Bryce: "We've Been Going At Each Other In Practice"

NC State redshirt junior guard C.J. Bryce sat down with the media at 2018 ACC Operation Basketball.

Cook Out or Char Grill... moost important question you'll answer all day?
I'm not a big fast food guy. I'll probably have to go Cook Out.

What is your general excitement level right now for this season?
Honestly, I'm just ready to get back on the court and compete with my guys.  We've been going at each other, killing each other every day in practice... just getting a chance to compete against a different color jersey is really something I'm looking forward to.

What kind of lights that fire inside of you?
I think coach Kevin Keatts does a really good job of instilling that in all his players, bringing intensity every day... just stay focused on and off the court. That is something we try to do as a team.

The last game you played was in the NCAA Tournament against Virginia. Do you think back to that game? Is it motivation?
Actually, I watched that game every once in a while, just trying to figure out what I could've did better to help my team win.

It's not something I think about too much, but I'm looking forward to playing them again this year.

What have you told the guys about coach Keatts?
Just helping the guys stay focused and dialed in.  He can be kind of tough for you in practice, but he does it all out of caring.  There's always a bigger plan to what he's doing.

There's freshmen coming in and he can be one of the hardest coaches they've ever had... just telling them what you're going through right now, it will all pay off in the end.

How can you do without Braxton?
Braxton is a pure shooter.  That's something we will definitely lack at that position, but I feel like the work we put in as a team will pay off.  We'll make up for it.

Do you have any team goals yet?
We don't have any team goals right now... just trying to compete and make each other better in practice and taking it day-by-day.

Who are some of the leaders on this team?
I'd say myself and Torin... more of the vet guys who have had a chance to play, not only the ACC, but playing with coach Kevin Keatts in the CAA, I know how he wants things done.

I can definitely be a vocal leader on the court.

Who has been the most outstanding newcomer so far?
I'll probably say Jericole Hellems.  He's done a great job as a freshman coming in... playing hard, doing what coach Kevin Keatts needs.  He's bringing that intensity everyday and that's something we need from the freshmen.

What have you not seen yet that this team can do that you didn't do last year?
A little more presses, picking up fullcourt, more pressure, more activity... we're longer at the guard position than we were last year.

There's a lot of different things that we can do differently.  Share the ball more on offense and get out and be faster in transition.