Manny Bates: "I Love This Team So Much"

NC State center Manny Bates recently met with the  media to discuss the start of practice, the upcoming season, and much more.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full PC.  Below is a selection of quotes from Bates.

“My confidence is at a higher level than last year.”

“My game has grown tremendously.”

“I really just want to win games and everything else will fall into place.”

“This team has grown tremendously, and we're all close.  It's a great group of guys. I love this team so much.”

“I’ve focused in on my offensive abilities. I’ve got more consistent shooting from 15-feet and the three-point line. I’ve been working on every aspect of my game, but moreso shooting and my range.”

“We’re definitely working on my shooting ability for sure.”

“I’ve always been a guy to do the right thing and not say too much... now I'm one of the older guys on the team so I need to more vocal, pull guys to the side and say we have to do this and that.”

“Cam Hayes’ body has grown since the offseason. He’s a lot bigger and that will help Cam a lot. It will help both of those guys in the long run.”

“Earnest [Ross], one word, versatility. He’s a pretty big guy who has the ability to put it on the floor; he can shoot. He brings a lot of versatility for sure.”

“I had some thoughts about me leaving, but the extent of that move didn’t really go too far.  I talked with coach... I was in my feelings and thoughts about the team.  It was three or four days where we talked about it and I came to the realization this is where we want to be.”

“It was me and my relationship with the coaching staff. I felt I couldn't get that anywhere else... so why leave ya know?”

“Casey Morsell has really impressed me. I didn't get to see his game fully at Virginia, but after seeing him in practice I'm really impressed with Casey. He's a gritty guard, great defender... he can shoot the ball really well.”

“Terquavion Smith, like Casey, they are both really skilled... Terquavion’s energy is just different. He has the type of energy that can change the game.”