Player Quotes - Media Day
Syracuse Men’s Basketball
Annual Media Day
Player Quotes
Marek Dolezaj, Freshman, Forward
Do you think that you’re going to be ready to play as one of the big men?
“Yeah. I am trying to lift every day and get better. I’m playing with Matthew Moyer and Oshae [Brissett] a lot. I don’t think I really have a problem with that. When we are playing defense, like zone, it’s really only running and rebounding.”
How do you think you can help this team get better?
“I think I can make the defense better. I saw last year’s games and we had problems with defense and offense, but more with defense. We are a really big team. Offensively, we can play four players on the three-point line and run our offense the way we want.”
Matthew Moyer, Redshirt Freshman, Forward
How was redshirting last season for you?
“During the process, I didn’t like it, obviously. I’m a competitor. I love playing basketball. You come out of high school and you are excited to play for a program like Syracuse. Looking back now, it was the best decision I could have ever made, especially physically. I am in better shape, my body is college-ready, my skill and confidence level are much higher. I understand coach (Boeheim) much better and what he expects. Out of all those things, it was the best decision I could have ever made. I’m not saying every freshman should redshirt, but it was the best decision I could have made by far.”
How has the transition been this year for you to a player who is now expected to produce for this team?
“I am really excited. I am ready for the opportunity that has been put in front of me and I am really looking forward to this year.”
Do you guys have a chip on your shoulder from last year or is it just another year?
“Every year we have a chip on our shoulder. That’s just the way Syracuse is. We always go out there and play gritty and are ready to compete against anyone. The way it ended last year obviously wasn’t the best, but this is just another year to improve and have a good season. I’m excited.”
How is this team different than last year’s?
“It’s crazy from one year to the next. Last year, I was probably one of the last forwards and got to look up to Tyler Lydon, Andrew White, and guys like that. Now, the roster is clear, we got some new freshman, and I’m considered a veteran. I’m only a redshirt freshman. It’s just crazy to come in and be given this opportunity. I am going to do my best and show them what I can do.”
Frank Howard, Junior, Guard
What did you learn last year that you’re going to use this year to lift your game to the next level?
“I think I learned a lot. I matured a lot. The growth from year one to year two, and then from that year to now. I think my overall game has grown. I think I’m skilled on the ball like I used to be in high school. I think I just learned the game even better. I’ve had a few setbacks but the things I learned from those have made me confident in myself, my teammates, and my coaches.”
Do you feel like you’ve stepped into that leadership role?
“Yeah. I think I’m embracing it now. I think before I had to learn how to be a leader. People always say you have to be a leader as a point guard. But you have to really learn how to be one first.”
When you look at this basketball team and everyone you lost last year, how do you use that leadership to guide these younger guys along?
“I think it has been really easy. The young guys are trying to learn. They are like sponges and soak up everything. They respond well and quickly and are talented. That makes it really easy.”
You guys must have a chip on your shoulder after last year. Do you use that for motivation?
“Yeah that’s an understatement. We have a bigger chip on our shoulder now and we are ready to go. That’s the only phrase I can use. We are so excited and anxious to get started. We are just enjoying today, where we finally get to do something real and be in front of the fans.”
Tyus Battle, Sophomore, Guard
What was your summer routine?
“I was in the gym a lot, trying to improve every aspect of my game. I went back home for a while and worked out there. I think I’ll be ready.”
Do you see yourself as more of a leader this year?
“Oh yeah, definitely. Guys have come to me for a lot of things. So I’m looking forward to that leadership role. I looked up to a lot of guys in high school who weren’t really vocal leaders but who led by example. To be able to take on a role like that here at Syracuse is a huge honor.”
How has your dad been a part of your success?
“My dad was a huge part of my development in basketball. He used to take me out for ice cream when I was younger if I did 15 minutes of ball-handling drills. I’ve never really had a guy who I trained with, it’s always been my dad. He’s made both me and my brother a lot better. He’s always honest with me, through both good and bad, and you really need to have someone like that in your life.“
Oshae Brissett, Freshman, Forward
What will be your biggest challenge this year?
“I’ve never played this fast in my life. Going up and down with the guys – we have a lot of fast guys on our team. Frank, Geno, and Tyus have really been a lot to keep up with.”
How do you think you will fit into the team?
“I feel like we’ve been playing well. My length and athleticism is making it easy to get down the court for a pass from them or if I get a rebound to kick it down to them.”
What do you think the fans’ expectations are for this year?
“We haven’t really talked about anything like that. Guys come in every day and get their work done. We all know that if we individually get better, then the team will get better.”
Paschal Chukwu, Junior, Center
How are you feeling physically?
“I’m feeling a lot better. My eyesight is back and everything is good.”
