NC State point guard Preston Edmead met with the media at the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he discussed why he chose NC State, the upcoming season, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
What has it been like playing for Coach Justin Gainey?
He's hard on everyone, really. He wants to make the whole team great. I feel like that's one of his great qualities.
I would say everything about being around him — being focused, being disciplined, and having that tough mentality. That's one of our values.
Before you transferred, did Coach Sendek tell you much about NC State?
No, he did not.
Has Coach Gainey talked to you about his time playing at NC State?
A little bit. I know a little bit of the history from when Coach Gainey was playing at NC State.
Aside from him, what really drew you to the Wolfpack?
Just the culture that I saw when I visited. I loved it.
Just the team that Coach Gainey was bringing in; I wanted to be a part of that. Our fan base is amazing, so I wanted to be a part of it.
As a point guard, how do you slow the game down when things get a little tough?
I would say just learning from Coach. He's a point guard himself.
As I said, he's instilling those little details in me. As a point guard, that's good for your team.
As a player, how do you spread your best attributes across the team?
I would say playmaking and being able to find my teammates.
I'm playing with a bunch of amazing players. If I can get them open, that's going to make me open.
I can score when I need to as well.
What's your way of calming yourself down when things get a little too amped up?
Before the game or during the game?
Either one.
Before the game, I would say just listening to music or something like that.
During the game, it's remembering that you prepared for this. I'm big on preparation. My work ethic is really high.
During those moments where things can get overwhelming, you've got to rely on your preparation.
What did winning the CAA Tournament and getting to play in March Madness mean to you?
It was an amazing experience playing in March Madness.
That's something you'll always be grateful for and always want to get back to.
That's definitely one of our goals this year. We're taking it step by step every day, but in the end, that's definitely what we're looking to get back to.
You guys had a five-game losing streak during conference play last year but still ran through the conference tournament to make the NCAA Tournament. What did you learn through that stretch that helped you get there?
Being a freshman, it's all new to you, but that goes to show there will be ups and downs. There are going to be trials and tribulations that you have to go through.
I feel like that can be applied anywhere in life.
You're not always going to win every single game, but you've got to go through the ups and downs and get through it.
How did you stay positive through that?
I would say just the people around me and remembering all the work that we put in.
Like I said before, your preparation is everything.
What kind of mentality comes with being a New York guy?
I would say that toughness that we've got.
Being from New York, that's what we are — tough guys. I would say that, for sure.
What advice would you give players who are trying to find the right school, especially with the new transfer rules? What should they consider when choosing a program?
I would say just choosing the right fit. Choose a coach or staff that cares.
I feel like Coach Gainey and the staff are doing something great here. That's why I chose them, just because of the relationship that I have with them.
What's it been like watching Kingston Whitty come in as a freshman?
He's going to be great. He's good.
Obviously, freshmen make mistakes. I made a lot of mistakes last year. I still make mistakes.
But I feel like he's going to be really good in this program.
How did you feel about making the jump to ACC competition?
It was great.
I played two ACC teams last year, so that gave me a little feel for it. I feel like that really helped me.
You played against your brother last year and beat him. What was that experience like for you?
That was amazing. That's something you dream about.
I had a lot of family at that game. I was blessed. That was a blessed moment, something you'll always remember.
Did it feel like playing in the backyard or at the park together again?
Yeah, definitely.
It was crazy. He's bringing the ball up, and I'm guarding him. That's my brother right there.
It was amazing.
How are you liking Raleigh and the NC State campus?
I love it so far. Raleigh is a great place to be.
NC State has a big fan base. You feel at home.
How close have you gotten with the other teams at NC State?
It's a good connection.
I'm always trying to make any events they have. I know the women's team has an exhibition coming up, and our team will try to be there to support them.
How important is it to have that camaraderie not only with the women's basketball team but also with programs like wrestling?
I think it's really important.
NC State feels like a family. As I said, I'm from New York, but as soon as I got here in Raleigh, I felt at home.
Being a family and being connected — that's one of Coach Gainey's values.
I feel like that goes beyond just our team. That goes for the whole university.
