LOCKER ROOM REPORT: Wolfpack Players
Several NC State players met with the media via Zoom following the Wolfpack's 79-76 win over Boston College Wednesday evening.
NOTE: Click on each player’s respective thumbnail to watch each interview in the player above.”
DJ Funderburk
Did they change anything defensively to take you away, or did fatigue just set in?
“Honestly, it was a little bit of both. I don’t think they really expected me to play as much. That’s just kind of how the game felt to me. In the second half, they made some adjustments. I started getting hit with two people a couple of times. Steffon Mitchell was super tenacious on the rebounds. He was starting to get it more on the rebound side. They definitely made some adjustments coming out of halftime trying to slow me down."
How good was it to be back out there after a long layoff?
“It felt good. I think it was about 15 days maybe because we had a minor break before I got COVID and everything. It was 15 days without touching the ball. When I got back, I air-balled my first three shots. I was tired after two down-and-backs. I was a little nervous about my conditioning. Other than that, everything else just fell in place as I started playing."
What’s the toughest thing when you come back from a layup like that? More offensively or defensively?
“I think you feel it in transition more than anything. I can know where I need to be and conserve a lot of energy on defense. On offense, it’s natural. When we get in transition and we worry about the media timeouts and not getting fouls or anything, it’s a constant game. Sometimes after a couple down-and-backs, you get a little tired, especially if you haven’t played in a while."
What does it say about this team to battle back when almost everything was going wrong?
“For the most part, they started hitting big-time shots. Every time we came down, we told each other we needed stops. I felt like we really had to lock in the last three or four minutes to pull out with this win. It shows we’re really tough. It shows everybody on our team can really play, and it shows that we come out and play hard every time."
How do you feel about where the team is at heading into 2021?
“I think we’re right where we need to be. I know I always say that, but I honestly think we’re right where we need to be. We’re 2-0 in the conference. I couldn’t ask for anything more. We’re blessed with the games we have been able to play, and we’re going to keep focusing on one game at a time and worry about what we need to do for that game."
Shakeel Moore
What was your thought process on the go-ahead jumper with 26 seconds left?
“Cole came up to the screen, and I read the defense correctly. I had the confidence to step up and hit the shot."
What gives you the confidence to step up on the ACC stage?
“Hard work. I put in work every day. I’m in the gym every day after practice hours. I think it’s important not only to get better with the team but work on yourself. The confidence comes from me taking the time to work when nobody’s paying attention or work when nobody’s looking."
Were the turnover issues for the team self-inflicted, or was it more about what Boston College was doing?
“I think it was just self-inflicted. I think it didn’t have anything to do with their defense. We go hard on each other in every practice. We’re told to take care of the ball, and that’s what we do. It’s just tonight, it was self-inflicted. We’ve got to build on that and take care of the ball moving into the next game."
How much confidence does this game and the North Carolina game give you going forward?
“I think I can continue as long as I keep putting in work, trusting my work, and keep having that confidence to keep everything rolling for me."
Jericole Hellems
How big is it to get this win after everything seemingly went wrong in the second half?
“It’s a big win. It’s always good to win, especially in the conference we play in. We’ve still got things to work on, but it was a great win for us."
What makes you successful defending from the five spot?
“Just showing grit. Coming from where I come from, you’ve got to have that grit about you, and my parents have always instilled that in me. It’s just showing toughness and not worrying about height, weight, or whatever the case may be, just going out and playing."
How much does only having Manny Bates for seven minutes impact the team, especially on defense?
“He’s a big part of the team. We all know that. He’s a big player. Hopefully, he recovers quickly and gets back on the court. We do have players that can replace him and help us take care of what we need to take care of to ultimately win games."
On the combination of Bates and Funderburk going forward...
“Those are two bad men. Either way, it’s going to be a problem for anybody."
What does it say about Shakeel Moore to play at the level he’s playing at right now, especially as a freshman?
“He’s a great player. He’s a dog, and it shows that it doesn’t matter his age. He’s ready to play and impact the game however he can."
How much does the success of the different NC State teams help each of you feed off each other?
“It’s culture, and we want to have the best image for NC State and do what we can to show that NC State is one of the top contenders in the country. The women are great, and the football team is doing great. We just want to be able to do great too."