LOCKER ROOM REPORT: Wolfpack Players
Markell Johnson, C.J. Bryce, and D.J. Funderburk met with the media after the win over St. Francis (Brooklyn).
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the press conference.
NC State Guard C.J. Bryce
On his biggest takeaway from the game:
“I feel like we got better tonight on the defensive end. That’s something we want to continue to work on every single game, every practice. We try not to look at our opponent as any lesser. They‘re basketball players just like we are. We just want to continue to get better every day, and I feel like we did that today.”
On Markell Johnson:
“That’s personnel, we’re not putting on Markell (Johnson). We all know what he can do. He shows us every day in practice. He’s going to come through. He’s a basketball player.”
NC State Forward D.J. Funderburk
On his playing emphasis:
“Every game I try and come out in attack mode, but my teammates were finding me a little more this game. I thank them for finding me on possessions.”
On playing with Manny Bates:
“That was kind of new. I like it. I always tell my teammates I’d rather play that position, but it is what it is. I like the lineup. I like how versatile we all can be.”
On feeling that side out with Manny Bates:
“Yes, definitely. I think it started in the summer, when Manny (Bates) was able to play with us. We have challenged each other every day in practice and it shows on the court when we play as a group.”
NC State Guard Markell Johnson
On the chemistry with Manny (Bates) and D.J. (Funderburk):
“Like D.J. (Funderburk) said, it first started in the summer. With Manny (Bates) getting back and carrying his own in practice, every day we’re trying to get better at that.”
On Manny (Bates) dunking:
“Well, when any of us dunk it energizes the whole team.”
On Coach Keatts’s halftime message:
“He just really came in and told us what we needed to do. That was to pick up the intensity and play harder. He came in and told us they were playing harder than us, so we just wanted to go out there in the second half and leave it all out there.”
On his perimeter shooting:
“It’s just all about rhythm right now and getting back into the flow of things. It’s early in the season right now, so I’m not too worried about it.”
On himself:
“I just don’t feel right, but I’m still out there playing. I’m doing it. I’m good.”