NC State redshirt sophomore center Manny Bates has added weight and is much stronger heading into the 2020 season. He discussed his mindset, improvements, and much more recently with the media.
What was your reasoning for wanting to gain some weight, and how much do you feel like it’s changed your game heading into this season?
Coming in, we just had the thought of me growing in terms of my size, so this offseason I took it personal to get a little bit bigger so I can battle a little bit more in the post on defense and on the offensive end.
What do you think has changed for you on the offensive side of the ball?
It’s mainly just been my confidence. Ever since we shut down in March, I’ve just been working on my shooting, just bringing up my confidence. In practice, my confidence has been through the roof. I’m calling for the ball more and just not being afraid to go to my moves and score the ball.
Where do you guys see the potential of this team?
The sky’s the limit for us, because we have a bunch of experienced guys in Devon and DJ who know what’s going to happen in any situation so we can go to them in any tough situation, and then we have a talented group of young guys in our freshmen who can contribute whenever. So really, the sky’s the limit for us.
When you were developing as a shot blocker, were there particular guys that you watched to develop your technique?
The majority of the time, it was Dwight Howard during his Orlando Magic days. Lately, Montrezl Harrell, throwbacks like Shaq and Dikembe Matombo. So it’s just always been a fascinating thing to be a shot blocker.
Did you spend much time in Fayetteville during the summer?
I visited Fayetteville two or three times, but mainly I’ve just been in Raleigh working out and trying to expand my game more.
Do you think there’s a reason for Fayetteville emerging as more of a basketball town?
I wouldn’t say there’s any particular reason, but ever since I got to Fayetteville, it’s always been a hoop town. Everybody’s just developing basketball, and we have some football players, too.
The last two years, you’ve been one of the younger guys. Now that you’re in your third year, how are you helping some of the younger guys?
I’m just trying to be a leader, just trying to give tips here and there, like polishing up some footwork areas or what coach is looking for in a drill, so just the little things that will help them in the long run.
Did you feel like last year you were being pushed around a little bit and you needed to add more muscle?
I definitely felt like I was being pushed around a little bit, so last year I was playing around 228-230, and right now I’m playing at 235.
What was your regimen this summer?
Just trying to put the right amount of food in my body, working out hard, some days working out two times a day. One day I worked out three times. Just trying to get my body right and prepare for this season.
