MEDIA DAY INTERVIEWS: NC State Players
Here is a collection of interviews from NC State's 2019 Media Day.
NOTE: Click on each video above to watch a specific interview. Blake Harris (sick) and Dereon Seabron (study hall) did not attend Media Day.
Markell Johnson
“Just being more vocal with my guys on and off the court and making sure we’re on the same page on and off the court. With me being a senior, Coach Keatts wants me to lead these guys.”
“I’ve been working on that a lot this summer, talking to my guys, and knowing what to say and what not to say, encouraging them, and bringing them back up. I did that this whole summer, and I hope it carries over into the season.”
“Definitely. For my senior year, I just want to have a more complete year from the start of the game to the end of the game. Whether it’s scoring or getting my teammates involved, I’m going to do whatever it takes to get my team to win.”
“Consistency is key. Consistency is a big part of a lot of things. That’s one of my main focuses this year: being consistent on the defensive end, the offensive end, and in every aspect.”
Devon Daniels
“I always knew that [Markell] was talented. He’s a great passer and a pretty awesome scorer. He showed that last year.”
“As an older guy, just leading the new guys, coming in every day, show them how to work hard and be consistent. I want to get better every day. I want to win a lot, and I’m going to do whatever I have to do to help the team win.”
“Markell’s my brother. Everybody on this team, even the new guys, are really close and are like brothers. We’d do anything for each other. We push each other every day to get better on and off the court. We’re obviously close.”
“It’s a little different. Usually, your first game is versus somebody not in the same conference, but I think it’s going to be some great competition. I can’t wait for that.”
Manny Bates
“I’m overall feeling great. The season’s coming up. Both shoulders feel great. I’m just excited for the season.”
“A high-motor defensive player, a rim protector, and just a lot of energy.”
“It definitely was. Being able to learn from guys like Wyatt and D.J., learning the small stuff, it’s definitely helpful to start this season.”
“I’ve definitely gotten a lot stronger. I think I’ve gained about 20 to 30 pounds of muscle, so I’ve probably changed a lot since high school.”
“I’m just wanting to fill in when I’m needed.”
Thomas Allen
“State’s 20 minutes down the road. I get to see my mom and my dad all the time. I love it here. I’m from Raleigh. I bleed Raleigh.”
“I’ve worn red and white since AAU, and coming from Nebraska, I had that red and white. I used to come to State games all the time, seeing Terry play and T.J. Warren. I’ve been around State a long time.”
“I’m almost there. I’m probably a month out. It’s been tough. Since May, I’ve been struggling. I’m just getting it.”
“My ball handling. I’ve been playing the ‘two’ a lot, so I’m trying to get back to being a guard that can play on and off the ball.”
Jericole Hellems
“I’m just trying to improve on my jump shot, rebounding, ball handling, and just my all-around game so I can help the team whenever I can. I think it’s been one of my best summers. I’ve just been grinding and hitting the gym. It’s exciting.”
“I feel like, learning from Torin and watching how he progressed and his game throughout the years, it was really important for me to sit back and learn. Now, I’m in a position to provide for the team a little more. I think I’m ready.”
“I think from my confidence level, I’m at an all-time high right now. I feel really confident about my game and the work that I’ve been putting in. I’m just excited for this year.”
“I don’t think I put in enough work last year. I think I’d been putting in the work, and I’m excited. I’m not really worried or focused on last year. I’m just focused on this year coming up.”
Danny Dixon
“I like it a lot so far. I’m just getting used to the tempo of the offense and everything like that. I’m just getting used to the feel.”
“Definitely. Practices are very intense. Every day, we battle to get better. I’m just doing my best to get into shape I need to be for the season.”
“It’s really exciting. It’s a dream come true to be able to play in this conference. I’m really excited to see the atmosphere, the environment, and to play the game.”
“I bring size to the team. I think I can move pretty well for my size, and I think that will allow me to fit in the offense and the way we play."
Braxton Beverly
“We really don’t try to listen too much. It’s all over the news and hard to avoid, but we’re trying to focus on us.”
“We have who we have here right now. That’s something he’s working out with coach.”
“Danny coming in as a grad transfer, he has experience behind him. That’s going to be great, bringing experience to him.”
“Not too much because I try to control what I can control. That stuff pre-dates this team, this staff, everyone here now. It’s not like we’re caught up in it. We’re focused on us.”
“It isn’t a bad thing, though, it’s been a great time [at NC State].”
C.J. Bryce
“That’s a job I really want to take care of.”
“Being on the road there is a little more of a competitive nature with the crowd against you. Things like that bring a lot more excitement to the game, but I’m definitely looking forward to playing more at home this year.”
“We have a great group of guys.”
“I always look forward to playing on the road.”
“Markell has definitely made a huge jump on the court and off the court as a person. His leadership role has changed a lot, as far as him having the year he had last year, guys look up to him on this team.”
Pat Andree
“We’re going to be a versatile team in general.”
“He’s not afraid to play small. We’re a little limited up front, but I think we’re all capable of playing the four and five.”
“I think right now we have the talent and versatility to be a very good team up front and in the backcourt.”
“Between us, no. Other than talking to people about you guys or hearing it on Twitter, none of us talk about it and none of us were here at that time.”
"I’m really excited. It’s a different change coming from the Patriot League... it’s been a goal of mine, a dream to play in the ACC. This year is my chance to go out and prove it.”