is for us, especially for some of us because it's our last year and we want to go on to the draft. We're just really fixated on being successful as a team.
How has the new five-for-five rule changed the way you're approaching the season, knowing this might not necessarily have to be your last year in college?
I think it's super cool that they passed it. However, it hasn't really been anything I've been discussing with my staff or my agent. It's more about taking this season as if it is my last season, seeing how well I can perform, and giving it my all.
When you think about your new teammates, has anyone impressed you or surprised you? Or maybe someone returning who has really improved since last season?
Honestly, everyone. I've always been a big fan of Kai's game. Obviously, we're from the same state. When it comes to the transfers, I think Desiree will be really good for us. She's a lot older, super experienced, and puts a lot of work into the game. But all around, I'm excited for everyone on the team.
Your success as a rebounder—do you have a strategy? Are you a heavy box-out player or more of someone who pursues the basketball? How would you describe your rebounding?
I think if you ask Coach, he would definitely say I miss a lot of box-outs, and probably our whole staff would say I don't really box out well. But I think it's honestly a confidence thing. I don't think it's too much skill when it comes to rebounding. I just genuinely don't think anyone in the country is a better rebounder than me.
Do you feel like you're pigeonholed into one position, or do you feel like you can play multiple spots?
Definitely not the one. I would love to play the one, but no shot. Honestly, I think I'm a pretty decent all-around player. Obviously, I need to work on my three-point shot if I want to be more of a three, but as far as playing the four or five, I think it just depends on what the team needs and what the staff wants out of me. Whatever that is, that's fine with me.
Off the court, you're involved in helping kids and giving back in the community. What value does that bring to your life?
I guess I don't really look at it from that perspective. At the end of the day, I'm no better than anybody else just because I play a sport and might be known. I think what matters the most is who you are as a person. Thankfully, I'm in a position where I can help people who need it more than I do, so I try to do that whenever I'm able to. Giving back to the community and to kids is always important—more important than basketball, scoring, or who you are.
Do you have a favorite moment from your community work?
This summer so far, I guess my favorite moments were when some of my teammates and I went to Brilan's game. He comes to all of our games, so we got to go watch his basketball game. That was pretty fun. He's really good. Another day after practice, I bought a bunch of food supplies, had some of my teammates come over, and we made a bunch of bags for the homeless. We went out, had conversations with people, and handed them out. I think those are probably my favorite moments so far.
You mentioned the transfers a little bit, but how impactful do you think they'll be in improving this team and filling some of the spots you needed?
They'll be huge, more so because they all understand it's super important to do whatever the team needs. I think everybody is more than willing to do whatever that is.
You mentioned the way last season ended. What still sticks with you today and motivates you and the other returners to become the best team you can be?
The common thing is we all just want to win. We want to perform a lot better than we did last season. Individually, it looks different for everyone, so I can only speak for myself. Like I said, I was disappointed with how my season went. There were a lot of areas where I needed to be better, whether that's from a leadership standpoint, a defensive standpoint, or probably just having a better motor all around. I think I lacked in a lot of areas last season.
You mentioned Desiree earlier. How do you see her impacting this team, and what kind of benefit do you think she brings?
I think she reminds me a lot of Zam Jones. Obviously, they're both great players and different in their own ways, but she can shoot the ball extremely well. She knows how to create her own space, has an insane passing ability, and she's just a good teammate who's going to make the right reads. I think she'll be great for us in every aspect.
How would you describe your chemistry with Zoe on the floor, and how would you describe her game right now?
I think Zoe is probably one of the hardest-working players on our team. I think we play really well together. It comes from our connection off the court and understanding what we both want for our seasons and for the team. I think we just play really well together.
After having one year in the ACC, are there any games you've circled on your calendar or are especially looking forward to?
I haven't seen the schedule, but everybody. I love talking trash. Sorry, Coach Moore. I love being competitive, and I'm excited to play everybody—from the best to the bottom.