Can you talk about the eye injury?
“It was scary. I lost all eyesight in that eye. I had some great doctors though and I’ve been doing great since the surgery. I have gotten used to the goggles. I hate them, but I’ve gotten used to them.”
Have you been working on the pick-and-roll a lot in practice?
“We’ve been working on that and hopefully it works during the games. Even if I don’t get the lob, it’s good for me to press running down the court. We have some good shooters outside, as well, if the defense forces a shot.”
Geno Thorpe, Graduate Student, Guard
Are you excited to play for a coach like Coach Boeheim?
“I am, he’s a Hall of Fame coach. I’m just glad he gave me an opportunity to be here. I just want to help in any way I can.”
How has practice been so far?
“Practice has been great. We’re still building our team chemistry, and we’re trying to come together as a unit. But so far, it’s been good.”
Are there any games that you have circled ready to play?
“Every game. I’m just happy to wear the jersey, and to have Orange across my chest and represent Syracuse.”
As somebody who has transferred, what did you take away from those two stops that lead you to here?
“Just trying to be the best I can be in any situation that I’m in, and trying to get better at it. This is my last stop – I’m a fifth-year guy. So I know they expect a lot from me just because I’ve been in these situations before. I’m just going to try to help the young guys as much as possible, and do the best I can.”
Howard Washington, Freshman, Guard
How has it been here so far?
“It’s been great. Going into college not a lot of people know what to expect, but when I did get here, it was great. I came in the beginning of the summer so I started workouts early. I’ve even improved my game from working out all summer. It’s been great being here with guys who have been through Syracuse Basketball, and been through all different levels, and working with them.So, they’re teaching my all different things, and getting me better. It’s definitely been a great experience for me. “
You had Oshae Brissett with you before, and now you have him here with you now, what is it like with both of you being here?
“We’re so close, on the court and off the court. We’re roommates. You know, just the chemistry. A lot of people, a lot of fans, or critics don’t really know what to expect from us yet. But, they’re in store for a great season because our chemistry is great. We played three or four years ago, so it should be good.”
How would you describe the combination of you and Oshae Brissett together?
“We feed off each other. He likes to attack the rim, get on and run, and scoring bunches. I like to get other guys involved. So, having him in the lane and knowing where he likes the ball, it’s a one-two combo. If he’s not on then I’m on – we pick each other’s slack up.”
Annual Media Day
Player Quotes
Marek Dolezaj, Freshman, Forward
Do you think that you’re going to be ready to play as one of the big men?
“Yeah. I am trying to lift every day and get better. I’m playing with Matthew Moyer and Oshae [Brissett] a lot. I don’t think I really have a problem with that. When we are playing defense, like zone, it’s really only running and rebounding.”
How do you think you can help this team get better?
“I think I can make the defense better. I saw last year’s games and we had problems with defense and offense, but more with defense. We are a really big team. Offensively, we can play four players on the three-point line and run our offense the way we want.”
Matthew Moyer, Redshirt Freshman, Forward
How was redshirting last season for you?
“During the process, I didn’t like it, obviously. I’m a competitor. I love playing basketball. You come out of high school and you are excited to play for a program like Syracuse. Looking back now, it was the best decision I could have ever made, especially physically. I am in better shape, my body is college-ready, my skill and confidence level are much higher. I understand coach (Boeheim) much better and what he expects. Out of all those things, it was the best decision I could have ever made. I’m not saying every freshman should redshirt, but it was the best decision I could have made by far.”
How has the transition been this year for you to a player who is now expected to produce for this team?
“I am really excited. I am ready for the opportunity that has been put in front of me and I am really looking forward to this year.”
Do you guys have a chip on your shoulder from last year or is it just another year?
“Every year we have a chip on our shoulder. That’s just the way Syracuse is. We always go out there and play gritty and are ready to compete against anyone. The way it ended last year obviously wasn’t the best, but this is just another year to improve and have a good season. I’m excited.”
How is this team different than last year’s?
“It’s crazy from one year to the next. Last year, I was probably one of the last forwards and got to look up to Tyler Lydon, Andrew White, and guys like that. Now, the roster is clear, we got some new freshman, and I’m considered a veteran. I’m only a redshirt freshman. It’s just crazy to come in and be given this opportunity. I am going to do my best and show them what I can do.”
Frank Howard, Junior, Guard
What did you learn last year that you’re going to use this year to lift your game to the next level?
“I think I learned a lot. I matured a lot. The growth from year one to year two, and then from that year to now. I think my overall game has grown. I think I’m skilled on the ball like I used to be in high school. I think I just learned the game even better. I’ve had a few setbacks but the things I learned from those have made me confident in myself, my teammates, and my coaches.”
