LOCKER ROOM REPORT: Wolfpack Players

Several NC State players met with the media following the Wolfpack's 77-73 win over Pitt Saturday afternoon.

NOTE: Click on each respective thumbnail to watch each interview.

Manny Bates

“What allowed me to play so well was wanting to win. I’m ready to do whatever Coach wants me to do. Whatever he asks me, I’m trying to do it to the best of my ability. If he says ‘Rebound,’ I’m going to rebound. I had that mentality to get every rebound today.”

“I’m definitely feeling more confident everyday. Especially in practice, I’m starting to feel more comfortable.”

“In the last eight minutes, we just had to really dig down deep, find all the energy we had, and lay it all out on the court today.”

“We just had to take it one play at a time. It’s a long game, so we just have to take it play by play and keep getting better after every play.”

“Honestly, everything’s like a blur right now, so I can’t really go back right now.”

“It’s definitely big for us. Where we were at in the game, we knew that, if we were down one at the half, we would pull away with [the win.]”

Jericole Hellems

“It’s a great experience. Everybody knows that it’s one of the best places to play in, but it’s just another game for us.”

“I was just playing basketball. I was talking with him, but it’s just the game of basketball.”

Markell Johnson

“We kind of took it upon ourselves. I would definitely say that. They talked to us and told us, ‘It’s either now or never.’ We just took it to the head and played those last six minutes. I think we finished on a 24-12 run, so it was great for all of us in the last six minutes of the game.”

“A lot better. Manny’s young, so he’s one of those guys. He’s the best shot-blocker in the country. He just needs a little more confidence on the offensive end, and it’s our job to help him gain that confidence.”

“We’re going to try to go over there and get the win. It’s just the next game for us, and it’s a huge one, going into Duke. It’s just on us."