LOCKER ROOM REPORT: Wolfpack Decimates Cardinals
NC State head coach Wes Moore, redshirt senior guard Grace Hunter, and sophomore center Elissa Cunane met with the media following the Wolfpack's 81-40 win over Lamar.
NOTE: Click the video in the player above to watch the Wolfpack’s press conference.
Head Coach Wes Moore
“I thought we came out pretty strong to start the game. We scored 23 points in the first quarter, so that was good. Offensively, we got some things going well. I’m disappointed we had more turnovers than assists. We gave up a few too many offensive rebounds for my liking. We got a lot of people in there, and I thought Elissa and Grace both played really well in the second half especially. They got a little momentum going, and it’s good to get them some confidence as the schedule continues to get tougher.”
“To Grace’s credit, we told her, as she was getting back out there a little bit and could move and jump a little bit, that it’s a great time to work on her three. I think she’s shooting the three better right now than she probably ever has. You make lemonade out of lemons. [If] you’ve got a knee injury, you can’t get out there and run up and down, but when you’re able to, you’re able to get some shots up and improve another part of your game. That’s encouraging and rewarding for her.”
“I don’t know. She had a good game tonight obviously with six assists and one turnover. She’s struggling to shoot the ball right now, but that’s the way you’ve got to be. That’s what I ask them sometimes: ‘If you aren’t shooting the ball well, can you still help this team? Could you still help us win games even if your shots aren’t going?’ To be honest with you, I thought Ace played the point better last year than she is this year so far just because, probably in the non-conference, she had about a three-assist-to-one-turnover ratio. I don’t think she’s quite at that level this year. Tonight was a great start though, but she’s had some games where she’s had a few too many turnovers for my liking. You all know I’m hardcore. I have high expectations for Ace. We thought about taking tomorrow off, but we decided to come in, watch a little film, get some shots up, and maybe get a lift in too before we give them Saturday off. Hopefully, that will be good for her to get in there and get some shots up.”
“She might be. I think she had three charges maybe. She had a total of four fouls overall, but I think three of them were charges. Obviously, she’s a great scorer and is used to being able to get to the rim. Lamar did a great job of rotating, taking charges, and being able to cut off the drive. They kept reminding her she’s going to either have to pull up and shoot the jump shot or she’s going to have to come to a jump stop and kick it. Those are things hopefully she learns from now. That’s what this is about. These first few games are to hopefully learn from your mistakes, correct them, and, when we get in these one- or two-possession games, not make those same mistakes.”
“It got pretty sloppy. I don’t think we scored after the last media timeout. It was pretty ugly. We had some kids out there that need more experience. It’s nice to be able to get them ‘dress rehearsal’ so to speak before we’re in a situation where it’s real.”
“I think she’s learned to love Coach Moore. I think that’s the key to her game. I think she’s playing with a lot of confidence. She realizes she’s the person now, and it’s just tough. It’s a big step to go from high school to especially the ACC. It takes time, and I think she’s playing harder. She runs the floor harder. She crashes the boards harder. She’s doing a lot of things well. I love her energy and love her bounce. There were times where I thought she was a little bit too laid back, and it’s hard to change your personality on the court. It’s hard to have that Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. That’s what I’ve got to keep preaching to her, and like I said, I think she’s catching onto it and enjoying it more. I think now she’s handles my coaching a little better. She’s able to smile and know, ‘Hey, that means he loves me if he’s on my butt.’ I’m proud of her. She’s doing a great job, and she’s come a long way.”
“Rebounding, to me, is the most important part of the game. We’ve got to figure it out. We miss Kiara Leslie. We miss DD Rogers. Grace, last year, was a great rebounder for us. We need her to come around. That’s been our calling card in the last few years. In the ACC, we’ve done a pretty good job. We’ve been ranked in the top two or so in the conference, and I don’t see that right now on this team. Hopefully, everybody will buy in, figure it out, and learn that rebounding is sexy.”
“She’s not as explosive right now. That’s just the bottom line. I’m worried about her defensively being able to guard on the ball. She’s got a good basketball IQ, so she knows a lot of times, off the ball, where to rotate and where to help. When it’s just flat out, one-on-one, guarding the ball, she’s got to get better. When people start taking away the three because she’s shooting it better, she’s got to be able to do the blew-by-you. She’s at a better place than she was a few weeks ago. I will say that."
Redshirt Senior Guard Grace Hunter
“It felt really good. It’s definitely been a tough stretch, but I just thank my coaches for having confidence in me and my teammates.”
“It’s definitely coming back. I definitely still want to get explosive and strong, but it’s coming back slowly but surely.”
“It did. My knee started feeling better. He threw me out there. I know he’s throwing me out there to give me some confidence.”
“I would say taking care of the ball and moving the ball better. I feel like us sharing the ball more and getting more assists as a team will help.”
“I’ve definitely got to get there. I’m doing full practice and working with the strength coach on extra conditioning. I’ll get there before we really, really need it.”
“I feel like, mentally, it is definitely a struggle, but it’s a faith walk for me. I’m just trusting God with it and seeing where He takes me. It’s just believing that I’m fine. I put the work in. I’m fine."
Sophomore Center Elissa Cunane
“A little bit, but not really. They were playing good defense, and you’ve just got to be aggressive for a team like that.”
“Definitely. We saw that they were a little undersized. I think we can always feed it inside. We have great shooters on the outside, so feeding it inside makes them pick their poison. I thought it was a really good game tonight.”
“I feel like it’s just the little things like a pick on the ball here and there and attacking and passing here and there. It’s just getting up the little things, but overall I think we’re coming together great this season."