Do you feel like you’ve stepped into that leadership role?
“Yeah. I think I’m embracing it now. I think before I had to learn how to be a leader. People always say you have to be a leader as a point guard. But you have to really learn how to be one first.”
When you look at this basketball team and everyone you lost last year, how do you use that leadership to guide these younger guys along?
“I think it has been really easy. The young guys are trying to learn. They are like sponges and soak up everything. They respond well and quickly and are talented. That makes it really easy.”
You guys must have a chip on your shoulder after last year. Do you use that for motivation?
“Yeah that’s an understatement. We have a bigger chip on our shoulder now and we are ready to go. That’s the only phrase I can use. We are so excited and anxious to get started. We are just enjoying today, where we finally get to do something real and be in front of the fans.”
Tyus Battle, Sophomore, Guard
What was your summer routine?
“I was in the gym a lot, trying to improve every aspect of my game. I went back home for a while and worked out there. I think I’ll be ready.”
Do you see yourself as more of a leader this year?
“Oh yeah, definitely. Guys have come to me for a lot of things. So I’m looking forward to that leadership role. I looked up to a lot of guys in high school who weren’t really vocal leaders but who led by example. To be able to take on a role like that here at Syracuse is a huge honor.”
How has your dad been a part of your success?
“My dad was a huge part of my development in basketball. He used to take me out for ice cream when I was younger if I did 15 minutes of ball-handling drills. I’ve never really had a guy who I trained with, it’s always been my dad. He’s made both me and my brother a lot better. He’s always honest with me, through both good and bad, and you really need to have someone like that in your life.“
Oshae Brissett, Freshman, Forward
What will be your biggest challenge this year?
“I’ve never played this fast in my life. Going up and down with the guys – we have a lot of fast guys on our team. Frank, Geno, and Tyus have really been a lot to keep up with.”
How do you think you will fit into the team?
“I feel like we’ve been playing well. My length and athleticism is making it easy to get down the court for a pass from them or if I get a rebound to kick it down to them.”
What do you think the fans’ expectations are for this year?
“We haven’t really talked about anything like that. Guys come in every day and get their work done. We all know that if we individually get better, then the team will get better.”
Paschal Chukwu, Junior, Center
How are you feeling physically?
“I’m feeling a lot better. My eyesight is back and everything is good.”
Can you talk about the eye injury?
“It was scary. I lost all eyesight in that eye. I had some great doctors though and I’ve been doing great since the surgery. I have gotten used to the goggles. I hate them, but I’ve gotten used to them.”
Have you been working on the pick-and-roll a lot in practice?
“We’ve been working on that and hopefully it works during the games. Even if I don’t get the lob, it’s good for me to press running down the court. We have some good shooters outside, as well, if the defense forces a shot.”
Geno Thorpe, Graduate Student, Guard
Are you excited to play for a coach like Coach Boeheim?
“I am, he’s a Hall of Fame coach. I’m just glad he gave me an opportunity to be here. I just want to help in any way I can.”
How has practice been so far?
“Practice has been great. We’re still building our team chemistry, and we’re trying to come together as a unit. But so far, it’s been good.”
Are there any games that you have circled ready to play?
“Every game. I’m just happy to wear the jersey, and to have Orange across my chest and represent Syracuse.”
As somebody who has transferred, what did you take away from those two stops that lead you to here?
“Just trying to be the best I can be in any situation that I’m in, and trying to get better at it. This is my last stop – I’m a fifth-year guy. So I know they expect a lot from me just because I’ve been in these situations before. I’m just going to try to help the young guys as much as possible, and do the best I can.”
Howard Washington, Freshman, Guard
How has it been here so far?
“It’s been great. Going into college not a lot of people know what to expect, but when I did get here, it was great. I came in the beginning of the summer so I started workouts early. I’ve even improved my game from working out all summer. It’s been great being here with guys who have been through Syracuse Basketball, and been through all different levels, and working with them.So, they’re teaching my all different things, and getting me better. It’s definitely been a great experience for me. “
You had Oshae Brissett with you before, and now you have him here with you now, what is it like with both of you being here?
“We’re so close, on the court and off the court. We’re roommates. You know, just the chemistry. A lot of people, a lot of fans, or critics don’t really know what to expect from us yet. But, they’re in store for a great season because our chemistry is great. We played three or four years ago, so it should be good.”
How would you describe the combination of you and Oshae Brissett together?
“We feed off each other. He likes to attack the rim, get on and run, and scoring bunches. I like to get other guys involved. So, having him in the lane and knowing where he likes the ball, it’s a one-two combo. If he’s not on then I’m on – we pick each other’s slack up.”
