On freshman players like Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Jonas Aidoo and their development on the team:
“Well, they’ve come a long way. Both of them. Certainly, they go through the transition. I think most of all and every freshman goes through understanding that it’s a different level, it’s a different speed to the game, different pace to the game in total. In terms of detail, attention to details at a higher level than you’ve ever dealt with in your life. Again, both of those guys have made strides, they both have had good days, some of them they’ve struggled at times too. I think where we are right now, they’re competing. They have to compete against John Fulkerson and Olivier (Nkamhoua). Guys who raised those guys. So, that helps them grow up a little bit too. I think the fact that we have the depth that we have, the competition and practices being good, which has helped them. But, are they where we need them to be right now? No, they’re not. But, I think they will maintain the attitude we’ve had up to this point.”
On Justin Powell being considered a freshman or an upperclassman:
“Both. That’s not trying to avoid the question. Justin, if you think about it, he’s about as true of a freshman as they are because he only played (10) games, he didn’t get a full year at all last year. Justin did come in early and was one of the first guys to get here because he wanted to get himself in shape. He felt like going through what he went through last year in the concussion and all that he had fallen behind. But he’s been here and you know he’s a quick study he pays attention and wants to move around. Passes the ball extremely well. In terms of freshman learning our system, he’s there, he’s made good adjustments. I think he’s had a good person to know. I look where Santiago Vescovi is now, especially defensively, compared to where he was, it’s night and day, from coming in where he was as a freshman. Justin is a guy that knows that’s how he’s going to do it, knowing he has to do his work early, toughness, and once he gets that off his plate he’ll be fine.”
On what he’s seen from Justin Powell so far:
“Again, he’s another player that just fits perfectly. I mean everything we’re about, he’s about – hard worker, very unselfish, he wants to be a part of it, and I’m excited about him because he put the time in and did the things he needs to do. Like I said, he does a lot, so many good things on the offensive end. But I would say this, right now as a team we all need to continue to get better defensively.”
On Justin Powell’s offensive versatility:
“He can pass the ball, moves well without the ball, he knows how to utilize screens on court and he’s gotten even more consistent with his shot. But during the summer while Kennedy was away and Zakai had not gotten here yet, Santi was at the point and you know Santi was away with his national team too, so both Justin and Victor Bailey had to run some of the point for us. I think that helped both of those guys and I think that he has shown that, but he is learning a new system too, he really is. But he’s an excellent passer he sees right through that net.”
NEXT: Rick Barnes’ media availability continued